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Sports ETA Names Mike Guswiler Executive of the Year

Guswiler is president of the West Michigan Sports Commission

Posted On: February 18, 2025 By : Justin Shaw

Sports ETA has named Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission, as its executive of the year at the annual Chief Executive Summit in Fort Worth.

Guswiler has served over 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. He’s overseen operations at the West Michigan Sports Commission since its inception in 2007. The WMSC organizes the Meijer State Games of Michigan and manages the Meijer Sports Complex — which the organization built, owns, operates and is now managing a $13.5 million expansion slated for completion in early 2026.

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“I’m so honored to receive this prestigious award by Sports ETA in front of my peers,” said Guswiler. “It is humbling to be the second recipient of this new award, especially noting the caliber of my colleagues in this association.”

Under Guswiler’s leadership, WMSC has booked 1,328 events attracting more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors, generating over $738 million indirect visitor spending since 2007. It was named 2023 Sports ETA Sports Commission of the Year (under 500,000 population).

The 2025 XXI World Ice Fishing Championship took place February 11–16 on Tamarack Lake in Lakeview, Michigan. Move United has selected Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the host site for The Hartford Nationals in 2025 and 2026.

“Mike Guswiler is a true leader for the sports events and tourism industry and deserves this prestigious honor to recognize his leadership of the West Michigan Sports Commission as well as Sports ETA, where he served as a former board member from 2010–2014,” said John David, president and chief executive officer of Sports ETA. “We congratulate and thank Mike for his continued service and leadership.”

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