Posthumous Honors Presented at Art of Achievement Event
(FLINT, MICH. – November 6) Tonight, Bill Everett was honored posthumously by the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) as the recipient of the 2014 Community Champion Award presented during the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Art of Achievement Awards. The event celebrated local businesses and service superstars. Everett was honored for his commitment to Flint & Genesee and the economic impact of the Vehicle City International Old Timers Hockey Tournament, which he founded 29 years ago.
Nearly 400 people were on hand as U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee presented awards to outstanding businesses and hospitality industry stars in 12 categories at the Riverfront Banquet Center in downtown Flint.
According to Cheryl DeFrain, Director of the Flint & Genesee CVB, Everett is a true Community Champion. She says he showed his love for Flint & Genesee by continuing to bring visitors from Canada and across the Midwest to play in his hockey tournament.
“We are saddened that we were not able to provide this honor before he passed away,” said DeFrain. “However, we were pleased to honor him tonight for his longstanding commitment to his community.”
Through the Vehicle City International Old Timers Hockey Tournament, Everett was able to bring hundreds of hockey enthusiasts to the region each year and expose hundreds of young people to the sport, while at the same time creating a legacy tournament that continues to have an economic impact on the region.
He also contributed proceeds from the tournament to Whaley Children’s Center. His wife of 60 years, Theo Everett accepted the award.