KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — It was a busy but productive annual meeting for Discovery Kalamazoo last week on Wednesday, December 14.
The gathering which took place at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Downtown Kalamazoo, brought together more than 100 community members from around the County involved in the travel and tourism industry. There, they got a huge round of thank-you’s along with an update from the state tourism perspective from Vice President of Travel Michigan, Dave Lorenz.
The annual meeting also gave way for Discover Kalamazoo to recognize winners of their Partnership Awards which were created in 2016 to recognize accomplishments of individuals, events companies and organizations for their impact on the regional hospitality and tourism industry.
Recipients of the 2022 Discover Kalamazoo Partnership Awards included:
- Craig Williams, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport
- Deb Droppers, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center
- Kalamazoo Optimists Hockey Association
- Southwest Michigan First
A new award was also created in 2021 in conjunction with the Greater Kalamazoo Lodging Association to acknowledge and individual front line worker in the hospitality industry who has positively impacted the visitor experience.
This year’s GKLA award recipient was Holly Rinal with the Four Points by Sheraton, recognized for her efforts in taking on many roles with food and beverage operations, banquets, assisting the front desk, housekeeping and more, all while creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for guests in each area.
The meeting concluded with nominations and elections for both the Discover Kalamazoo Board of Directors and Advisory Council. The slate for the 2023 Discover Kalamazoo Board of Directors was approved with the following candidates:
- Joy Underwood, Chair, Staybridge Suites
- Troy Thrash, Vice Chair, Air Zoo
- Dave Beysiegel, Treasurer, The Moors Golf Club
- Jeff Breneman, Secretary, Western Michigan University
- Clarence Lloyd, Past Chair, The Chamber at Southwest Michigan First
- Craig Davies, Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites
- Amy Luce, Kalamazoo House Bed and Breakfast
- Sterling Riethman, Bell’s Brewery
- Andy Wenzel, PlazaCorp
- Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Appointment
- Jane Ghosh, Discover Kalamazoo
Discover Kalamazoo’s Advisory Council has 13 members continuing their current terms of service:
- Jeff Breneman, Western Michigan University
- Craig Davies, Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites
- Deb Droppers, Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center
- Ken Fischang, Gilmore Car Museum
- Stephanie Hinman, Kalamazoo State Theatre
- Bill Johnson, Gull Lake View Golf Resort
- Jackie Koney, The Mill at Vicksburg
- Danielle Lewis, Black Arts and Cultural Center
- Dave Rachowicz, Kalamazoo County Parks
- Brad Schmitz, Hilton Garden Inn
- Troy Thrash, Air Zoo
- Joy Underwood, Staybridge Suites
- Pierre van der Westhuizen, Gilmore Piano Festival
Existing members continuing service with a new term expiring December 31, 2025:
- Cherri Emery, Cherri’s Chocol’art
- Clarence Lloyd, The Chamber at Southwest Michigan First
- Lisa Panich, Kalamazoo Nature Center
- Sterling Riethman, Bell’s Brewery
- Craig Williams, Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport
New members beginning service with a one-year term expiring December 31, 2023:
- Kathleen Hoyle, Portage Parks and Recreation
- Tracey Lawie, Miller Auditorium
- Amy Luce, Kalamazoo House Bed and Breakfast
- Megan Zielke, Vintage in the Zoo
New member beginning service with a two-year term expiring December 31, 2024:
- Andy Wenzel, PlazaCorp
New members beginning service with a three-year term expiring December 31, 2025:
- Kimberly Earnshaw, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
- Tracy Hall, OutFront Kalamazooo
- Kristie May, NowKalamazoo
- Ida Salas, La Familia
- Justin Wendzel, Gull Meadow Farms
