Development News

When local companies have the opportunity to grow and prosper, it's always a good thing. What makes it even more special is when they can do so in a building that has stood vacant for a number of years.

Grand Bay Marine, a new- and used-boat dealer, recently announced it has purchased the former ProBuild Lumber building in Charlevoix and has begun renovations in order to move the business into the three-building facility.

The space is 41,500-square feet in total, which will make for an opportunity for large growth for Grand Bay Marine. Currently, plans are to have up to 15 new boats in the indoor showroom as well as the capacity for more--giving boating enthusiasts a chance to shop all year round instead of just when the weather is warm.

"We are very excited to be expanding into our new location, giving us one of Northern Michigan's largest indoor showrooms," says Liz Carney, owner of Grand Bay Marine.

In addition to the showroom, the new facility will allow Grand Bay Marine to expand its parts, service and storage business.

"Our investment in Charlevoix speaks to the potential we see in this community," says Carney. "This expansion is a key part of our long-term growth strategy, with the goal of adding jobs."

Grand Bay Marine, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and boasted record sales in 2011, has locations in both Charlevoix and Traverse City.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Liz Carney, Grand Bay Marine

Traverse City-based gear company Cone Drive is getting a new sibling, or at least, some new colleagues.

David Brown, the engineering company that owns Cone Drive, announced it has acquired Montreal-based Unigear Industries, Inc. Unigear is a private industrial gear manufacturer, and officials from David Brown say its addition to the company will really help build on their North American markets.

The umbrella of David Brown also includes interests like mining, oil and gas, but the ability of Unigear to manufacture and service industrial-level gears fits in nicely with Cone Drive, which creates high-quality, specific-use worm gears.

Unigear's president, Ron Mehra, and VP Peter Zurcher both will continue with the company and help lead it in the future.

"We are delighted to have acquired Unigear, it is a very successful business that we want to further grow and develop. It is a perfect strategic fit for David Brown with its combination of customer relationships, experience, skills and precision gear manufacturing equipment…We are already active in North America, however, this enables us to make a much more compelling offer to our customers in the region," says David Brown CEO John Paterson. "We are looking forward to working closely with Ron, Peter and the team and building a strong and prosperous future together."

David Brown also plans on opening a service center at Unigear's Montreal location to better serve Canadian customers.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: John Paterson, David Brown/Cone Drive

Starting and running a small business is definitely full of complications, hard work and demands on your time. For some business owners, social media, while a needed part of their business, just doesn't fit into their schedule. That's how a new firm in Traverse City, Social Media Partners, saw an opportunity for their services.

Social Media Partners just opened its doors in Traverse City, led by Christine Stalsonburg. She has spent the last few years in the real estate business, and saw that she had the skills needed to help businesses with their social media challenges.

"The more and more I spoke with small business owners, the more I realized that although businesses recognize the value of social media, they do not have the time to dedicate to navigating all of the options out there, implementing them in the business and maintaining the sites," Stalsonburg says. "I have extensively used social media over the past four years in my real estate business and was looking for a new business opportunity. I decided to hang up my Realtor shingle and launch Social Media Partners."

The company uses Facebook, Twitter, blogging, YouTube, and other social media sites and outlets, in whatever combination suits their clients best. That can be a pretty individual process; Stalsonburg says the first thing she does with every new client is analyze their business to see what they want to get out of social media and what the best ways to accomplish those goals are.

"By outsourcing their social media, companies can concentrate on doing what they do best; running their business. I will take care of building their online presence through the social media sites that are right for their business," she says.

She notes that more than 80 percent of Americans now use some form of social media, so it's a communication mode that isn't going away, and is only growing and developing as time passes. Luckily for most small businesses, social media presence and marketing is significantly less costly than other forms of traditional marketing, she says.

Social Media Partners is located at 1060 Schmidt Way in Traverse City and can be reached by email or, of course, online.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Christine Stalsonburg, Social Media Partners

A park in Traverse City will be the recipient of funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, one of seven parks statewide to be chosen for 2011 grant awards.

"This year's grant recipients will build and renovate a broad range of public recreation facilities, everything from pavilions, bathrooms and baseball fields to boardwalks, fishing platforms and a community pool," says Steve DeBrabander, DNR Grants Management section supervisor.

