Michigan DNR offers daily discounts on Twitter

Michigan residents can now enjoy their morning coffee with a side of savings, courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR is featuring ''Morning Perks''-- daily discount alerts on Twitter, showcasing the wide variety of savings available in the department's Passport Perks program. The DNR's Twitter feed now features two Passport Perks discount deals every morning, promoting Michigan businesses that offer special discounts through the Perks program. The tweets can be accessed by following the DNR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com /michiganDNR, searching Twitter for keyword #PassportPerks or viewing the compiled Morning Perk tweets at www.michigan.gov /passportperks. ''The deals featured on Morning Perks are a daily reminder that people can enjoy great savings just by purchasing the Recreation Passport at a Secretary of State venue,'' said Erik Thornbury, marketing and hospitality coordinator for the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. ''With more than 800 discounts offered statewide, the $10 cost of a Recreation Passport can easily be recouped through discount savings, and then some.'' Passport Perks, the largest discount program of its kind in the state, offers deals on merchandise and services from participating Michigan businesses - 800 so far, and that number is steadily growing. Discount deals are not limited to outdoor or sporting goods stores. Discounts are available on everything from tax preparation, auto repair and beauty salon services to pizza, ice cream and movie rentals. Businesses participating in the Perks program range from local mom-and-pop shops to statewide and national chains, making it easy to find a participating location in just about any region of the state. ''We are particularly proud of the Passport Perks program because it's such an easy way to drive customers to Michigan businesses in nearly every category,'' said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. ''For shoppers, it's a pretty great deal, too. For $10, you get the Recreation Passport plus a year full of savings on the products and services most appealing to you.'' Passport Perks discounts are available to Michigan residents who check ''YES'' for the $10 Recreation Passport when renewing their license plates at a Secretary of State venue (including branch offices, kiosks and online at www.michigan. gov/ sos). The Recreation Passport provides a year's worth of entry to all Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boat launches, while also supporting other state and local recreation programs. Once the Passport is purchased, residents simply need to show their vehicle registration (displaying the text ''Recreation Passport'') at participating businesses to take advantage of savings at participating restaurants, stores and service companies. For more details on how to take advantage of the Passport Perks program or to view the current roster of Passport Perks providers, visit www.michigan .gov /passportperks. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan. gov/ dnr. Copyright © 2012 State of Michigan Published: Mon, Jan 30, 2012