Development News

Thompson Surgical knows the value of keeping their product in the domestic markets as well as those internationally. That's why the company, based in Traverse City, has decided to expand to provide the highest level of on-site clinical, customer service and support for hospitals and staffs by adding domestic distributors in 13 states.

Those distributors will help keep surgeons and hospitals up to date on the latest technologies, training and techniques.

The states that have seen the added distributors are North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Colombia.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to more directly reach our growing customer base through these seasoned distributors, says Dan Farley, president of Thompson Surgical. "Their on-site availability and knowledge will be of great benefit to the surgical teams in their areas."

Thompson is known for their systems used in a number of surgical specialties, including retractor systems, handles and blade kits in different sizes. Thompson is well known for retractor system specialty use in general and vascular, spine surgeries, as well as kidney and liver transplant.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Dan Farley, Thompson Surgical

Like bagels? Then why not go out and get yourself some Biga Better Bagels?

Ron Graham, the owner of a store with that very name on 14th Street in Traverse City, opened the doors to his new bagel shop last Wednesday.

There, customers can expect to find bagels made with certified organic flour, homage croissants, muffins, cookies, cinnamon rolls, bread pudding, quiche, breakfast sandwiches and some lunch selections.

What you won't find is a barista.

"We only concentrate on what we can do well," says Graham. "We are not a coffee shop, bakery or café. We have our signature items--bagels, croissants, egg and cheese sandwiches, a few lunch items for convenience and some sweets. That's what we are about and, hopefully, the people that enjoy those things will stop by and see us."

Biga Better Bagels will have a dozen flavors of bagels made from local ingredients whenever possible each and every day. Supplies will be received from American Spoon Foods, Brownwood Farms and Higher Grounds.

And, of course, some fruit vendors as well.

"Our fruit bagels like cherry cherry and bangin' blueberry are becoming very popular," says Graham.

There will also be a daily feature that will be rotated in and out along with the store's core menu items.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ron Graham, Leaven Bros. Biga Better Bagels

Ever been driving through the U.P. and you see what might be the perfect campground or place to throw a line in the water, but just didn't have enough notice to stop? That's one of many situations the new Michigan Department of Natural Resources Blackberry, Android and iPhone app can help with.

It's called the MI Camping and Recreation Locator, and it's now available at BlackBerry App World, Android Market and the iPhone App Store. Users will find information on state parks, forest campgrounds, boat launches and other outdoor activities, including searches, maps, GPS tracking, click-to-call phone numbers and rules and regulations, just to name a few.

Campers will be delighted by campground specs and other nearby lodging options; boaters can look up names and sizes for lakes, rivers and ponds, ramp, boat launch and parking details; and outdoors folks will enjoy the detailed info on swimming, hiking, horseback riding and other recreational offerings.

The app was developed between the DNR and the state Department of Technology Management and Budget as part of efforts to help residents and visitors make better use of state parks and recreational activities--as well as provide better customer service through the app.

"The use of technology to improve customer service will help Michigan residents and visitors enhance their outdoor experience," says DNR Director Rodney Stokes. "This is the first of many apps we hope to develop to help our customers enjoy Michigan's great outdoors."

For more details on the app, go here.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Rodney Stokes, MDNR

The mommy blogger world and the children's book world are intersecting in an unusual way in the latest offering from Green and Clean Mom Press in Petoskey.

Sommer Poquette, the blogger behind Green and Clean Mom, set out to write a children's book to help explain to her own children and other bloggers' children what it is they do, and why.

The new book was released this summer and is titled My Mommy is a Blogger! It's a 32-page, full-color hardcover book written for kids ages four to eight.

Poquette's blogging credentials are impressive, having been named one of Nielsen Online's top mommy bloggers in 2009, and having been mentioned in the New York Times, ABC News Online and other national media outlets. She's spent the last four years building Green Clean Mom and along the way, found herself presented with the challenge of explaining to her kids and other family members what a mommy blogger is and what she does online, which led to the book.

"It's exciting to share with others my love for blogging and working with brands but also how our words have meaning and influence others. My Mommy is a Blogger, really helps all ages understand blogging but it also addresses online privacy and bullying. There is so much buzz about mom bloggers and when I heard my child struggle to explain what I do, I knew I needed to write a book that will help children understand this new online profession," Poquette says.

