Michigan Athletic Department Receives Ambassador Award from AAACVB
10/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | General
2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan Athletic Department received an Ambassador Award from the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at the AAACVB's 25th Annual Award Dinner held Tuesday night (Oct. 28) at Zingerman's Cornman Farms in Dexter. The Ambassador Award is for the lifetime support and contributions made to Washtenaw County's tourism and hospitality industry. Charles Skelton, a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry for Washtenaw County and beyond, also received the award.
"For 25 years, we have recognized those who have enhanced the local economy by advocating the area as a destination for overnight visitors," says Mary Kerr, president and CEO of the AAACVB. "This year, we are able to honor two of our industry partners whose enthusiasm and life-long dedication to our industry goes unmatched." Recipients were selected by the nomination committee after reviewing the long history and numerous contributions each has within the industry.
The AAACVB cited the U-M Athletic Department's "rich tradition and dedication to the community that permeate throughout the tourism and hospitality industry."
"While most visible through fan experiences at Michigan Stadium, Crisler Center and Yost Ice Arena, all of the University's athletic programs attract visitors to the county year-round providing significant economic value to hotels, restaurants, and more. The department has partnered with local Washtenaw County charities, including most recently Food Gatherers, Team Red, White and Blue, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Humane Society of Huron Valley and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Michigan partnered with the community to present the first-annual Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors that raised $70,000 for community partners and hosted the second annual Polar Plunge at Michigan Stadium that provided $128,000 to Special Olympics of Michigan.
"Most recently, the Athletic Department coordinated two highly visible international events: the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs on New Year's Day and the International Champions Cup soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United. Additionally, the athletic department hosted the 2014 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships. These three events provided valuable exposure to Ann Arbor, showcasing the area as a desirable destination for international travelers."
"We are honored to receive recognition with one of the Ambassador Awards from the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau," said Rob Rademacher, U-M senior associate athletic director for facilities and operations. "Our athletic department has pursued opportunities that create mutually beneficial experiences for the University, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. A great partnership has been formed and we look forward to continuing that service to the local community."
The special guest and keynote speaker for the private event was former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr. As a show of gratitude, the AAACVB made a donation to the pediatric brain tumor research fund at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
The Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501 (c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the economy of the Ann Arbor Area and the county of Washtenaw in general, through promotion of the area as a destination for overnight visitors.
U-M Media Contact: Dave Ablauf, (734) 763-4423
AAACVB Contact: Laura Berarducci, (734) 995-7281, ext. 308
