Jon Nunn honored with Destination Champion Award; Becky Jones receives Hotelier of the Year Award; James Vizard named inaugural Hospitality Professional of the Year at Toast the Town 2026
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Experience Grand Rapids today celebrated the people, partnerships and industries that help make Grand Rapids and Kent County a premier visitor destination during its annual Toast the Town luncheon at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids.
Centered on this year’s theme of apples and agritourism, the event highlighted West Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage and the hospitality industry’s impact on the regional economy while recognizing three individuals for their extraordinary contributions to hospitality, tourism and community development.
Guests were welcomed with sparkling cider from Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm and enjoyed a menu showcasing local produce, breads and apple-inspired flavors sourced from regional growers and culinary partners. Michigan is among the top three apple-growing states in the nation, and approximately 75% of Michigan apples are grown in and near Kent County.
Award-winning journalist and television host Jordan Carson served as emcee for the event, sharing remarks on the growing role of agritourism in travel and Grand Rapids' competitive advantages in the sector.
Agritourism—where agriculture and tourism intersect—is a rapidly expanding market driven by travelers seeking authentic, sustainable farm experiences, and one projected to reach $16 billion nationally by 2030. The Fruit Ridge just north of Grand Rapids is recognized as one of the world's premier growing regions, thanks to its glacier-formed soils, favorable Lake Michigan climate and tradition of multigenerational family farming. Local apples fuel a thriving hard cider industry, u-pick experiences and harvest festivals, including the annual Cider Week GR. Experience Grand Rapids has identified agritourism as a strategic priority and encouraged hospitality businesses—from restaurants and hotels to craft beverage producers and caterers—to explore partnership opportunities in the sector.
Experience Grand Rapids honored longtime community leader Jon Nunn with the Dr. Floyd Wilson Jr. Destination Champion Award, which recognizes individuals who have been instrumental in developing the region as a destination and advancing the mission of Experience Grand Rapids.
Nunn served as the first Executive Director of Grand Action from 1993 to 2018 and played a key role in transformative downtown projects including Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, the Downtown Market and Civic Theatre renovations. He also helped guide the public-private partnerships that brought those projects to life, served on the Experience Grand Rapids Board of Directors for 27 years and on the Michigan Travel Commission for 10 years, and contributed to numerous efforts that elevated Grand Rapids as a place to live, work and visit.
“Jon’s leadership helped shape modern Grand Rapids,” said EXGR President and CEO, Doug Small. “The projects he championed transformed our downtown, strengthened our visitor economy and created lasting assets for this community. His impact on our destination is impossible to overstate.”
The Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year Award was presented to Becky Jones, General Manager of the Ada Hotel. The award honors Kent County hotel general managers who best represent the local hospitality industry through leadership, community involvement and operational excellence.
Jones began her hospitality career working in restaurants while attending Ferris State University before moving to Las Vegas to gain experience in one of the world’s hospitality capitals. After returning to Grand Rapids, she built her career with AHC Hospitality and has become a respected leader and mentor within the industry.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jones serves on the Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board and is active with Michigan Women in Hospitality Leadership and the Ada Business Association. She is also a strong advocate for autism awareness.
“Becky leads with professionalism, compassion and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Small. “She has helped shape an outstanding culture for her teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences and strengthening our hospitality community.”
For the first time, Experience Grand Rapids presented a Hospitality Professional of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who consistently demonstrates excellence in service, leadership and community engagement. The inaugural award was presented to James Vizard, Night Audit Supervisor at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel.
Vizard has worked at the property for 45 years and has become a beloved fixture for guests and colleagues alike during his overnight shifts at the front desk. He personally checked in hospitality leader Bill Marriott during the hotel’s grand opening in 1980 and later welcomed Bill’s son, David Marriott, following the property’s 2023 renovation and reopening as the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel.
“James represents the very best of hospitality,” said Small. “His warmth, dedication and consistency have left a lasting impression on generations of guests, and he exemplifies the spirit of service this award was created to recognize.”
Experience Grand Rapids also announced plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary during next year’s Toast the Town event on June 16, 2027. The centennial celebration will shift to an evening format and commemorate a century of sharing Grand Rapids with the world since the organization’s founding in 1927.
A video celebrating the region’s apple industry and growing agritourism sector premiered at the event. It can be viewed and downloaded at this link, courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids.
A selection of Toast the Town event images will be available at this link later this afternoon, courtesy of Bryan Esler for Experience Grand Rapids.
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About Experience Grand Rapids
Established in 1927, Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) leads the marketing of Grand Rapids/Kent County as a premier convention & visitor destination providing a significant positive impact to the West Michigan economy. Previously named the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, EXGR represents the second largest city in Michigan with over one million residents.