Fall-themed Pure Michigan ads launch Monday

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — State travel and tourism leaders are getting a jump on cooler weather activities by promoting autumn across Michigan.

The Pure Michigan fall advertising campaign kicks off Monday and includes regional and in-state television and radio spots that will run through Oct. 1.

Advertising will run in Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, Milwaukee and other regional markets. Billboards will feature Laughing Whitefish Falls, Carp River Valley and the Pere Marquette River.

The Pure Michigan brand represents business, talent and tourism initiatives across the states. It is coordinated by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the state's marketing arm. More than $935,000 of the nearly $2.4 million fall advertising budget has been committed by private sector partners.

"The fall travel season in Michigan provides travelers with breathtaking scenery, as well as unique activities not available other times of the year — such as cider mills and fall color tours," Travel Michigan vice president David Lorenz said. "By growing awareness of Michigan's fall travel opportunities, we can extend the travel season and help bring additional traffic to local businesses supporting our state's tourism industry."

Travel Michigan is part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

So far this year, more than $5.7 million has been committed by private sector partners to Pure Michigan ad campaigns. The campaigns also receive funding from the state.