Bill Shepler Excellence of Tourism Award | Angela Whitener

The Bill Shepler Excellence in Tourism Award recognizes a Circle Michigan member that has made a positive contribution to the group tourism industry and has demonstrated a commitment to the success of the group tour market. Each year Circle Michigan presents the award to a Circle Michigan member who volunteers selflessly.

Katie Wiley made the presentation on behalf of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Circle Michigan. The award was presented during the Circle Michigan Annual Meeting held at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort on October 12, 2021.

“Over the years as a Circle Michigan member, she has served on the Board of Directors and as President, she has been on multiple committees, participated in sales blitzes, hosted meetings and FAM tours, and works with her local CVB. This year she still found time for committee meetings and webinars even though she has been a team of two welcoming groups and creating magical weddings, on top of her most important job of being Mom to her two children, doing it all with a smile on her face. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make a guest feel welcome and special.

She exemplifies leadership, by her willingness to help fellow Circle Michigan members and staff, she promotes other attractions when selling her own properties, and celebrates the success of others. She can be counted on to be an ambassador of Michigan tourism while taking appointments at trade shows. Angie's enthusiasm and dedication to Michigan hospitality and tourism is what makes her an outstanding candidate for the Bill Shepler Excellence in Tourism Award."

Angela has been employed at Stafford's Hospitality as the Director of Sales for 21 years. Meeting new and different people everyday inspired her as are the relationships she has developed with clients and guests of the hotel.

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. 

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