Clinch Park in Traverse City will receive $100,000 from the DNR's Land and Water Conservation Fund. That amount also will have to be matched by the city or other local funding for a total of $200,000. It will go toward bathhouse and restroom development at the park, which has been the site of several grant-funded improvements in recent years as part of a lakeshore cleanup and development push from the city. Improvements are planned to include changing facilities, toilets, drinking fountains, an outdoor shower and foot-washing station

The grant program actually is supported by federal gas and oil development funding, and administered in Michigan by the DNR. Its purpose is to help cities, counties and townships provide better outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and their residents. Across the seven projects, $550,000 will go toward that goal.

"Improvements like these will help local communities meet the recreation needs of their residents and keep people going outdoors," DeBrabander says. "The DNR is committed to working with local officials over the long term to ensure these projects become successful, valuable community assets."

The other locations receiving grants are Crawford County, Laketown Township in Allegan County, the city of Leslie in Ingham County, Lincoln Township in Berrien County, Plymouth Township in Wayne County, and Richland Township in Saginaw County.
    
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source Steve DeBrabander, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Wine and beer have become staples of the local-crafted food and drink scene, but liquor isn't all that common--yet. The Civilized Spirits line of liquors from the Northern United Brewing Company in Traverse City aims to change that.

Visitors to the Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin restaurants have been able to try out a whole line of spirits from the brewers for awhile now, but two of the spirits now are available to retail consumers looking for Michigan-made liquors.

The company is now delivering its vodka and sakura to retailers. It also makes rum, whiskey and gin, but those are still only found at the Old Mission Peninsula restaurants, at least for now. They are scheduled for release in the upcoming year.

The brewers-turned-distillers use locally-grown ingredients like sugar beets, grapes and cherries to give signature Northwest Michigan flavor to their spirits. Mike Hall and Ron Jeffries have collaborated to craft their Civilized Spirits line, focusing on character, smoothness and flavor.

Northern United managing partner Greg Lobdell says this extension of the company is a natural one, rooted in the Old Mission Peninsula's character. He, Jeffries, Hall and Jon Carlson are the four managing partners of the company.

"Jon and I grew up on the Old Mission Peninsula," says Lobdell. "As children, we used to pick buckets of cherries and set up a stand downtown on Front Street and sell them during the Cherry Festival parade. I remember picking cherries for two days and then working all day selling them at the parade. I think we brought home $12 for the three days work and we were the happiest kids in the world. It is only fitting that we are now distilling cherries from the same trees on Old Mission Peninsula, making sakura, and distributing it throughout the state."  
    
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Greg Lobdell, Northern United Brewing Company

Team Elmer's is continuing its expansions of recent years, growing into new areas and solidifying its industry base.

The Traverse City-based construction and transport company has announced its purchase of Cordes Excavating in Hillman in northeast Michigan.

The excavating company, formerly owned by Ken and Teresa Cordes, serves the northeastern side of the state, from Midland to Sault Ste. Marie. It was founded in 1984 and performs services including excavation, crushing and shaping, underground services, street reconstruction and airport construction.

"Ken and Teresa were retiring and looking for a company that would take care of their employees as well as they did. We are thrilled that they approached us and are excited about the future with Cordes," says Team Elmer's co-owner Troy Broad. The other two co-owners are Todd Broad and Tonya Wildfong.

Besides the Cordes name, brand and operations, which became part of Team Elmer's on Jan. 1, Team Elmer's also acquired two Alpena-area quarries, and added eleven employees; truck drivers for quarry delivery.

The construction company had just purchased Mohawk Transport, extending its reach south and east from Traverse City. The family-owned Team Elmer's now offers complete construction services, from quarries, excavating and transport, to site development, utility installation, construction, directional boring, underground services, aggregate production, asphalt, milling and cranes and rigging.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Troy Broad, Team Elmer's

Brand Tonic is a new consulting and design firm in Traverse City, and it's built on the know-how of Jennifer Lake--not to mention on the foundations of success of Tandem Design.

Brand Tonic is the reinvention of Tandem, or, as Lake calls it, the "evolution."

"We're seeing a shift in company marketing needs," Lake explains. "It's not just an ad campaign or a website anymore. Companies want ideas on how to truly connect their brands with their audiences. Sometimes that means non-traditional approaches and it always means clearer messaging. Tonic is the cure for the common brand, providing a unique approach to business thinking. We want to invigorate our clients and keep challenging them."

