This past week the board of directors for Gardiner Main Street named Christopher West of Mackinac Island, Michigan the new Executive Director. Mr. West has a diverse history in the economic development, tourism marketing, and fundraising fields. He is the Assistant Director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau in Northern Michigan, a highly effective marketing organization on this resort island. This is a member based marketing and community development organization where he performs marketing, promotions, grant writing, office management, member relations, and relationship building with the Smithsonian Institute.
“Chris will be missed by the business community of Mackinac Island. We all thank him for his dedication to the tourism bureau and the local community. He will bring a broad skill set to Gardiner and have many innovative ideas to further promote your wonderful area of the country,” stated Bob Benser, president of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and owner of Murdick’s Fudge of Mackinac Island and Martha’s Vineyard. Along with working for the tourism bureau Chris has been the president of the Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society for the past eleven years. This 501c-3 nonprofit organization was formed by Mr. West for the restoration of this historic 159 year old lighthouse in northern Lake Michigan.
Mr. West started his education at Northern Michigan University graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Marketing. Continuing his education at Michigan State University he graduated in 2005 with a Master of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Marketing and Promotions. “I am excited about the opportunity to get to know and work with the people of Gardiner for the betterment of this beautiful town,” says West. “When I drove into Gardiner for my interview I was overwhelmed by the historic buildings and beautiful riverfront area. Everyone I met is very excited about what seems to be a renaissance period for Gardiner, this is an exciting time to be part of the community,” West adds.
Clare Marron, Board President of Gardiner Main Street, says, “Chris is creative, positive, and eager to live in and be a part of our community. Ironically, given our current ice dam issue, Chris’ move is dependent on the ice (or lack thereof) in Lake Michigan. In order to move from the island they either need solid ice to get their belongings off by snow mobile or for the ice to fully clear in order to move by ferry. Therefore, we are looking at a start date of late March. In the mean time, Gardiner Main Street will have regular office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-2.”
