Welcome to Rochester: Leaders From Across Michigan to Visit This Week

Rochester will be on display this week as leaders from more than 100 communities across Michigan will converge in the town for an annual professional development conference.

The Michigan Local Government Management Association will host a "Winter Institute" from Tuesday through Friday at the Royal Park Hotel. More than 160 local goverment officials — from township supervisors to city managers to county officials — are expected to attend.

“The community is vibrant, the hotel facilities are splendid, and the city and DDA are creating a warm, open-armed welcome to our membership," stated Amy Roddy, conference chairman and City Manager of Durand. "This may just be the best conference experience yet.

"Thank you, Rochester, for inviting us to your city.”

The conference will include keynote addresses from Dennis Mannion, President and CEO of the Palace of Auburn Hills, and Greg Kampe, the mens basketball coach at Oakland University. In addition to attending sessions on leadership, social media and local government policy, conference participants will be able to explore downtown Rochester during planned dinners and other outings.

According to the conference program, the Big, Bright Light Show will be turned on Thursday night as a welcome for conference attendees.

“It is an honor to be chosen by MLGMA to host the Winter Institute and I look forward to Rochester having the opportunity to showcase our community to city leaders from throughout the state,” said Rochester City Manager Jaymes Vettraino.

A visitor's guide to Rochester

When the national political media descended on Rochester in 2011 for the GOP presidential debate, we wrote this guide. 

What would you recommend the conference participants see while they're here? Tell us in the comments.