Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

#PureMichigan. Helping PR and public affairs clients navigate the intersection of the economy, media, policy and political environments.

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

A big win for Mackinac Island! Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed SB 304 into law, giving the City of Mackinac Island greater authority to address costs and protect consumers during the current ferry monopoly.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this important step possible.

[Governor Gretchen Whitmer @GovWhitmer]

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s gem. For residents and the 1.2 million people who visit every year, the ferry service should be accessible and affordable.

Today, I signed a bill that empowers the people of Mackinac Island to make decisions about their economy.

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

Mackinac Island Small Business & Tourism Leaders Thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for Signing SB 304!

“Gov. Whitmer did a great service for the people of Michigan today by helping further empower the City of Mackinac Island to protect consumers and the island economy during the current ferry monopoly situation," said Fair Access to Mackinac Island coalition spokesperson John Sellek.

“The ferry monopoly controls the only practical “road” to Mackinac Island. Therefore, according to city ordinance and ferry franchise agreements, ferry service should be regulated as public utilities are. But, because the City of Mackinac Island is the only Michigan city that cannot update its own charter without state approval, the passage of SB 304 will now allow City residents to decide to clarify its powers in an upcoming election."

Read more: https://t.co/rUPEK0bkm2

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

“The now-monopolized ferry service is the only practical “road” to Mackinac Island and, according to city ordinance and franchise agreements, should be regulated like a public utility. This is how we ensure the protection of consumers, small businesses, and the economy of Michigan’s crown jewel." -- Fair Access to Mackinac Island spokesperson @JohnSellek

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

"Through the Support MI Clerks initiative, led by the @MIChamber, organizations and community groups are helping recruit and educate residents about the growing need for poll workers across the state.

‘As a clerk, we could use up to 60 people in a busy election to get the job done. It’s essential to have election inspectors that are willing to do the hard job of helping voters throughout the day. We couldn’t do it without them.’ Said Kent County Farm Bureau member and Grand Rapids Charter Township Clerk Ed Robinette."

https://t.co/1FIhzP1445

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

Jack O'Malley's @WTCMRadio Show with Harbor's @JohnSellek discusses what's at stake if access to Mackinaw Island becomes less affordable for people who live, work, and vacation there.

"Mackinac Island is Michigan’s crown jewel. But an out-of-state firm holding monopoly control over public access means that tourists and residents may be priced out of visiting, putting every worker and small business at risk."

https://t.co/HBAE5L4zmr

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

"@JohnSellek said the Fair Access to Mackinac Island Coalition was formed to support the city and encourage movement in state legislation, as rising prices make access less affordable, and both Hoffmann-owned ferry companies could decide to cut off access at any time.”

Listen to the @freep news story!
https://t.co/YRhJchXCQd

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

https://t.co/X19oDW2XLX

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

David Jurcak, president of the Grand Hotel, in @GongwerMichigan:

“The company comes to Michigan and believes they can bully a small island.”

[Gongwer Michigan (State Affairs Michigan) @GongwerMichigan]

The ferry system Michigan playmakers got familiar with last week is currently a sore subject between the island & the family that runs it, fraught with litigation & a looming fear that increasing prices will affect the tourists that visit Mackinac Island.
https://t.co/jk1VYW6S7p

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

https://t.co/JfOul9aDw7

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

@MIRSnews sits down with David Jurcak, president of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

"If you had $30 million to go buy a boat and put it in the water, you couldn't dock it anywhere, so you can't pick up people and you can't drop them off. That's why it's a monopoly."

[MIRS.news @MIRSnews]

MIRS sits down with David Jurcak, president of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. They talk about hiring tourism employees from overseas, concerns around the Shepler's Ferry monopoly and the United States' 250th anniversary (3:19).
https://t.co/QTr2hMTO0T

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

Team Harbor had a fantastic week on our annual Mackinac Island road and boat trip.

Creativity. Hustle. Strategy. Coalition building. Delivering for our clients.

And having fun while we do it! #MPC26

[Harbor Strategic Public Affairs @HarborStrategic]

"@MIRAretailers feels now is the operative time to educate candidates and legislators on rapidly declining consumer participation rates and the challenges retailers face under the current system — especially dirty containers in our food stores," and where better to do that than en route to Michigan's biggest policy conference?

[Detroit Free Press @freep]

MIRA exec hopes message on a billboard will push bottle return change https://t.co/grjEx2d9MH