"The Governor's decision is a great honor for the resort and the people who work here", said Bob Spizzo, Breezy Point Resort's long-time owner and chief executive officer.

Gov. Ventura made his announcement during festivities at this year's Fishing Opener at Crane Lake in northeastern Minnesota.

"Opening Day at Breezy, on Pelican Lake, is one of the great traditions among fishermen and women across the Upper Midwest", Spizzo said, "and the Governor's presence will add another exciting chapter in the resort's long-running history as one of Minnesota's best known vacation spots".

Famed Minneapolis publisher Captain Bill Fawcett founded the resort in the 1920's as a fishing and golfing hideaway that has evolved into one of the state's most popular family vacation spots".

For the past three years, Breezy Point Resort has been named "Family Resort of the Year" by Parent Magazine, a Twin Cities publication that tracks lifestyle trends among people with children.

The Governor selected Breezy Point Resort for the Governor's Fishing Opener 2001 after reviewing nominations from bids submitted to the State Department of Tourism.

"We know Breezy and the surrounding area have attracted the Governor's eye for more reasons than just our great fishing", Spizzo said, "and have expanded the opportunities to play golf, with the addition of the Palmer-designed course (Deacon's Lodge) adjacent to the resort".

"I'll bet we'll be able to coax the Governor into a round or two during his visit", the resort owner said.

Breezy Point's legendary Tradition Course has been in the scene for several major matches in Minnesota golf lore, and the resort's signature course, Whitebirch, opened in the early 1980's. About 50,000 rounds are played each year at the resort.

A Subsidiary of Whitebirch, Inc., the resort, which offers a full range of convention and meeting services, also is building a 120-room hotel, which will open in July.