Since 1977 The Michigan Great Lakes International (MGLI), an All American Class A Show for draft horse breeds, has continuously shown growth and innovation while having a positive impact on Michigan’s economy and it's agricultural industry. MGLI emphasizes the importance of making a traditional trade an international experience.

The MGLI is the only event in the world to feature halter classes, hitching, plowing, pulling and riding for draft horse breeds and mules taking place at the same time and location. During our four day show in 2005, MGLI hosted 262 exhibitors with 1,191 draft horses from 14 states and 3 Canadian provinces. MGLI's attendance was over 35,000 people.

It is estimated the value of local economic impact in 2005 was $900,000 (Source: USA VICA Inc, Lansing State Journal, January 2, 2007) – ranking the MGLI in the top 10 largest convention and trade shows in the state of Michigan. In the tri-county area, which encompasses the state Capitol in Lansing, MGLI is the 4th largest convention or tradeshow. For our 2005 show, hotel and motel room occupancy was approximated at 360 rooms per night.

Over the past 30 years, as a result of excellent leadership and hard work, MGLI has reached many milestones and made many valuable partnerships including the following:

• MGLI is affiliated with the North American Classic Series by serving as a host for the six horse hitch finals, the Classic Series Finals (2 years), a Classis Series qualifying show and a Classic Series point show.
  
  
• MGLI has strong ties with the National Breed Organizations (Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron and Shire) and each year gives them the opportunity to meet with current members and recruit new members.
  
  
• MGLI partners with the Michigan Draft Horse Breeders Association and the Michigan Dynamometer Association to increase awareness of their organizations and sell raffle tickets for their fundraiser.
  
  
• MGLI allows Michigan’s commodity groups to have complimentary booth space to showcase the diversity of Michigan agriculture.
  
  
• MGLI recognizes honoree draft horse breeders and pullers who have made an impact on MGLI. Since 1978 they have recognized 67 breeders and pullers.
  
  
• MGLI hired a lobbyist, the first group of its kind to use a lobbyist for securing state funds and premiums.
  
  
• MGLI offered skills centers in 2004 and 2005 that gave visitors the chance to learn about draft horse feed, equipment, harmful weeds, breed identification and age determination. We will continue these skill centers in 2007.
  
  
• MGLI believes in the importance of educating young people from urban and rural areas and has offered contests to partner students with an exhibitor to get a hands-on experience and knowledge of draft horses.
  
  
• MGLI cooperated with the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine to do research for a surgery after the heavyweight and lightweight horse pulling contests where pullers and their horses participated on a voluntary basis.
  
  
• MGLI celebrates its 30th Anniversary at the 2007 show October 19 – 22.

MGLI hopes to implement a new marketing plan with tools to secure resources and direction needed to increase the amount of exhibitors and audience attendants from a larger geographic area. This will influence an increase in the ability to reach more milestones such as those listed above.

Background

The MGLI Draft Horse Show and Pull Committee consists of 19 individuals who have deep experience with MGLI and are interested in the quality and improvement of the show and how it impacts Michigan’s economy and agricultural industry. The committee members are knowledgeable people in the agriculture and draft horse industry as businesses or hobbies.

This Committee is held accountable to the Constitution and By-Laws of the MGLI. The Constitution and By-Laws have held MGLI to high standards in maintaining sound financial practices and professionalism.