Kristin Knop Awarded Bill Shepler Volunteer of the Year Award

Circle Michigan awarded Kristin Knop the 11th annual Bill Shepler Volunteer of the Year Award at its recent annual meeting, held in Detroit.

Each year, the Circle Michigan board of directors presents the award to a Circle Michigan member who volunteers selflessly on behalf of the organization and its members. Katie Wiley made the presentation on behalf of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry.

Knop, a Tourism Coordinator for the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is active in the Circle Michigan Foundation and marketing committee, and also sits on Circle Michigan's board of directors. "It's a great group to be a part of," Knop said. Circle Michigan members who nominated Knop for the award recognized her as a valuable asset to the organization because of her board and committee involvement.

"Kristin has wonderful ideas and handles difficult situations with grace and professionalism," said Anne Phillips, with Motor City Casino in Detroit. "Her extensive knowledge of the group-tour industry is apparent."

Circle Michigan was established in 1981 to promote group travel to Michigan; its members are packaged-travel suppliers including attractions, hotels, restaurants, destination-marketing organizations, casinos, transportation companies, receptive operators and allied partners. The annual award is named for Bill Shepler, owner of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and one of the founders of Circle Michigan. For more information contact Janet Kasic, executive director of Circle Michigan, at 800.513.6424.