Development News

If you're in Petoskey and you've got that feeling like nothing is going to quench your thirst like a great beer, then head on over to Beards Brewery, which opened its doors this month.

The brewery, which is located at 207-A Howard Street and opwned by Ben Slocum and Peter Manthei, currently offers up four different styles of beer at a time and they are available by the glass or in a to-go growler.

Currently the tap room is open Thursday through Saturday in the early evening hours. As the amount of beer on hand grows, the hours and the selections will expand as well.

The brewery's aim is at the younger crowd, but the owners aren't going to turn back anyone interested in trying their beers, some of which will include fruits in the recipe and, potentially, items as unexpected as bacon.

For more information about the brewery, their operating hours and more, check out the Beards Brewery Facebook page.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Beards Brewery

To get ahead in this world, you have to be aggressive and know what it is your company needs in order to grow in the right direction. Frontier Computer Corp., based in Traverse City, knows exactly what it needs and it sure isn't afraid to go after it.

The company is now actively pursuing government contracts, procurement, and teaming opportunities, with a specially developed government sales division.

The company also adds to their list of qualifications a HUBZone Certification, provided by the Small Business Administration to qualifying companies that operate and employ people in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Because of this HUBZone Certification, Frontier Computer Corp. was recently awarded their first federal government contract in July by the United States Marine Corps.

The contract consists of Microsoft Licensing based off Frontier’s North American Industry Classification System code 511210.

Frontier has been n business for more than 36 years and is known for its top-quality products, great employees and outstanding management of IT assets.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Fred Kopplow, Frontier Computers

It's always unfortunate to have to seek out such services, but they are a necessity nonetheless. It's experts like those at Gaylord Funeral and Cremation Service that make the requirement just a bit more easy to handle.

Joe Messenger is the owner and manager of the new funeral home. He has more than 30 years in the field and recently moved back to the Gaylord area and opened his own business. Gaylord Funeral and Cremation focuses on making the difficult time as easy as possible for those grieving. The business offers several options for those in need of their services and focuses on making everyone feel as comfortable as possible.

Gaylord Funeral and Cremation Service is located at 850 North Center Avenue and is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., though Messenger is available 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Joe Messenger, Gaylord Funeral and Cremation Service

Pro Web Marketing, based in Traverse City, has a new location thanks to its acquisition of JBR Graphics in Charlevoix.

The company, which focuses on web design and development, has been expanding its staff and market area in recent months to help keep up with client demand. With the acquisition of JBR Graphics, Pro Web now has a new office and staff--it will simply change the sign.

"We’re excited to provide more robust services to JBR clients and have a second location,” says Ryan Goddard, owner of Pro Web. "The change will be transparent to existing JBR customers. We are growing, we are expanding, and it is great for the local community.

JBR Graphics owners, John and Bobbie Rathjens had been doing web design since 2003 and created JBR in 2007. The deal that will double Pro Web’s client base has been in the works for a couple of months.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ryan Goddard, Pro Web

For those in Northwest Michigan who are fans to listening to sports radio, then you're in luck because Fox Sports and ESPN are coming to your airwaves.

WCCW-AM Sports Talk 1310 recently announced that it is launching FOX Sports Radio 130, which will include the highly-rated Jim Rome show and the Dan Patrick Show, as well as a focus on Detroit Sports including the tigers, Red Wings, Lions, Pistons and University of Michigan Wolverines football.

ESPN Radio will be hitting the FM airwaves in Northern Michigan. In Gaylord and Petoskey it will be at 106.7 WSRT and in Traverse City it will be 105.5 WSRJ. The all-day, every-day sports format will include upgraded local coverage as well as gathering and sharing local sports information for the communities in the coverage areas.

Both stations will be making the switch Aug. 30.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Charlie Furguson, Northern Broadcast, Inc.

This week will mark the official grand re-opening of Benjamin Twiggs in Traverse City. The local cherry icon has moved next door to its previous location, to 1213 East Front Street, and so far, the response has been great, says owner Julie Millen.

"We've been operating in our new location for six weeks, and the reactions from customers have been outstanding," says Millen.

Benjamin Twiggs will be having a grand opening event from 5 to 8 p.m. June 21, which will feature refreshments using the store's signature cherry products, and prize drawings throughout the event. The public is welcome to come and check out the new store, which includes notes of local history and art.