Poquette is a consultant, brand marketer and public speaker, as well as fulfilling the job titles of blogger, mom and now author. She has a master's degree in early childhood education and is a state-certified elementary grades teacher.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Sommer Poquette, Green and Clean Mom

The new economy is all about Internet access, and it's coming to Empire this summer. June 23 marked the celebration of a new wireless infrastructure provided by the Village of Empire.

Paul Skinner is the chair for the village's wi-fi planning commission and says the new network means only good things for its future.

"Access to global connectivity plays a critical role in the process of placemaking and attracting economic activity to the Village of Empire. The potential impacts to the village's sense of place, and benefits to the local economy through helping business operations and start-ups, as well as the increased connectivity for the tourism industry are very exciting," he says. "We can't put a figure on that revenue yet, but we will and we're certain it will bring the village very positive economic results for the long term."

It's been a cooperative effort between the village, Leelanau County and the Grand Vision, and part of the startup costs were provided by a $20,000 Community Growth Grant from the Northwest Michigan Council of Goverments.

The new wi-fi service covers the commercial corridor of the village, including West Front Street, the area of Village Park, along Lake Michigan Drive, and part of Niagara Street.

It'll be billed as a village utility, available for $3 per day, $20 per week or $30 per month.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Paul Skinner, Empire Wi-Fi Planning Commission

A state organization focusing on business innovation is coming to Northwest Michigan, with the announcement of a new local chairman in Petoskey.

Erik Larson, president and owner of Bean Fields Professional Services, LLC, in Petoskey, will be the new chair for Vistage Michigan's Northern Michigan Chief Executive Group. The group is a networking and strategizing organization open to business leaders in the area.

Larson was chosen as the group leader from his background in management consulting and psychotherapy, including a professional focus on strategic planning, organizational cultures, and executive leadership, all things that Vistage Michigan discusses.

"Erik Larson has proven that business leaders can change their lives if they receive the tools to help them," says Robert Holland, CEO and chairman of Vistage Michigan. "There is no better candidate than Erik to introduce Vistage Michigan into northern Michigan."

Larson previously has been a senior examiner for the Michigan Quality Leadership Awards, and chair for Leadership Little Traverse. He lives in Horton Bay and will be the advisor, mentor and business coach to the Chief Executive Group, which includes coaching sessions with individual members, and leadership of group workshops throughout the year.

Vistage has 12 similar groups, all in southeast Michigan, consisting of about 15 members per group.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Robert Holland, Vistage Michigan

American Waste and Recycling of Kalkaska just seems to keep expanding, and the latest such expansion is a no-brainer for a waste company; recycling.

The company has built a new $8.5-million recycling facility on Hughes Drive in Traverse City, which will be able to recycle plastics and all sorts of other materials, including food packaging.

Kelly Ignace is the director of marketing and public relations for American Waste and Recycling and says the facility will go through test runs in late June in preparation for opening.

American Waste has been running a recycling program since 2005, and opened a new branch in Kalkaska in 2008. (What did we tell you about the growth?) They employ more than 240 people in their pickup area, which is pretty large, from Cheboygan to Manistee.

Ignace says the new facility will enable American Waste customers to put all their recycling in one container and send it to one place.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kelly Ignace, American Waste and Recycling

The world of online entrepreneurship has opened so many doors since the Internet first became a household word that the benefits created are incalculable. But for one Beulah woman, the benefits of the doors the Internet helped open for her are as real as the brick and mortar art gallery she recently opened.

Mary Lane began her Live for Art gallery online with hopes of promoting artistic expression. Now, she's continuing that mission with her new location in downtown Beulah.

"I am tremendously excited about opening an art gallery in downtown Beulah because I feel that I have an incredible opportunity to promote Great Lakes artists and to build lasting relationships with the community," says Lane. "I feel passionate about the creative process and I want to capitalize on the year-round traffic that Beulah has by bringing art alive through interactive activities. The gallery will have an open, warm, inviting feel that fosters a love of art and the creative process."

Live for Art Gallery is a unique studio experience showcasing distinctive artistry for new and existing collections. Artist statement videos are featured to provide an understanding of each artist's intentions and creative process. Guests are also encouraged to become engaged in the creative process through monthly interactive activities.