Brand Tonic will retain Tandem's clients, such as Thompson Surgical, Peterson McGregor & Associates and Skilled Manufacturing, but will also be offering its creative consulting to new clients as well. With a list of satisfied clients on both the national and local level, Lake and her team--including lead designer and five-time Addy Award winner Erin Waineo--are a great place to go when looking for marketing, branding and business strategies.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jennifer Lake, Brand Tonic

There's a new photographer who is opening up shop in Traverse City after a successful three-year stint in Petoskey.

Coreene Smith, the owner and photographer at Tavla Studio, opened her shop in Petoskey in 2008 after being raised down state and attending school at Western Michigan University. In September, she opened up her expanded shop in Traverse City.

"The air just feels different up here," says Smith of living in Northwest Michigan. "It’s good for the soul."

Already since opening her new shop, Smith has found clients in local businesses like Grand Traverse Distillery, Barefoot Magazine, Michigan Blue Magazine and Porterhouse Production.

"My clients hire me to capture not just their images, but their spirit also," says Smith. "When I take a picture, I want all of the emotion and the joy in that moment. And I hope in 50 years, someone will see a picture I took and learn something about the world we lived in."

In addition to her photography, Smith is also a yoga instructor and teaches classes on Old Mission Peninsula. She is also a member of the photographers' charitable organization, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Coreene Smith, Tavla Studio

A surf shop from Grand Haven has just opened a second store in downtown Traverse City. It's called the Wet Mitten Surf Shop, and is at 101 N. Park, right next to the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

Wet Mitten is run by two brothers, John and Ben McNeil, who actually are in their first year in business in Grand Haven, having opened the first Wet Mitten there in March. But the northern surfing culture is strong enough that they already were thinking of expansion, and Traverse City was the next natural place to open a store.

 "We're very excited for the opportunity to bring Wet Mitten to Traverse City and we want to thank each and every one of our supporters in Grand Haven who made this expansion possible," says Ben McNeil. "We've always loved northern Michigan and are excited to become part of the community and contribute to the strong group of local shops already there."

The Traverse City Wet Mitten Surf Shop opened Nov. 25 and sells stand-up paddle, surf, kite, skim, skate, boogie  and longboards, as well as apparel, and Wet Mitten-branded gear and gifts. Lessons and rentals also are available.
And to welcome new customers, they're holding a storewide grand opening sale through Christmas.

"A big thank you to the Traverse City Area Chamber and to many others who have made our transition to Traverse City such a positive one. We look forward to a great first year," says John McNeil.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ben and John McNeil, Wet Mitten Surf Shop

Holidays are about much more than just buying, giving and getting gifts--they are about enjoying the little things in life, too, like family, friends and, in the case of Live for Art Gallery in Beulah, great art.

The Live for Art Gallery will be having a Holiday Open House on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This event will allow visitors to browse the gallery to see what's new from more than a dozen artists, many of whom hail from Northern Michigan.

Those who find art that truly catches their eye can purchase it as well, which does lend the open house to be a great place to shop for that unique gift.

Live for Art Gallery showcases distinctive artistry for new and existing collections. Artist statement videos are featured to provide an understanding of each artist’s intentions and creative process.

What's more, the gallery encourages visitors to feel that creative process for themselves with a monthly creative project. A holiday wreath ornament made with buttons and ribbon is the art activity throughout December.

Live for Art Gallery features paintings, mixed media collages, pottery and photography. Currently, the gallery showcases pieces from Robert Amato, Diane Budzynowski, Shane Crabtree, Chuck Crawford, Jess Czerny, Sharon Dougherty, Nate Greenwood, Carole Lewis, Scott Markle, Jane McElroy, Mary Kay Niemiec, Lisa Thomas and Ben Wolfe.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Live for Art Gallery

It takes a true connoisseur of vinegars and oils to understand what those ingredients truly bring to the culinary landscape, and the owners of Fustini's Oils & Vinegars in Traverse City are those kinds of people.

That's why they decided to write and publish "In the Kitchen with Fustini's," a new cookbook for the oil and vinegar lover that will debut Dec. 6, just in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

The book features 66 recipes that incorporates dozens of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar pairings. Those oils and vinegars can, of course, be found at Fustini's.

The recipes, which range from appetizers to desserts, were developed by Fustini's partners as well as staff.

"Customers have been asking for a cookbook since we opened our doors," says owner Jim Milligan. "It’s finally here. I hope the book will inspire everyone to experiment with our oils and vinegars."

