Development News

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

Those in need of counseling services have a new place they can turn to now that Sarah Hubbell has opened Hubbell Counseling in Traverse City.

The new location, which is located at 134 W. State Street above Living Light Massage, offers general counseling services as well as Hubbell's specialty in working with children and adolescents.

"I have specialized in working with children within the child welfare system over the past three years, and I hope to hone in on my counseling skills through private practice," says Hubbell, who also works at a local non-profit agency.

Hubbell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University and a Master's of Arts degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University. She is licensed with the state of Michigan as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor.

For more information about Hubbell and how to contact her for an appointment, please visit her website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Sarah Hubbell, Hubbell Counseling

It's going to be nice and hot in mid-August in Traverse City. Thankfully for those looking to quench their thirst, there's going to be a new place in which they can do it: 7 Monks Taproom.

Matt Cozzens and Jim Smolak are hoping to have the 7 Monks open and running by late July, and those interested in trying a boatload of beers will not be disappointed when they visit the taproom. Cozzens, who said the new business is at 128 South Union Street, will have plenty of selections.

So what can visitors expect?

"A tap wall holding 40 to 50 taps dedicated to local craft beers, some rare domestic and internationals amidst a relaxed environment," Cozzens answers. "We have a heightened focus on craft ales and lagers. This gives everyone an opportunity to taste an array of different beers from local and distant regions, on tap, at the same place."

Some local examples that are expected to be on tap include: Short's, Founders, Bell's, new Holland, Rochester Mills Brewing Co., Arbor Brewing Co., Dark Horse Brewing and Arcadia Ales. Domestic examples include: Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Bear republic Brewery, Anchor, North Coast Brewing and Victory. International examples include: La Chouffe, Lindemans, Delirium Tremens and Unibroue.

Don't expect to get either owner to say they have a favorite, either. Cozzens said the firm belief at 7 Monks is "there's no one beer that's better than another, it is totally dependent on what each person finds as their favorite--and that often changes."

In addition to beer, 7 Monks will offer wine, cider and, possibly, local meads on tap. Appropriate glassware will be used to derive specific aromas and tastes as well.

The owners also hope to have a limited food menu that will be focused on the region's local farms.

Cozzens and Smolak will be doing more than just providing some tasty brews and eats to Traverse City, too--they'll be adding a boost to the local economy by hiring between 20 and 25 employees to help run 7 Monks.

For more information about 7 Monks, visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Matt Cozzens, 7 Monks Taproom

What do you associate with Gwen Frostic? Nature-themed prints, writings, books, or her nature preserve, maybe. All these are serving as the inspiration for a new performance piece called Chaotic Harmony, from a duo of northern Michigan artists, to premiere this summer.

Choreographer Gretchen Eichberger of the Northwest Michigan Folklife Center is co-directing the production with playwright Anne-Marie Oomen, and says the piece centers on the legacy of Gwen Frostic, using choral text, music and dance.

"Creating dances about regional culture is something I wish to center my work around," says Eichberger. "We all live in areas that have their own unique physical and cultural geography. This base provides us with a common heritage and framework for building economically and socially sustainable systems of living. I see our region of northwest lower Michigan as a critical place for the bioregionalism movement. The legacy of Gwen Frostic, a Michigan icon, is one that deserves a place of prominence in our region."

The musical compositions for Chaotic Harmony are coming from Michigan trio Breathe Owl Breathe, while Eichberger and Oomen have rounded up a troupe of the region's most talented dancers and performers to put on the piece.

The thought behind the creation of Chaotic Harmony came as a collaboration between Eichberger and Oomen, in honor of the tenth anniversary of Frostic's death.

"(Eichberger) wanted to honor regional women who were visionaries and risk-takers, and Gwen was sometimes overlooked," says Oomen. "Together, we began to reread Frostic's powerful meditations, which are oh so relevant to today's environmental crisis. In Frostic's reverence for the natural world, we found a kindred spirit."

