Luncheon recognizes 85 volunteers who provide guidance for area tourists
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
In a region chock full of attractions, with diversions aplenty for all ages and interests, sometimes sorting through everything is daunting.
Providing expert and friendly advice to visitors from around the globe, volunteers at the Traverse City Visitor Center can lend a guiding hand. Versed in all things Traverse, they can point the way to wineries and restaurants, amusements, recreation and attractions.
Celebrating their accomplishments, which includes a 97 percent satisfaction rating from visitors, volunteers gathered Monday afternoon at Reflections for a Volunteers Recognition luncheon. With laughter and camaraderie, they celebrated the completion of another successful year.
Kathee McCafferty, the Visitor Center Manager, thanked the volunteers for their help She noted that 22 of the 85 volunteers have been with the organization since it began seven years ago, giving the downtown facility a family feeling.
"I know that no matter what situation presents itself during the course of your shift that you are equal to the task," McCafferty said.
Last year the center helped more than 45,000 visitors, with the National Cherry Festival week providing the most clients per week. In addition to restrooms and telephones, the center features extensive shelving filled with brochures of area businesses and attractions.
The center is a nonprofit organization run by the Traverse City Convention and Visitor's Bureau Education Foundation. The center also helps people who have moved to the Grand Traverse region, providing community links that can help them settle in.
Bob and Arlene Dean of Traverse City are charter volunteers, donating their time to the Visitors Center for the past seven years. One of a number of husband-wife teams on the volunteer staff, the couple volunteer year round.
For Bob Dean, the chance to help visitors from around the world is one of the draws of his job. After finding out what someone is looking for, volunteers spring into action to find answers, phone numbers, addresses or directions.
"I like meeting people and so many times we have overseas guests from Germany, England or France," said Dean, a Traverse City native. "We also have people come from all over the United States."
Dean also enjoys the fast pace of his work, especially during the heavy tourist season.
"It never slows down in the summer and during the Cherry Festival it is pretty chaotic," he said.
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