"We are excited to showcase our eight-foot, stained glass window that once hung decades ago, as well as a cherry tree mural painted by employee and interior designer Gretchen Knoblock," Millen says.

The cherry products company opened in 1966, one of the first shops to feature cherry products in northern Michigan. In 2011, it was named a Top 10 Chamber of Commerce Small Business.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Julie Millen, Benjamin Twiggs

Women looking to find a one-stop shop that offers up contemporary choices along with all the right accessories won't have to look past the newly opened door of Relish.

The store, owned by Tracey Gabel, is one of the newest additions to the newly-renovated Warehouse Marketplace in Traverse City. There, customers can find a selection of contemporary women's clothing, young contemporary clothing, shoes, jewelry, scarves and more.

"Customers can expect a fun, friendly environment," says Gabel, who has three employees to help best serve the Traverse City crowd.

Currently the store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information, visit Relish's Facebook page.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tracey Gabel, Relish

Want to get a little taste of the wide variety of distilled spirits, handcrafted beers and locally-produced wines being produced at Mission Table? Well, you're in luck.

The Old Mission peninsula Landmark, which is already home to Mission Table Restaurant, The Peninsula Room and Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Brewery, recently announced the opening of the Tasting Room. There, Mission Table is able to showcase their artisan-crafted Civilized Spirits, Bonafide Wines, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and North Peak Beers.

"It is so exciting for us to be able to offer tastings of our Civilized Spirits, Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak beers, and Bonafide Wines in this beautiful new space," says chef Paul Olson, a managing partner. "Alongside our restaurants, The Tasting Room really gives us the opportunity to showcase our dedication to small batch artisan distilling and brewing. Equally important to showing off the end result of that small batch craft is our commitment to using as many local ingredients in all our products and menus whenever they are available."

The 2,300-square-foot space encompasses the Mission Table bar and two smaller dining rooms off the bar. All spirits, beers and wines are available for retail purchase by the bottle or case, along with company apparel, glassware, clothing and locally produced jams and salsas.

There is a $5 tasting fee which includes five samples in any combination of the spirits, beers or wines from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. The fee can then be used as a credit toward the retail purchase of spirits, beers and wines.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Paul Olson, Mission Table

Fans of hitting the water for some recreation will be thrilled with the offerings of a new store in Charlevoix--Schulman Paddleworks.

The store, owned and operated by Bill and Jack Schulman, is located on Boyne City Road and stocks paddles, kayaks, canoes and boating supplies.

The Schulmans are big outdoors enthusiasts, knowing their way around the woods and water and have developed their store around that knowledge. What's more is their support of other small businesses, which is where the bulk of their products are manufactured instead of the large brand names.

Some of the products available are made by Naish, Stormy Kromer, Whiskey Jack and Arcteryx.

One item that may be of interest to those who enjoy up-and-coming sports are the stand-up paddleboards made by Naish.

For more information about Schulman Paddleworks, such as their store hours, visit the store's website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Bill and Jack Schulman, Schulman Paddleworks

Reinvention is important in this day and age, and that goes doubly for those who are looking to keep their businesses fresh and innovative and at the forefront of the minds of their customers.

Stacy Colombo is well aware of that, which is exactly why she held a "reinvention sale" at her former Holiday Traditions store earlier this year before re-opening it as the Red Ostrich last month.

The Red Ostrich, named so because of Colombo's love for the birds, carried jewelry, candles, home decor, furniture and more. It is located at 110 East Front Street in Traverse City.

For more information about the store, please visit their Facebook page via this link.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Stacy Colombo, Red Ostrich

If you've got an eclectic taste in what you like to shop for but don't want to hit a lot of places to make your day complete, then you probably want to stop over at the newest addition to the Traverse City business scene--Exclusively Walter, which is owned and operated by Martha Groves and Kathy Augustine.

This consignment store and design studio, which can be found at 2812 Garfield Road, has a interesting variety of products and services. From custom furniture to fine arts, antiques, crafts, home decorating products to jewelry and more, Exclusively Walter seems to have it all. If that weren't enough, the business also offers design services, commissioned art and a variety of classes.

