Gaylord & Otsego County Trailblazer Award

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 is announced each year at the State of the Tourism Bureau Luncheon. 

Please join us in honoring the Pigeon River Discovery Center for their innovative approach to increasing awareness and appreciation for the Pigeon River County State Forest. By educating a new generation of stewards, this unique resource will continue to be valued and protected for years to come!

Previous recipients include:

2025 – Pigeon River Discovery Center

2024 – Jordan Awrey – Downtown Gaylord Summer Concert Series

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