Korn honored for her transformative impact on the Michigan tourism industry
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Experience Grand Rapids Senior Vice President, Janet Korn, received the Pure Michigan Legacy Award at the 2024 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Kalamazoo last evening. The award honors leaders and visionaries in the Michigan tourism industry and is given annually to a person or organization that has made a positive and transformative impact on the Michigan travel industry, either during a lifetime of achievement or over the past year.
“To be recognized by peers who I respect, have learned from and admire is truly an honor,” said Korn. “Thank you to my team for this nomination and to my colleagues in all corners of this state who share my passion for Michigan and my firm belief that tourism builds stronger, more livable and exciting communities.”
Janet Korn accepting the Legacy Award at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism.
Photo by MEDC
With more than 30 years of service to Michigan’s travel and tourism industry, Korn’s impact can be felt across the state.
“Janet has built a legacy of creativity, collaboration and community at Experience Grand Rapids,” said EXGR President and CEO, Doug Small. “Since joining EXGR in 1995, she has continually pushed our organization forward, helping to develop one of the Midwest's most successful destination marketing operations and recognizable brands. She has also lent her time and talents to statewide industry associations, helping amplify their voices as much as she has that of Experience Grand Rapids. In no small part, Janet has contributed to making Grand Rapids a global brand.”
Korn has held a seat on the Michigan Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus Board since 2019, serving as secretary and vice president before being elected president in 2021. As President, she led MACVB and the state travel and tourism industry through the stop-and-start recovery of meetings and events in the wake of the pandemic. She also served on MACVB's Advocacy Committee and Marketing Committee.
“Janet is a fair and caring leader who delights in mentoring younger team members and inspiring them to share her love and appreciation for the travel and tourism industry,” said Kate Lieto, EXGR associate vice president of marketing. “She works closely with local industry partners and community leaders to advance issues that not only impact visitor satisfaction but also improve quality of life for residents throughout our region.”
After earning a BA in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, Korn served as a restaurant general manager and taught hospitality business classes at Grand Rapids Community College before joining Experience Grand Rapids as membership director. She steadily broadened her responsibilities, ascending to the roles of marketing director and vice president of marketing before attaining her current position.
Korn received the award in a room of more than 500 representatives of the tourism industry, during the 2024 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
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CONTACT: Amy LeFebre, Truscott Rossman
616-450-4292, alefebre@truscottrossman.com
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.