Exclusively Walter is also looking for consignment items and local artists who would like to display their work at the store. In addition, there is room for vendors to lease space in the 2,200-square-foot warehouse and showroom.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Martha Groves and Kathy Augustine, Exclusively Walter

A Traverse City alternative energy company is pursuing its latest product development idea in a new way: using Kickstarter to find financial backers. The product is the tPOD1 system, a small, portable electrical generator about the size of a soup can, that can be powered by a tealight-sized candle. It converts the heat from the candle into light with a lamp attachment, or into enough electricity to charge a cell phone or smartphone. Tellurex Corporation designed it to provide power in off-grid locations like a campsite, or for use in developing countries as an on-demand power source.

In developing countries, the tPOD1 could provide a clean method of lighting a home, versus typical kerosene-fueled fires that are hazardous and produce toxic fumes in small homes. It produces a few hours of power at a time. It also has potential markets in North America, such as in backcountry camping or hiking, or as an emergency backup power system in cases where medical attention or rescue are needed in a natural disaster. Tellurex says the tPOD1 can provide light for first aid or food preparation, and a cell phone charging station to contact rescuers.

The patent is pending on the product, but in the meantime, Tellurex hopes to get financial backing from many supporters through the online Kickstarter, which allows individuals to back projects with small amounts of money. At certain pledge levels, Tellurex commits to deliver the system to developing countries with the help of Rotary International.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tellurex Corporation

Huntington Bank has announced an agreement with Meijer stores in Northwest Michigan to open bank branches in several of the large retailer's locations.

Among them are the stores in Petoskey and Gaylord. Huntington isn't exactly an unknown name in the area already; there are regular branch locations and ATMs in Traverse City, Leland, Kalkaska, Empire and Bellaire, among others.

The Meijer's locations will be full-service bank branches, offering extended hours.

"Huntington and Meijer share the same, long-held commitment to customer service, convenience and our local communities," says Steve Steinour, chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Bank. "We look forward to giving consumers and small business owners more convenience through seven-day-a-week, in-store banking at Meijer store locations throughout the state of Michigan."

The Ohio-based bank has about 120 locations in Michigan; its partnership with the Grand Rapids-based Meijer will bring that number to about 200. The branches will open over a period of the next few years, and Steinour says the interiors will be designed by Michigan office furniture firm Steelcase.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Steve Steinour, Huntington Bank

There's a new dentist in Traverse City looking for new clients.

The new Aspen Dental office recently opened at 3375 South Airport Road West and began accepting new clients just last week. The practice, run by Julie Dugan, DDS, will provide dental services that range from dentures to preventative care to general dentistry and restoration. In addition, Aspen offers full exams, hygiene services, treatment of gum disease, tooth extraction, fillings, oral surgery, whitening and crown and bridge work.

The new office is equipped with digital radiography equipment and offers advanced screening for oral cancer.

Aspen Dental prides itself on its ability to personalize services for each individual.

"Quick-fix solutions don't solve larger or chronic oral health problems," the company states in a prepared release. "That's why Aspen Dental takes a comprehensive approach to dental care. Following the initial exam and X-rays, each patient receives a customized treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind."

Dugan, who received her DDS degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, has been practicing dentistry for more than 23 years, including owning her own private practice. Both her father and grandfather were dentists, and she grew up spending time and working in their offices.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Aspen Dental

A vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurant is coming to downtown Traverse City.

The Om Café, a restaurant that has been successful in Ferndale, is now opening a second location in TC, on Cass Street. The Om Café is family-owned and focuses on vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with local wines and beers. The original in Ferndale has been open since 1985, started and still owned and managed by Colleen Smiley.

Her son and café co-owner, Jason Thibodeau, has been a part of the Ferndale restaurant for many years, and now will move to Traverse City to open the new location. He says the family has always loved Traverse City and made many visits here over the years.

"It seems like a perfect fit," says Thibodeau, speaking of the area's locavore and foodie culture, and increasing local awareness of natural, organic and alternative food options.

The Traverse City location will have the same basic menu as in Ferndale, but with additions, made possible by a larger kitchen.

The northern version of Om Café is set to open in June or early July. Among Thibodeau's planned offerings are appetizers, gourmet pizzas, classic vegetable stews, fish dishes, and an all-organic cocktail menu.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jason Thibodeau, Om Café