Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey Dr. Ann Vogel (left) receives her 2017 Tourism Person of the Year award from George Glotzbach (right). Vogel was surprised with the award Monday afternoon in the fireplace room in the New Ulm Medical Center.

NEW ULM — Dr. Ann Vogel was surprised by the Chamber of Commerce and Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) Monday with an award.

Vogel received the 2017 Tourism Person of the Year award in the New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) fireplace room. 2016 winner George Glotzbach, Mayor Robert Beussman, Chamber President/CEO Audra Shaneman and CVB President Erin Lafferty were all there to present the award.

“Her years of promoting the culture and history of New Ulm and the positive effect that it has made on tourism on this city has been exemplary,” Glotzbach said. “She is the Energizer Bunny of tourism here in New Ulm, and she deserves every inch of this award.”

Glotzbach cited Vogel’s influence in a number of activities, too long to list, that included Bavarian Blast and most recently the blue lights at various landmarks for Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

He continued with Vogel’s contributions to more tangible items. That list included the Willkommen signs and statues in German and Riverside parks.

When asked, Vogel described herself receiving the award as “overwhelmed” and the honor as “under-deserved.” She insisted that she was able to do this thanks to the many wonderful people in New Ulm who help things happen.

“There are a lot of people in town that make things happen, and if you happen to be linked up with other people, that enable you,” Vogel said.

The CVB collects nominations from the public and then a committee decides who receives the award. Vogel was nominated by Marlene Domeier and Anne Morris of Domeier’s German Store.

Tourism Person of the Year honors individuals who have contributed to New Ulm’s economy through work attracting visitors.

“If I know Doc Ann, she will be keeping up the good work for her patients and the good work presenting the history and the culture of the most German city in America, New Ulm, Minnesota,” Glotzbach said. “Congratulations to you Dr. Vogel, the high-energy tourist person of the year.”

Connor Cummiskey can be emailed at ccummiskey@nujournal.com.