Take advantage of a Minnesota getaway
 
By David C. Olson
 
Minnesota employees are working harder than ever to support their companies in today's challenging economy. So when they plan their vacations this year, they're looking to play the same way - with a getaway that's geared just for
them. We encourage employers to point their workers to the limitless possibilities right in their own back yard.
 
The Minnesota Chamber joins with Explore Minnesota in its statewide campaign to promote Minnesota vacations. Whether it's a high adventure canoe trip down a rapids-filled river, or a lawn chair and a paperback outside their favorite resort cabin, Minnesota has something for everyone. And the destinations are usually within a short drive from home.
 
Explore Minnesota - www.exploreminnesota.com - makes it easy for individuals and families to plan their vacation time wisely and efficiently. The web site is a one-stop resource that provides everythin g necessary for a rejuvenating getaway of any length. They'll find, among other things, lists of favorite places and activities submitted by other visitors, maps, events, lodging directories and a travel planner.
 
Several free travel brochures are available to assist with travel planning and vacation choices. Requests for specific community tourism brochures and free travel guides are forwarded directly to those organizations. Vacation brochures of this nature are excellent resources for travel planning.
 
Also, the Minnesota Explorer newspaper and the Minnesota road map are invaluable traveler tools. The Minnesota Travel Guide is particularly useful
for non-Minnesota residents. For personalized assistance, individuals may contact travel counselors at explore@state.mn.us, or (888) 868-7476.
 
Employers can do their part, too, to help spread the word about all the great opportunities in Minnesota. Provide a link to the Explore Minnesota web site in internal communications. Promote the state and its myriad attractions through photos and copy available from the web site. Hang posters in a prominent place at workplaces to encourage people to create a Minnesota getaway that's all their own. Together, this is a win-win-win equation for your company, your employees and your state.
 
Explore Minnesota makes it easy to promote the state's attractions, too. Businesses can find all the resources they need for internal communications
byvisiting www.industry.exploreminnesota.com. 
 
Tourism is a significant economic engine for our state, generating $11.2 billion on an annual basis. The leisure and hospitality industry employs more than 245,000 Minnesotans. But, like many of our economic sectors, the destination industry has been hit hard by the economic recession, Please
join the Minnesota Chamber in promoting the many vacation opportunities that Minnesota has to offer - most of which are just a short drive from home.
 
David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.