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Vote To Consider Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor Visitor & Convention Bureau Merger Postponed

Visit Ypsilanti
A new Ypsilanti Visitor's and Convention Bureau campaign "Ypsi Real"

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has postponed at vote on whether to merge the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti convention and Visitor's Bureaus.

The board is considering the possibility in order for the groups to share resources and offer better services.

While many residents from both cities oppose a merge, both of the board chairs of the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti convention and visitors bureaus, say it wouldn't be a problem.

 
Sean Duval chairs the Ann Arbor bureau:

"We're committed that the funding that we're guaranteeing for Ypsilanti, will be spent in Ypsilanti and will be spent for the benefit of Ypsilanti."
The idea is to have one group that offers more resources. The entire board agreed they need more time to analyze the possible merger before making a decision.

Ypsilanti resident Lester Heddle does not want a merger.

"We [Ypsilanti] have our own identity, and it's deserving its own approach. It's different. It's unique. It's is not a part of the other identity."

Both the board chairs of the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor convention and visitors bureaus are in favor of the merge.The issue is expected to be discussed at the next board meeting.  
 

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— Jorge Avellan is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him studio@wemu.org