About Us

 

Established in January 1993, Visit Lenawee is an esteemed and autonomous 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of tourism in the region. Formerly recognized as the Lenawee County Conference and Visitors Bureau, our organization is financially supported by Michigan's P.A. 59 of 1984, commonly referred to as the Community Convention of Tourism Marketing Act 395 of 1980. This legislation mandates a 5% assessment from local hotels and motels with more than 10 rooms within the assessment district of Lenawee County.

Over the past several years, our organization has experienced remarkable growth, enabling us to evolve our operations into a Destination Management & Marketing Organization (DMMOs). This transition empowers us to undertake crucial endeavors aimed at fostering sustainable visitor and business meeting demand, addressing the distinctive needs of our communities, and ensuring the prosperity of our local partners.

At Visit Lenawee, we are committed to showcasing the unparalleled beauty and attractions of our region, enticing visitors from far and wide to experience the wonders that Lenawee County has to offer. Through our strategic initiatives, we strive to create a vibrant and thriving tourism industry that not only benefits our local economy but also enhances the quality of life for our residents.

By capitalizing on our extensive expertise and leveraging the latest marketing techniques, we aim to position Lenawee County as a premier destination for leisure, business, and special events. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to develop innovative marketing campaigns, forge strategic partnerships, and provide invaluable resources to our stakeholders. Together, we are building a robust and sustainable tourism ecosystem that will continue to flourish for years to come.

Join us on this exciting journey as we unlock the full potential of Lenawee County, attracting visitors, fostering economic growth, and creating unforgettable experiences for all who venture into our remarkable corner of the world.

We take pride in showcasing the beauty and charm of Lenawee County to visitors from all over the world. We work tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for tourists and to provide them with the best possible experience during their stay. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to promoting the local economy and supporting the growth of small businesses in the area.

Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, experiencing the local culture, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, Lenawee County has something for everyone. From our vibrant downtown areas to our picturesque countryside, there's no shortage of things to see and do here.

So why not plan your next vacation in Lenawee County? Let Visit Lenawee be your guide and help you discover all that this beautiful region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Mission

It is the mission of  Visit Lenawee to promote Lenawee County as a destination providing contemporary amenities to transient guests in a historical and cultural setting for the economic benefit of the community.

Vision

Lenawee County is a dynamic and thriving destination that offers a plethora of experiences throughout the year. Our goal is to connect individuals with meaningful and memorable experiences while simultaneously boosting our local economy and enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.

 

Our Team

Justin Gifford Executive Director Visit Lenawee

Justin Gifford Executive Director

Justin holds an MBA in Marketing and Digital Advertising, utilizing his expertise in the field to assist marketing the county he grew up in to residents and visitors. When he's not busy with work, he enjoys spending quality time with his son and daughter, embarking on exciting hiking adventures and planning memorable travel experiences. Through work Justin is also an active member of his community, dedicating his time to various community initiatives. Additionally, each spring he takes on the role of a coach for his son's little league baseball team.

Taylor Mellon Office Manager Visit Lenawee

Taylor Mellon Director of Operations

Taylor is the Director of Operations for Visit Lenawee. She manages Quickbooks and keeps track of financials and day to day operations. These include the running of reports, gathering documents, compiling packets for our monthly executive board meetings. She also keeps the Visit Lenawee website up to date with events happening in the area. Taylor graduated from Madison high school and attended Jackson college in Adrian. She has lived in Lenawee County her entire life and loves the small-town vibe. Spending time with family and friends is at the top of her priorities when it comes to free time. Taylor has 2 dogs, Fia and Lilly. -Loves running the outdoor local trails including Kiwanis trail and Heritage park. Usually brings one of her pups along. -Enjoys cocktails from Chaloner’s. The Cigar Bar in downtown Adrian. -Food enthusiast. Local favorites are Chomp Burger, Rice and Barley, Fiesta Ranchero, Danley’s and Two Lakes Tavern. Favorite seasonal activities/events include--- Madison Farmer’s Market, Lenawee County Fair, Appleumpkin Festival, Faster Horses Festival, Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival and Taste of Irish Hills.

Visit Lenawee Assistant Marketing Director

Jenna Salazar Director of Marketing

Jenna graduated from Madison High School in 2010 and is an Adrian native. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Communications from Western Michigan University in 2014. Jenna has worked locally for WLEN Radio as News Director from 2014 through 2016. In 2016, Jenna accepted a position in digital marketing at Michigan International Speedway. Recently, Jenna has worked for NASCAR as a regional marketing manager performing a variety of duties including serving as the Midwest regional brand lead for track digital communications, building and executing the email marketing strategy, leading creative direction for print and digital materials, and working with the internal paid media team on advertising campaigns. Jenna completed her Masters Degree from Purdue University in 2019 with a focus in marketing. Jenna spends most of her free time with her husband and their two young sons. She loves visiting local lakes, fishing, golfing and biking on the Kiwanis Trail. “I am thrilled to join the Visit Lenawee team. The success and growth of this community means a lot to me personally. I can’t wait to get to work and create unique marketing campaigns to help attract visitors to the many experiences Lenawee has to offer.” - Jenna Salazar