History

The name Saginaw is derived from the language of the Chippewa meaning, “Land of the Sauks”.  The warlike Sauks inhabited the entire Saginaw Valley.  However, around the year 1520, the Chippewa Indians invaded the territory in great force, and in a series of battles the Sauks were virtually annihilated.  The boundaries of Saginaw County were set by proclamation of Governor Cass on September 10, 1822.  These boundaries were subsequently changed by an act of the Legislative Council, approved, March 2, 1831.  Today, Saginaw County contains three cities, 27 townships and five incorporated villages.  The population of Saginaw County according to the 2000 United States Census is 210,039 of which the City of Saginaw represents 61,799. (Garner 2000)

County Tourism, Meetings and Convention History

Tourism, meetings and conventions have been promoted within Saginaw County for many decades.  The first record of an official tourism committee on the County level is on file within the offices of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce.  It was not until 1974, with the passing of Public Act 263, that a permanent funding mechanism would be available for use to fund tourism, meeting and convention attraction efforts.  The funding tool was now available and in 1976 the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners approved the establishment of a 2% hotel tax within Saginaw County.

Many changes and advancements have occurred since that time.  The hotel tax within Saginaw County now stands at 5%.  After the County Treasurer’s collection fees and hotel tax credits have been removed, the Dow Event Center received 1%.  This is being applied to help retire the debt on this newly renovated facility.  This 1% is set to expire on August 31, 2011.  The remaining 4% is then disbursed in the following manner:  Saginaw County shall transfer to the Saginaw Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau all funds collected from the first four percent (4%) of Accommodation Tax Ordinance collections, less five percent (5%) for the cost of administering the enforcing the tax, plus interest or penalty fees collected under said ordinance for collection expenses incurred by the Saginaw County Treasurer’s Office.  This amount will be further reduced by seventy five percent (75%) of the funds collected from the Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau sub region.  The expenses, interest and penalties shall be deducted by the Saginaw County Treasurer prior to transferring the funds to the Saginaw Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tourism within Saginaw County has helped contribute to our economy and has enhanced our quality of life.  We invite you to come experience all that is Pure Michigan here in Michigan’s Saginaw Valley.