At the opening, the gallery will showcase pieces from Robert Amato, Diane Budzynowski, Shane Crabtree, Jess Czerny, Nate Greenwood, Carole Lewis, Scott Markle, Jane McElroy, Mary Kay Niemeic and Ben Wolfe. Gallery art will consist of paintings, mixed media collages, pottery and photography with additional mediums and artists being added as the gallery plants roots in Beulah and continues to grow.

Live for Art Gallery will be open year-round. During summer hours, the gallery will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Winter hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mary Lane, Live for Art Gallery

If you go to Traverse City Eye anytime soon and you don't think you recognize one of the doctors there, don't worry--it's just that your eyes are going bad.

Nah, we're just kidding. It's because Traverse City Eye had decided to expand its team by bringing in Dr. Carl Erickson, who will work at the Traverse City and Kalkaska offices.

Erickson, who specializes in the management of ocular disease and chronic eye conditions, will begin seeing patients immediately.

"We are extremely pleased to have Carl join our practice," says Dr. Kenneth Gum, one of Traverse City Eye's practice partners. "We are certain his education, experience and specialty care will serve as an asset to Traverse City Eye as we strive to continue our growth as an eye care leader in the Grand Traverse area."

Erickson brings with him a strong resume. He graduated from Central Michigan University and then Ferris State University's School of Optometry before serving his residency in Ocular Disease and Primary Care at the Northern Indiana Veterans' Affairs Health Care System. He specialized in the management of ocular diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes and other chronic eye conditions.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Dr. Kenneth Gum, Traverse City Eye

There's a new choice for local Italian food in Traverse City, as Spaghetti Jim's Market and café has opened on South Airport Road.

Jim Abfalter may be familiar to some already from his cooking demonstrations at the Grand Traverse Commons Farmer's Market. Now, he's bringing his most popular recipes, along with fresh-made pastas, sauces and other authentic Italian dishes, to his own restaurant and store.

Spaghetti Jim's offers both fresh ingredients for customers to take home and cook, and a menu of Italian dishes to eat in or take out. Abfalter's menu includes a list of "8 Buck Lunches," offering up signature dishes like pasta Bolognese, spaghetti with fresh mozzarella, stuffed meatballs, pasta Alfredo, Thai peanut noodles, saffron linguine and Buffalo wing fettuccine.

"Since we're making fresh pasta every day, we decided to open a café where people can order their favorite dish made with the freshest ingredients available," says Abfalter. "Customers can eat in, take out, or pick up all the ingredients for a fresh Italian meal on the way home from work."

The menu also has vegetarian options, and changes daily based on seasonal produce and local products. Spaghetti Jim's Market and Café is at 1133B S. Airport Road, across from Cherryland Center. It's open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jim Abfalter, Spaghetti Jim's

It looks like there is going to be yet another reason to enjoy heading to Northwest Michigan for your Fourth of July celebrations.

The city of Charlevoix will be hosting for the first-time ever an "Up North Fourth," which will take place July 2 at the city's award-winning East Park. The event will feature a picnic, which will include an impressive 10 varieties of beer offered by Short's Brewery. In addition, there will be some backyard favorites that include ribs to pulled pork to potato salad to some less-than-typical picnic fare like mouth-watering whitefish tacos.

The festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. and will include live music by Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys as well as Euforquestra. Entertainment will also include hula hoop performers and African hand-drumming ensembles.

General admission tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids under five will be admitted for free. To add to the thirst-quenching Short's Brewery Experience, add another $20 per person and you'll be treated to a commemorative pint glass and five 7-ounce pours of premium suds.

The event will run until 8 p.m.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Ga Ga For Kids and the Chamber of Commerce in downtown Charlevoix or can be purchased online here.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Porterhouse Productions

In six years, Armor Express in Central Lake has seen such success that the company is planning a new expansion.

Armor Express is led by president and CEO Matt Davis, and makes ballistic-resistant body armor and accessories. It's become one of the top three law enforcement armor suppliers in the U.S., and has seen its sales to law enforcement jump by 32 percent in 2010, so more good things are yet to come.

The expansion includes a new location a few miles away, and about 45,000 square feet of space, which will help Armor Express keep producing its orders and meet future growth goals, like adding more employees and equipment. The company now employs about 100 people.

The new location has historic meaning for Davis; the expansion includes the former buildings of Second Chance, another body armor company founded by his father, Richard, in 1972. Second Chance was acquired by a defense company, BAE Systems, in 2005, and moved to Florida.

