Pictured, from left, are Jill Boggs, Executive Director of the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Joanie Younce; Megan McClellan, Executive Director of Syracuse-Wawasee Trails and CVB board member; Doris Cook; Rosemary Parsons; Scott Seney; Bob Livingston; Marilyn Kincaide; Derra Blosser, CVB Visitor Center Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator. Not pictured are Al Disbro and Phil Neff.

WARSAW  — Volunteers were recognized recently for their time and commitment to the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The volunteer appreciation brunch was the setting for expressing gratitude to volunteers that contribute in a variety of ways to the Kosciusko County visitor experience. The occasion, sponsored by Bella Vitale Italian Eatery and Vitale Events was held at Bella Vitale’s restaurant meeting room at the Wyndham Garden Hotel.

“Most of their valuable time is spent on assisting us in preparation for group tour and event travelers to the county. They stuff goodie-bags, bundle brochures, put countless logo labels on hundreds of bags and more,” said Jill Boggs, Executive Director. Volunteers also serve as tour bus step-on guides, event and expo booth attendants, covering the visitor center and taking photographs.

Visitor experience is critical to continued success in selling Kosciusko County to motorcoach operators. Often, repeat visits occur and referrals are made in the industry due to a comprehensive approach to exceptional hospitality experiences by all of the CVB’s tourism partners. Volunteers are at the beginning of this process and what they do is important for greatest economic impact with visiting groups.

“In addition, by taking this work off of staff’s shoulders, we are able to give greater focus to destination marketing efforts to promote Kosciusko County to leisure visitors as well as groups,” said Boggs.

Al Disbro was named Volunteer of the Year for his work in providing countless hours to area photography. His efforts have saved the CVB thousands of dollars in photography for marketing purposes over the years. His passion and dedication to this effort has helped many organizations in the county. Disbro’s photographs appear in all CVB media and in the 2017 Kosciusko County Visitor Guide including the cover photo.