Grand Rapids, Mich., January 17, 2012 - SportsEvents Media Group, the leading industry publication focused exclusively on helping sports event planners produce excellent competitions in the United States and Canada, has announced its 2012 class of Readers’ Choice Award winners.

 Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the West Michigan Sports Commission have been awarded a “Reader’s Choice Award” based on their high standard of professionalism and quality service in hosting youth & amateur sporting events.

 Sports event professionals were asked to name the sports commission, convention and visitors bureaus, or sports events venues that they believe display exemplary creativity and professionalism toward the groups they host. Nominations were received from readers throughout the year, and the top picks were selected based on the results from an online system that registered more than 3,000 votes.

 “Due to the power of social media and online voting capabilities, we received an overwhelming response from readers this year, which allowed SportsEvents to honor more than 100 destinations and venues—and the marketing organizations that represent them—with a 2012 Readers’ Choice Award,” said Kristen McIntosh, SportsEvents editor. “These award winners have proven they are willing to go above and beyond the normal service levels expected by providing both the physical attributes and commitment to hospitality and service that today’s discriminating sports event planners demand. It is an honor to announce their selection by sports event planners as some of the best in the United States.”

 “On behalf of the West Michigan Sports Commission board and staff, we are very pleased to have been identified as a leader in providing excellent service and professionalism in hosting various youth and amateur sporting events in West Michigan.  Our organization is only in its fifth year and has now received this coveted award and recognition for the second year in a row.” stated Mike Guswiler, Executive Director.  “The impact we’ve generated through events we’ve hosted has topped $70 million in direct spending through the over 200 events and more than 160,000 visitors who have participated in these events.”  Guswiler added.

 A complete list of award winners is available online at http://www.sportseventsmagazine.com/2012-readers-choice-awards/. Winners will be listed in the January 2012 issue of SportsEvents.