FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 11, 2026
CONTACT: Kali Thiel, (262) 335-5086, [email protected]
Sheila Everhart Nominated for Governor’s Tourism Service Excellence Award Following International Success in West Bend
JANESVILLE, WI – The City of West Bend Tourism Commission and Visit West Bend have officially nominated Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA), for the 2026 Governor’s Tourism Service Excellence Award. The nomination cites her transformative leadership in coordinating Marketing for the Classic Green Reunion 2025, an international event that generated a staggering $1.79 million economic impact for the region.
The four-day event, which celebrated John Deere history, drew 13,964 attendees to West Bend from 45 U.S. states and seven countries, including Belgium, Germany, and Sweden. Everhart’s strategic promotion resulted in 856 hotel night bookings in West Bend alone, firmly establishing the city as a premier host for large-scale international gatherings.
“Sheila’s dedication to this project went far beyond her executive duties,” said Kali Thiel, Director of Visit West Bend. “She contributed 415 volunteer hours to ensure this wasn’t just a tractor show, but a world-class tourism experience. By integrating Wisconsin traditions like dairy breakfasts and fish fries, she turned international visitors into lifelong fans of our state.”
Impact and Excellence Highlights:
- Economic Powerhouse: Facilitated an estimated $1.4 million to $1.79 million in regional economic activity.
- Media Savvy: Brokered a media campaign valued at over $20,000, including statewide radio interviews reaching 127,000 listeners and social media campaigns reaching 133,000 followers.
- Educational Outreach: Curated “John Deere, That’s Who” resource packages for 30 Wisconsin teachers, connecting the next generation to the importance of agriculture.
- Strategic Collaboration: Partnered with Travel Wisconsin and regional entities like Travel Calumet to encourage extended stays and statewide exploration.
As the leader of WATA, Everhart has been instrumental in branding the state as “Wisconsin, America’s Agricultural Tourism Destination.” Her efforts support the fastest-growing segment of the state’s tourism industry, creating new income streams for farm families and preserving the iconic Wisconsin landscape.
The Governor’s Tourism Awards recognize individuals who significantly enhance the state’s $25.8 billion tourism economy. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism on March 17 in Milwaukee.
About Visit West Bend:
Visit West Bend is the primary destination marketing organization for the City of West Bend, dedicated to promoting the city’s unique blend of outdoor recreation, fine arts, and historic charm.
About the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA):
WATA is a non-profit which provides policy information, marketing and education to working farmers, thereby organization dedicated to promoting agricultural tourism as a sustainable economic engine for Wisconsin across Wisconsin. By connecting travelers with authentic farm-to-table experiences, WATA supports the preservation of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities across the state. Learn more at WiAgTourism.com