ASHWAUBENON – Michael Aubinger, past editor of The Press and president of the village of Ashwaubenon
was honored posthumously on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Aubinger received the Tim Quigley Tourism Award, presented by the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau at the group’s fall luncheon.
Pat Olejniczak, board member presented the award. He said Aubinger was a huge supporter of the CVB and tourism who loved his community and served it well.
“Today we would like to honor him for his work on behalf of the tourism industry” said Olejniczak.
Olejniczak told the group that Aubinger seldom missed a CVB event.
His genuine gratitude spilled over when he interacted with staff and board.
“If the CVB asked him to greet a group of bowlers, anglers, fire fighters … Mike was there.”
He said that Aubinger understood how important it is to build demand along with supply.
He welcomed new hotels to the community. He worked tirelessly to help the Green Bay Packers develop the new Titletown District. He was on board from the very beginning to develop a new Exposition Center on the site of Brown County Arena and Shopko Hall.
“He recognized the impact this would have on tourism and made certain the CVB was a part of the conversation,” Olejniczak said.
He concluded by saying, “His impact on the tourism community will be felt for many years to come.”
Aubinger’s name will be displayed on the wall of the CVB along with other individuals that have truly made a difference.
Other awards announced were:
The 2017 Business Partner in Tourism was presented to Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.
The Radisson has provided hotel rooms for journalists, they join the CVB when travelling to tradeshows to promote the community to the convention market, hosted tourism industry shows at their property, and much more.
Two events were also named the 2017 Events of the Year.
The first was presented to the Green Bay & De Pere Antiquarian Society for its work in bringing “Antiques Roadshow” to the area.
It took 15 years of working with the bureau to bring the show to the area. The economic impact of the event was $2 million. The show will air nationally in 2018.
The second event awarded was the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.
The Oneida Nation upgraded the golf course and the event was televised internationally.