Gaylord & Otsego County Trailblazer Award

~ Nominations accepted through April 6, 2024 ~

The Trailblazer Award was created to recognize an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to improve our local tourism product.  The award is open to an individual or group that has contributed substantially to the growth, improvement or engagement of the tourism industry within the Gaylord/Otsego County area and is not a member of the Tourism Bureau Board of Directors.

The recipient will be announced at the State of the Tourism Industry Luncheon on May 22, 2024. Please contact Christy Walcott at 989-732-4000 or christy@gaylordmichigan.net for more information on the luncheon. 

Previous recipients include:

2023 – Kat Steinbrecher – Mary’s Stein Haus, Porter Haus, Abi’s Bistro, Kane’s Lobster Pot

2022 – Mark Copeland – Jay’s Sporting Goods

2021 – Scott & Janice Lampert – Sojourn Lakeside Resort, Sugar Bowl historic building, Fairfield Inn

2021 – Justin Hacker – Gaylord Disc Golf Course

2020 – Gary Kosch – Alpine Tavern & Otsego Grand Event Center

2020 – Jerry Beattie – Sled Shed & Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trails Council 

(L-R): Kevin Henley, Kat Steinbrecher, Paul Beachnau, Christy Walcott