Longtime Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz has announced plans to retire at the end of this year. His decision was recently made public in an announcement from Michelle Grinnell, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).
“He helped guide the industry, and the Pure Michigan brand, through a pandemic, helped usher Pure Michigan into the social media age (including his own frequent Facebook posts), and has been an outspoken advocate for accessibility and creating welcoming communities,” Grinnell writes. “Dave’s hands-on involvement in the industry will leave incredibly big shoes to fill.”
Lorenz, 63, joined Travel Michigan 21 years ago, assuming his current role of vice president and travel director in 2015. As he prepares to leave, it’s on the heels of having just been named the U.S. Travel Association’s State Tourism Director of the Year. We reached out to Lorenz, who, as it happened, was in the middle of traveling for business himself. He took the time to respond to some questions via email.
M+E: Why have you decided to retire now?
DL: I’ve been going 100 miles an hour for more than 21 years at Travel Michigan, and I’m starting to slow down. It’s an honor to serve, and I know that sounds old-fashioned, but I’ve always promised myself that the day I couldn’t do this job at full speed, it would be time to pull over and let someone else take the wheel. It’s just time.
M+E: Is there a plan for your successor yet?
DL: The MEDC will take some time to figure this out.
M+E: What are your plans for after you leave; will you stay on in a consulting capacity or do other work of some kind?
DL: I can’t imagine just stopping completely, so after a break I’ll help the MEDC and industry in any way I can, if requested. I’ve always thought it would be a shame to throw away the experience one captures over a lifetime, so I’ll consult. I’m going to be a grandfather and this was a big part of the decision. My family has been very patient knowing this has been a mission for me, so it’s time to come home. I’m going to get back involved with my favorite charities and will pick up the paint brush again—I once was going to be a professional painter, so I’ll see if I remember how to apply paint on canvas.
M+E: Will you stay in Michigan?
DL: Absolutely. No doubt about that.
M+E: If there’s an anecdote that might represent what you have loved about doing what you do, could you share one?
DL: Travel makes a difference. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness.” The travel industry is a huge part of the economy, but it also brings people together … something we need now more than ever.
M+E: What’s your best memory of your job?
DL: I’ve gotten to know countless celebrities and policymakers, I’ve made friends all over the world, and all of this has been tremendous, but my favorite thing to do has been to be with students—not just college-age and high school kids. I’ve spoken before fourth-graders. They’re so smart, they see what can be, what we should be, and they’ve given me hope that we’ll find a way to be better human beings.
M+E: What will you miss?
DL: Every day has been different, and almost every day has provided an opportunity to help someone. I’ll miss that. It’s fulfilling/gratifying.
M+E: What won’t you miss?
DL: Long, sleepless flights in coach.
