Michigan Snowsports Industries Association elects officers

Clarkston, MI (November, 2008) – The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) announces the results of its recent election of officers.  At its October meeting, the board re-elected the following officers to continue in their positions:  Steve Kershner as chairman; Joe Bruhn as vice-chairman; and Dave Hofacker as treasurer.

Steve Kershner, MSIA Chairman, of Bellaire, is Director of Snowsports at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire.  He started in the industry in 1972 working at Al's Sport Shop in Midland.  He later worked for The Bahnhof, as manager of the rental shop at Shanty Creek.  From 1984-1996, Kershner was a manufacturer's representative in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, representing numerous ski product lines.  Kershner graduated from the University of Michigan’s Business School and has held his current position at Shanty Creek for 12 years.

Joe Bruhn, MSIA Vice-Chairman, of Farmington Hills is general manager and president of Mt. Brighton Ski & Golf and president of the Jackal Golf Club of Brighton.  He started 25 years ago as secretary of the Mt. Brighton Board of Directors.  He later became treasurer and then in 1988, was promoted to general manager.  A graduate of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Bruhn began working as an insurance adjuster and supervisor.  He then went into the restaurant business and previously owned the Big Boy Restaurant in Brighton.

David Hofacker, MSIA Treasurer, of Harbor Springs is Resort Accommodations Manager at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs.  A graduate of Western Michigan University, Hofacker began by working as a lift operator at Schuss Mountain in Mancelona.  During his seven years there, he worked his way up to ski school director and restaurant manager.  He then spent six years at Crystal Mountain as their director of skiing.  Hofacker moved over to Sugar Loaf Resort for four years serving as assistant general manager the latter two years.  For the past 15 years, he has worked for Boyne Highlands, first as assistant lodge manager and currently as Resort Accommodations Manager.

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The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association was formed in 1991 to increase awareness of snowsports in Michigan and introduce new individuals to skiing and snowboarding in Michigan.  Through its various programs, over 120,000 people have learned to ski or snowboard on Michigan’s slopes.