The mission of the company is to provide personalized marketing and media services to select destinations and tourism-related businesses in Michigan.

"My experience with WMTA has taught me a great deal about marketing and promotion within the hospitality industry," Stampfler said. "I've developed countless long-term relationships with tourism professionals and media representatives which I look forward to continuing in my new venture. The timing is right and I am excited to take advantage of the opportunities before me."

Promote Michigan offers consulting and creative services in media relations, marketing development & implementation, promotion, property evaluation, "mystery shopper" services, travel shows, event planning, an already established and successful speaker's bureau and other services catering to the travel and tourism industry.

"Promote Michigan will also allow me time to further pursue my freelance writing, including a monthly column in the Kalamazoo & Battle Creek Guide Magazine, starting in September," Stampfler said.

Stampfler has 15 years marketing/public relations and 17 years print/broadcast media experience. She has been with WMTA since November 1997 and during that time garnered more than $5 million in media exposure for the organization, its members and the West Michigan region including a segment in July on The Today Show.

Prior to coming to WMTA, Stampfler worked seven years in community relations at Otsego Public Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in English and Communications from Western Michigan University. She lives in Plainwell with her two children, Mollie, 12, and Caleb, 8, who attend Plainwell Community Schools.

For more information Promote Michigan, log on to www.PromoteMichigan.com or e-mail Dianna@PromoteMichigan.com.