Battle Creek received recognition at the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism held from April 15-17. According to a community announcement, three local professionals were honored for their contributions to tourism and economic development.
Linda Freybler, CEO of the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, won the CVB Star of the Year award. This award is presented to leaders in visitor bureaus who significantly impact their communities.
Under Freybler’s leadership, the CCVB has invested more than $2 million into various economic development projects in Calhoun County. Freybler has been involved in these initiatives for 12 years.
The CCVB’s efforts have led to improvements in local amenities, including enhanced trails, an upgraded children’s museum, water slides, a park splash pad and new pickleball courts. These developments have allowed both new and established events, such as the National Cereal Festival, and the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, to thrive. The ongoing projects aim to market Calhoun County as an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
Cafe Rica owners Jackson and Tristan Bredehoft received the Stories of Inspiration award for their resilience during the pandemic. Their establishment has become a vital community hub, fostering connections among residents.
Deland “Chip” Davis from FireKeepers Casino Hotel was recognized as the Guest Experience Star of the Year, an award determined by public vote. This accolade highlights outstanding service by employees in non-management roles who interact regularly with customers.
The CCVB, established in 1979, is dedicated to promoting Calhoun County as a destination for business meetings, sporting events and tourism activities, aiming to enhance the local economy through tourism initiatives.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Why Battle Creek’s tourism efforts are getting statewide attention
Reporting by Janis Reeser, reporter assisted by AI / Battle Creek Enquirer
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