Testimonials

Kalamazoo Gazette: Letters to the Editor

Kalamazoo is a nice place

Kalamazoo, you have done yourself proud!

I recently visited your city with my 86-year-old dad for Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans National Convention.

I was very impressed with the staff at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center. Not only was the service excellent, but the respect and consideration shown to the World War Ii heroes of Guadalcanal was heartwarming.

We also walked over to the Bronson Senior Health Fair and enjoyed meeting more nice people. In fact, everywhere we went, we found welcoming and friendly people.
“ There really is a Kalamazoo,” and it’s a great place to visit, too!

Connie Klecker
Hudson, Wisconsin

Letters to KCCVB

Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Our recent 40th Annual Conference and Trade Show was held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in downtown Kalamazoo. The conference brought together over 500 long term care professionals from across the state. I can’t tell you how many great comments I heard about the hotel property and the downtown area! The hospitality that was shown in all facets of your community was outstanding!

We especially had a great experience at Monaco Bay Piano Bar and Grill, where we took 140 of our attendees for a special dinner event. Brian and the rest of the Monaco Bay staff were so friendly and fun. We all had a great time!

Your team was truly top-notch in making our group feel so welcome. We look forward to returning for another successful event in the future!

Katie Brophy
Member Events Planner
Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Nursing Class of 1953

Our Nursing Class wants to thank you for the cooperation and supplies that the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau have supplied us with for our 50th Year Reunion that will be starting next week.

I have given out the first brochures and many of our classmates that hadn’t been back in many years were very excited to see how Kalamazoo had grown and what was offered to see while they will be here.

Back in 1953 when many of us came from as far as the Upper Peninsula or down in Ohio, Western was still the Teachers College though we took several classes on what was to become the main campus. I started Western a year earlier on the old campus and before there were enough dorms and we lived in houses.

The Bronson Hospital that we all trained in is long gone now, and that also has mushroomed into something we never dreamed of. The care is still outstanding but the closeness of the nurses living together like we did will never be the same.

Thank you again for the packets you have provided and making our Reunion something that all will return home with fond memories of their return to Kalamazoo.

Gwen Calkins
Secretary for the Class of 1953

P51 Mustang Pilots Association

I want to thank both of you on behalf of the P-51 Mustang Pilots Association for your help with the planning for our reunion as well as all you did for us during our visits to the Gilmore Car Museum, Kalamazoo Air Zoo, Kellogg Manor House and Fort Custer national Cemetery.
Our members enjoyed all the reunion activities and were pleased with the friendly and cooperative attention they received during the reunion.

The transportation provided by B&W Charters was excellent and reasonably priced. Marilyn made an excellent tour guide-thanks.

The Holiday Inn West provided all our needs. Room costs very reasonable, banquet meal-superb. A great facility for a reunion headquarters.

Thanks again for adding to the success of our reunion.

Best Wishes,
Ed Slaughter
Maj. USAF (Ret.)

Fam Trip

Thanks for helping to make the Fam Trip so great! We just loved everything and are looking forward to returning.

Sincerely,
Joyce and Bud

TLC Tours

My group loved Kalamazoo. I already have one group that wants to come back in September.
Thanks again for sharing your wonderful city with us.

Judy

Group Tour

Thank you so much for taking such good care of us on our visit to Kalamazoo. You have a lovely city with many special treats for those who visit and you represent it well. We especially loved the restaurant and the Air Zoo. We didn’t leave the Air Zoo until after 12:00. It’s a truly unique and remarkable place!

Thanks again,
Tom and Cathleen Zalnadnik

All American Girls Professional Baseball League

Thank you very much for your help with organizing the 2004 AAGPBL Reunion. It was a pleasure working with you and we appreciate the support you, and your staff, gave to our event.
The AAGPBL is a non-profit organization.

We heard many positive comments from our out-of-town guests regarding the charm of Kalamazoo! Thanks again for your attention to our event.

Sincerely,
The 2004 Reunion Committee

Your thoughtfulness means so very much

Thank you so much for the invitation and all of the hard work all of you did for the Reunion Fam for Military Planners. You did a great job, and we had a very good time.

Thanks,
Wayne and Juanita Mueller

Big League Softball World Series

“The people of Kalamazoo go out of their way to welcome the Softball World Series with their small town charm and big city facilities. Each year families from around the Kalamazoo area open their hearts and homes to the players. ”

Bud Vanderberg, Director
Big League Softball World Series

International Congress on Medieval Studies

“Kalamazoo is a haven for academics in this field. The community’s support for higher education, coupled with Kalamazoo’s central location in the United States and affordable accommodations, make the International Congress on Medieval Studies a success.”

Paul Szarmach, Director
Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University

Eaton Corporation

“We had a wonderful meeting in Kalamazoo, and the people at the hotel went out of their way to meet our needs and help make our event a smashing success.”

Bryan Beers, Marketing Communications Administrator
Eaton Corporation, Truck Components

Street Rod Nationals North

“Kalamazoo felt like home. It provides a central location in the Midwest and pulls attendees from both Chicago and Detroit. The people of Kalamazoo have embraced the event and the area provides excellent accommodations and restaurants. ”

Jerry Kennedy, Event Director
National Street Rod Association

United States Tennis Association Boys’ Super National Championships

“Our tournament’s success is fueled by local volunteers. Kalamazoo is a community that is rooted in the spirit of volunteerism. Parents and players come back year after year. Kalamazoo is a fun, friendly, affordable place with a wonderful climate. ”

Timon Corwin, Director
United States Tennis Association
Boys ’ Super National Championships

Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International

“I am so glad to be president this year because the CVB and the Radisson are so wonderful to work with. I am voting to come back to Kalamazoo because you are one of the best CVB's that I have ever worked with and that means more to me than the location. ”

Pastor Harmon, President
Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International