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"Best Little Town in the Midwest" is Going Green
Bayfield selected as pilot site for "Travel Green Wisconsin"
(Bayfield, Wisconsin) Known to Great Lakes travelers as "The Gateway to the Apostle Islands" and as the Chicago Tribune's choice for "Best Little Town in the Midwest", Bayfield, Wisconsin is about to join the global movement toward sustainable eco-friendly tourism and "go green".
TRAVEL GREEN BEGINS THIS SPRING The community has been selected as a pilot site for a new state tourism promotional program sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, "Travel Green Wisconsin". The program will begin this spring.
STATE HAS A "GREEN TRADITION" As the home of such naturalists as Aldo Leopold, Gaylord Nelson, and John Muir and events such as the World's Largest Energy & Sustainable Living Fair, Wisconsin certainly has the history and tradition of conserving, celebrating and protecting its natural resources.
CERTIFIED GREEN "Travel Green Wisconsin" certifies tourism businesses that adopt sustainable business practices of reducing their environmental and social impact while delivering a marketing advantage for their business and state as a whole. The certification tool for the Travel Green Wisconsin program will include an application and self-evaluation checklist that contains basic principles and minimum requirements in a number of categories such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, air quality, water conservation, employee training and more.
The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce will be participating as one of the businesses and be assisting members who choose to join the program.
PROGRAM IS A HIT IN BAYFIELD The Chamber was required to select no more than ten members to participate. However, because of overwhelming interest by Bayfield members, twenty businesses were selected to sit in on the first briefing session held February 16th by state department officials. It was expected that a number of businesses would drop out once they became familiar with the requirements. This was not the case as the following Bayfield Chamber members signed on to participate in the pilot certification program:
Adventure: Living Adventure, Wolfsong Adventures, Dreamcatcher Sailing
Lodging: Artesian House, Apple Grove Inn, Bayfield Inn, Pinehurst Inn, Woodnote Lodge
Restaurant: Blue Horizons Café & Catering, Viaggio Italiano
Orchard: Blue Vista Farm
Real Estate/Rental: Apostle Islands Realty, Apostle Island Rentals
Marina: Port Superior Marina
Retail: Bodin's, Inc., Water Music Jewelry & Art Gallery
Miscellaneous: Bodin Fisheries, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce, Steffenson Carpentry
FOLLOW-UP IN MARCH Department of Tourism staff will be returning to Bayfield in March with final certification requirements. At that time local businesses will begin evaluating their operations, setting goals, and stating specific actions they will be taking to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability.
PROGRAM BENEFITS BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS In addition to implementing sustainable practices, the benefits of certification include marketing advantages through promotional materials, web site listings on the Department of Tourism's website and Travel Green Wisconsin web site and media interest. Travelers will be able to easily identify and patronize Travel Green Wisconsin businesses that are committed to achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability. This program will be available to all interested businesses in 2007.
PICTURESQUE GATEWAY TO THE APOSTLES Bayfield is a picturesque village of about 700 year-round residents overlooking Chequamegon Bay and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Sailing, kayaking, golf, sport fishing and wilderness vistas attract visitors from around the nation. Bayfield's orchards, wildflowers, and daffodils add color and flavor from spring through autumn. A variety of top quality inns, bed and breakfast homes, resorts and hotels accommodate guests year round. Bayfield is also known for its fine restaurants, art galleries, unique shops and outfitters that make the community a first rate destination year round.
For a 2006 Bayfield Visitor's Guide go to www.bayfield.org or call 800-447-4094.
Media Contact:
Gary Knowles
Openair@aol.com
PH: 608-231-3884 |
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