The book, which is $24.95, can be found at all four Fustini's retail stores after Dec. 6. The stores are located in Traverse City, Petoskey, Holland and Ann Arbor. Online shoppers can purchase it on the company's website.

Fustini’s is hosting a special cookbook launch event on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 141 E. Front Street location in Traverse City.

The public is invited to taste some flavored oils and vinegars, sample recipes from the cookbook, ask questions of the knowledgeable Fustini's staff, and more.

Fustini's will donate 10 percent of all sales that day to Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jim Milligan, Fustini's Oils & Vinegars

Sometimes getting to an Internet connection or watching television just isn't the most convenient way to get your local news while you're on the go, and TV 9&10 News recognizes that.

Which is why the news stations have decided to launch an app for Android cell phones. The new app will allow users to download the latest local and national headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, videos and weather forecasts straight from their usual local news source.

"We want to provide our viewers with the information they need via whatever technology they prefer," says Eric Spencer, IT director for 9&10 News. "We now have apps for iPhones, iPads and Androids, along with text and email alerts, all to supply news and weather to those on the go."

The app is free and is available now at the Android Market.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Eric Spencer, TV 9&10 News

There's a new twist for an old business in Ludington now that A.M. Galleries has opened its doors.

The business, which was previously Artists Market, recently revamped its business philosophy and opened the doors to its new gallery.

"We were an art supply, frame shop, and gallery all in one. When we were approached by photographer Ryan Spencer Reed with the business plan to open a high-end art gallery in Ludington we were very excited," says owner Andrew Thomas. "There came the evolution--we dropped the art supplies at that time. The birth of A.M. Galleries coincides with our respect of the business' lineage and the importance of keeping it alive while moving into the future."

The new gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at 115 West Ludington Ave.

The gallery, which has one full-time and two part-time employees, offers high-quality originals in a variety of media from artists all over the world.

"Our focus is bringing anywhere from cutting edge to classical artwork in all shapes and sizes," says Thomas. Currently, the gallery is exhibiting Reed's Detroit Forsaken exhibit and an original oil from French artist Peter Sorrell titled Standing For What.

In addition, A.M. Galleries also offers a custom picture framing studio.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Andrew Thomas, A.M. Galleries

Some Traverse City residents are the subjects of a new program to improve energy efficiency at home, and, not incidentally, save a chunk on their energy bills.

The program is called TC Saves, and is a four-way partnership between the City of Traverse City, Traverse City Light and Power, and nonprofits SEEDS and the Michigan Land Use Institute. It gives homeowners in North Traverse Heights and Oak Park the opportunity for home energy assessments at a discounted cost of $100.

Participating homeowners then receive up to $1,000 in assessments and improvements like air infiltration sealing, door testing, compact fluorescent lighting and programmable thermostat installation.

"Getting started costs very little and will immediately provide a return on your investment in complimentary efficiency upgrades," says Ben Bifoss, Traverse City manager.

Through the program, homeowners also can qualify for zero-interest loans up to $20,000 in order to make more extensive energy system improvements. The TC Saves program is part of the larger Michigan Saves program, which boosts energy-efficient methods and jobs in the energy industries.

"Conserving energy in our homes is an important way to save money, stay more comfortable, and make our community a better place," says Bifoss. "TC Saves connects homeowners to qualified local contractors who will show you exactly how your home wastes energy, figure out how to plug those leaks, and save you money."

Assessments will be performed by James Anderson Builders or Brown Lumber. The program will continue either through the end of the year, or until funding runs out.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ben Bifoss, City of Traverse City

Brilliant Books, a staple on the literary scene in Northwest Michigan with its Suttons Bay location, has expanded with a second storefront that is located on Front Street in Traverse City.

The bookstore, owned by Peter Makin, opened its second location at 118 East Front Street--a location Makin says he couldn't pass up.

"Traverse City is the place to be in Northwest Michigan, and Front Street is the place to be in Traverse City," says Makin. "We are excited about this new phase in Brilliant Books' life. We think we can add to the vibrant, rich culture of Traverse City."

Makin, who has five employees at the Suttons Bay location, will be adding five to seven employees for the new Traverse City store.

For those who have been fans of Brilliant Books since it opened in 2007, there's nothing to worry about in the new location--all the old services, such as a great selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as Book of the Month, memberships and pre-orders will continue.

And that's not all.

"We will continue to have outstanding author events at both Brilliant Books locations," says Makin.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Peter Makin, Brilliant Books