Promoting Mt. Pleasant: How Jordan Ensing Is championing community connection through tourism

The allure and distinctiveness of a community can be taken for granted. Even in the most dynamic of places, wayfaring temptations may creep in over time. As such, to consistently and passionately promote the appeal of one’s community is as bold as it is noble.

For Jordan Ensing, it’s also her day job.

Originally from Midland, Ensing came to Mt. Pleasant in 2018 to attend Central Michigan University. As part of her coursework at CMU, Ensing worked as an intern at the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). After graduating, the CMU alum decided to stay in the area and was hired full-time as the marketing coordinator for the CVB in 2023. 

“The vibrancy and friendly faces are my favorite parts about Mt. Pleasant. There’s always a friendly smile or wave when I’m out and about,” she shares about why she decided to stay. “I always see people that I know and they’re always so welcoming and kind. That’s part of what makes [Mt. Pleasant] a great place to live.”

“We really have that Midwest hospitality in Mt. Pleasant,” she continues. “People will stop and talk to you and truly ask how you’re doing. It’s more than just a standard ‘hi-bye.’” 

Courtesy Jordan EnsingMt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce "Something to Chew On" Panel
For Ensing, these virtues and characteristics of the Mt. Pleasant community are what she has built her career on. 

Instead of being complacent in her own knowledge of all Mt. Pleasant has to offer, Ensing took the initiative to start a program that shares this knowledge with the community. 

“We call it the Mt. Pleasant Expert program, and last year at our tourism banquet we recognized 24 experts [from the community]. That course is available to community members—specifically frontline workers—so they can get experience in customer service,” she says of the initiative, “and can assist visitors when they’re coming into the area.”

When asked why visitors would want to come to Mt. Pleasant, many community members might offer qualitative responses, highlighting the area's numerous positive—though subjective—traits. 

For Ensing, her position with the CVB provides insight into Mt. Pleasant’s more quantitative draws. 

Courtesy Jordan EnsingMHSAA Competitive Cheer Finals 2025 at CMU
“A lot of people don’t view Mt. Pleasant as a tourist destination, but we are. We have one of the largest gaming floors in Michigan, a Division One university, 1,500 acres of parks, and over 100 restaurants without including fast food. I love being able to share [those facts] in the community and statewide.”

While Mt. Pleasant is deceptively busy for its size, Ensing says there are still small-town social dynamics that may pose challenges for young professionals. 

“I think since I’m younger, I’m just a little nervous to go into businesses and ask them for something, but I also love this job because it gives me the opportunity to break out of my shell and get over those nerves,” Ensing says.  

“The history here is so embedded [socially], so everyone knows each other. To be the new person in the community trying to make a change, it can be hard to get meetings with people, but it’s all worth it.”

Despite some early doubts and struggles, Ensing has found herself in the position to affect change in the community in large part due to her persistence and patience. 

Courtesy Jordan EnsingSpecial Olympics Michigan State Summer Games
“[It’s important] to continue to put yourself out there,” she explains. “The only way to be known and get into important community conversations is by doing work in the community. No work is too small; anything will move the needle. I’m involved with the Young Professionals Network, as well as Zonta. The connections that these two groups alone have brought me is awesome.”

The connections Ensing has forged for herself have allowed her to play a role in guiding the direction of a changing and growing Mt. Pleasant community. 

“It’s one of the most rewarding things ever to see what you’ve worked on come to life. [It’s also rewarding] seeing peoples’ wheels spin after you have a conversation with them and seeing the ideas that come from talking together,” she says.

“I like hearing peoples’ positive comments about [projects I was involved with]—knowing I was a part of bringing that together, it just makes you smile.”