Horse Shows by the Bay’s Dean and Alexandra Rheinheimer Receive 2007 Community Champions Award from the Traverse City Visitor and Convention Bureau

Traverse City, Michigan:  Dean and Alexandra Rheinheimer, known for their production of Horse Shows by the Bay, amongst six individuals last Thursday to receive a 2007 Community Champions Award from the Traverse City, Michigan Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB).  Acknowledged during the 26th Annual TCVB Meeting and Reception at the Grand Traverse Resort, the Rheinheimers were given a plaque for their “uncommon vision and public spirit” in bringing an event to the Traverse City area that “advanced the economic health and vitality of the community”.  A Special Tribute Certificate signed by Jennifer Granholm, Governor, Jason Allen, State Senator, and Howard Walker, State Representative was also awarded to the recipients.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau launched the Community Champions program in 2006 to promote new convention and meeting business by recognizing local men and women who help to bring professional, social, religious, fraternal and athletic groups to the Traverse City area for meetings, retreats, conventions and tournaments.

“These Community Champions demonstrate how individuals can make significant contributions to their community by leveraging contacts and relationships that already exist from their personal or business interests,” said Bureau president Brad Van Dommelen. “Having local contacts that have relationships with organizations that hold meetings, conferences or events are critical to our success in attracting this business to our area.” 

Horse Shows by the Bay started in 2004 as a 250 horse three-week event using leased land on the south side of Traverse City, Michigan.  Each year thereafter the event has increased in size by 25%.  This past summer the event found a new and permanent home through avid equine enthusiast Karin Flint, who purchased and developed an 84 acre tract of land into an outdoor equestrian show park known as Flintfields.  The 2007 event drew approximately 1200 horses from throughout North America whose riders, owners, and care-takers contributed over seven million dollars to the local tourism economy. 

The Traverse City region is known for its moderate climate, wineries, boutique shopping, cherry orchards, casinos, resorts, golf courses, and Lake Michigan waters as blue as the Caribbean Ocean.  The Rheinheimers chose Traverse City for their event because they felt that horse show patrons would welcome the opportunity to combine their hobby with this unique summer destination getaway. 

Horse Shows by the Bay is sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation as “AA-Hunter/Level 4 Jumper” and is also recognized by the World Champion Hunter Rider Awards Program, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, North American League and the Young Jumper Championship Program.  Next year’s series will be held from July 16 through August 3, 2008 and will give away over $350,000 in prize money.

For more information please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call 561-723-6287.  Additional Community Champion information can be found by visiting www.visittraversecity.com.