"The expertise and accomplishments of those original employees became the pedigree from which our present-day company was formed," Davis says. "We now have the opportunity to move this next generation business into facilities where so many of the early products were designed and produced-- it'll be both an honor and privilege for us to carry out our work there. I know that for me and many Armor Express employees, it's going to be an extremely emotional and fulfilling experience to occupy those facilities."

Armor Express currently offers a broad product line including ballistic vests, correctional armor and concealable armor and accessories for men and women.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Matt Davis, Armor Express

One of the best things about the new Big O Microbrewery?

You just never know who you're going to find brewing there or what is going to be on tap.

That's the way Stan Silverman likes it. That and, of course, making sure everyone who comes to the Big O has a lot of fun.

"We will have wins, some beers, ciders--and fun," says Silverman, who is also the owner of Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery. "This is the fun winery."

And, in turn, it's going to be the fun microbrewery in Leelanau County--of course, it's the only microbrewery in the county, but who's counting?

Big O is located at 9825 Engles Road, about three miles south of Northport just up the N. Manitou Trail (M-22) from Leland. The official opening was this past weekend, so interested visitors can be some of the first in what expects to be a long line of folks stopping in for a treat.

Silverman says the new operation won't add permanent staff to the winery because they are planning on using guest brewers to concoct some new brews for visitors to imbibe.

"As I said, we are the fun winery and many--especially men--want to try beers," says Silverman. "I play to the audience, and we have a lot of young tasters."

For a sample of what Big O is brewing, stop in at the Good Neighbors tasting room, created from recycled materials, and have a taste. While you're there, learn a bit about the various aspects of organic agriculture and wine making from the regions only completely organic winery.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Stan Silverman, Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery

Those looking for original jewelry--especially that featuring natural stones from Michigan and around the world--need to look no further than the newly-opened On the Rocks.

The store, located at 139 East Front Street, is owned by Spencer and Jesse Shattuck and Kathryn Wilson.

The jewelry at the store includes one-of-a-kind pieces in sterling silver and 14K gold. Each original piece was created by Wilson, who has been a metalsmith for over 35 years, and the stones used in the creation of the jewelry was cut and polished by Gary Wilson, a lifelong lapidary.

"We also have minerals and fossils, some personal accessories and some house wares items made from stone and fossil materials," says Spencer Shattuck.

Some of the Michigan stones available at the store include Leland Blue, Fordite (made of vintage auto paint from Ford and General Motors), Petoskey stones, and Copper Country materials from the Upper Peninsula, which include mineshaft and bubble basalt as well as native copper ore and Mohawkite.

Currently the store is typically open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. However, Shattuck noted that they have been known to stay open later than 6 p.m. many of the days they have had their storefront open.

On the Rocks is staffed by the owners and two part-time employees.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Spencer Shattuck, On the Rocks

What's that delicious smell wafting through the streets of Traverse City?

The international fare available at Xylo Bistro, of course.

Matt Walheim, 52, recently opened the doors to this boutique restaurant, which features an extensive carry-out menu chocked full of mouth-watering items. Deli sandwiches piled high, foccacia pizzas, salads and, yes, even two-foot subs--many items which Walheim perfected as the owner of the Silvertree Deli and Gourmet Market. Local items such as Northwoods Soda and syrups as well as High Grounds and Leelanau Roasting coffee can be found on the menu as well.

Xylo also has a great selection of desserts and pastries made by past chef Magdalena Bagi, who is known locally for her covered wagons pastries that have made several "best of" lists over the years.

But, that's not all. When dinner time rolls around, dishes such as Chicken Paprikash, Thai Noodles, Shrimp Saganaki, Tilapia Tosca, Steak Strips in a Citrus Buerre Blanc and The Frikendel Special come out to play, all to the delight of diners who have already discovered the new location.

"Basically, I put on the menu items I have had and liked over my years of working and traveling," says Walheim.

Customers who visit Xylo can expect a relaxed atmosphere with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that isn't afraid to showcase a tie-dyed shirt and talk about the various pieces of art on the wall, which is local and changes periodically.

Currently, Xylo has 15 employees and is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. during the week and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are only open Sundays seasonally, including now until after the peak Summer months.

The best way to find them? Head to the Right Brain Brewery, have a brew or two, and then stop by right next door (in the same building) and grab a bite to eat.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Matt Walheim, Xylo