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MCBOA Awards Program

Starting in 2024, we launched an exciting new tradition—the MCBOA Operator of the Year and Supplier Member of the Year Awards!

These prestigious honors will recognize two key leaders in the motorcoach industry:

Operator of the Year: Awarded to an outstanding motorcoach operator who exemplifies excellence in safety, service, and innovation. Nominations are accepted from any operator member in good standing.

Supplier Member of the Year: Awarded to a top supplier or vendor who has significantly contributed to the industry’s success through leadership, innovation, and support. Nominations are accepted from any supplier member in good standing.

NEW in 2025:  Troy Voigt Memorial Leadership Award — honoring Troy’s legacy of mentorship, leadership, and dedication to the motorcoach industry.

We need YOUR help to find these exceptional leaders! Know a deserving motorcoach operator or supplier/vendor? Nominate them today! And if you think you or your company fits the bill, don’t hesitate — self-nominations are welcome!

Nominations now being accepted!  Contact Vicki Bowman at vicki@vbgmarketing.com for nomination forms.

2025 Award Winners

Troy Voigt Memorial Leadership Award
Rob Wicklund
Bemidji Bus Line
Bemidji, MN

Pictured left to right: members of the Voigt’s Bus team, including Courtney Ely, Compliance Officer and daughter of Troy Voigt, and Chad Ely, Voigt’s Bus Operations and MCBOA President, accepting the Troy Voigt Award on behalf of winner Rob Wicklund of Bemidji Bus Line.

 Rob was awarded for exemplifying the spirit of mentorship, collaboration, and selfless leadership by consistently supporting fellow operators, strengthening MCBOA participation, and putting safety and service ahead of competition.

Operator of the Year
Steve Woelfel
Jefferson Lines
Minneapolis, MN

Pictured left to right: Kevin Pursey, Director of Sales, Jefferson Lines; Rick Thielen, Vice President, Thielen Coaches and the 2024 recipient of this award; Thom Thoemke, Director of Safety, Jefferson Lines; and MCBOA President Chad Ely, Operations, Voigt’s Bus.

Kevin and Thom accepted the award on behalf of President & CEO Steve Woelfel. Jefferson Lines was recognized for industry-leading safety, innovation, and customer service, combining forward-thinking technology with a people-first culture that continues to raise the standard for motorcoach operations across the Midwest.

Supplier of the Year
Chris Riddell
The Bus Network
New Britain, CT

Pictured left to right: Mark Polzin, President, Budget Truck & Auto and the 2024 recipient of this award; award winner Chris Riddell, CEO, The Bus Network; and MCBOA President Chad Ely, Operations, Voigt’s Bus.

Chris and The Bus Network were honored for elevating the motorcoach industry through collaboration, education, and advocacy, creating meaningful connections and a trusted platform that strengthens relationships between operators and suppliers nationwide.

Past Award Winners:

Troy Voigt Memorial Leadership Award

Inception 2025

Operator of the Year

2024 - Rick Thielen, Thielen Coaches, Redwood Falls, MN

Supplier of the Year

2024 - Mark Polzin, Budget Truck & Auto, Janesville, WI

© Minnesota Charter Bus Operators Association
2023-2026
All Rights Reserved

Questions? Call us at: 
952-985-7574 -James Hey

or

847-507-6364 - Vicki Bowman

Address:

Jim Hey - MCBOA
c/o Southwest Coaches
1500 Travis Road
Marshall, MN 56258

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