A public preview will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 12 at Eastern Michigan University's Parsons Center in Lake Ann, and include a short lecture and Q&A session on the creation of the production. The premiere will come in August, at a to-be-announced venue in Benzie County.

It's supported by Gwen Frostic Prints, the Parsons Center, ISLAND, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Northwest Michigan Folklife Center and the Gwen Frostic School of Art at Western Michigan University.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Gretchen Eichberger, Northwest Michigan Folklife Center

How's this for a statistic: 90 percent of the people who visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore never get further than 50 feet off a paved path. Really? There's so much more to experience, and a Glen Arbor expedition and guide company is aiming to get people further out there into the park.

River Eco Tour Company offers fishing, boating, hiking, biking and photography tours of various parts of the lakeshore, park and surrounding area, with several experienced guides.

"We employ seasoned guides that specialize in what we like to call "silent sports" focusing on hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing," says Mike Sutherland, who guides fishing and boating tours for the company.

The River may already be familiar to area residents or frequent visitors, since it operates kayak and tube rentals in Glen Arbor and Traverse City, as well as bike rentals in Traverse City.

This summer, they're trying to get the word out about new ways to explore the Leelanau and Sleeping Bear Dunes, with excursions like fishing trips on Tucker Lake, or the "First on the River" early-morning wildlife sighting boat tours.

"There are ten inland lakes within ten miles of our liveries on the Crystal and Boardman Rivers that are habitat to nesting loons, beaver, otter, bald eagles and migrating sandhill cranes," says Sutherland of the experiences the tours can offer. "Northern Pike, smallmouth bass, perch and bluegill all can be caught from our Jackson Coosa fishing kayaks."

Sutherland is originally from Glen Arbor and has years of experience at the helm of a boat, both on Lake Michigan, inland lakes, and in the Bahamas and Florida, as well as Nantucket. He says one lesser-known but great snorkeling spot is Pyramid Point, which hosts two shallow-water shipwrecks.

River Eco Tours also offers a range of biking tours, from beginner-level to advanced, and between one and six hours long; a range of hiking tours, over the dunes and from easy to strenuous.

You can contact River Eco Tours through its website to arrange any of the excursions.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mike Sutherland, River Eco Tour Company

If you've ever thought you'd like to duplicate a meal at Grand Traverse Resort's Aerie restaurant or a day of relaxation at its spa, you're in luck, because a store offering these among its attractions is opening this week in downtown Traverse City.

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa will open a storefront at 300 E. Front Street in Traverse City, in the Radio Centre building, on Thursday, May 19, says resort public relations manager J. Michael D'Agostino.

It's a partnership with the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg and the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge in Peshawbestown, which, along with the resort, all are owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The new store is called Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos -- The Store, and will be open year-round, starting out with a full, seven-day-a-week schedule through the summer.

Its offerings include Dylan's Candy Bar merchandise, golf apparel and Grand Traverse Resort logo wear, spa products, a wedding display, a cooking demonstration area from the Aerie Restaurant, and a section of merchandising and display dedicated to the casinos and Native culture.

Besides merchandise, the store will be able to serve as something of an information center for the three properties in downtown Traverse City, with gift cards, shuttle service to the resort, and the ability to make reservations for activities at the resort. It also will be offering classes and activities like chair massages from Spa Grand Traverse, cooking classes, and golf clinics, says D'Agostino.

The store will be managed by Gay Lynn Hedges, also the resort's downtown concierge. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: J. Michael D'Agostino, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Progress is being made in the printing world in Traverse City.

Myers Printing was recently acquired by Progress Printers after several decades of service. The result? Progress Printers, with more than 148 years of service in Traverse City, will close the old Myers location.

"We are excited for this opportunity to provide an excellent printing experience for a wider range of clients in the region," states Jim Novak, president of Progress Printers.

Myers Printing Service offered traditional printing services to clients throughout the region.

Progress Printing is a family-owned and operated business. They are able to print nearly anything, including brochures, posters and stationary and use vegetable-based inks when possible.

"We take pride in offering high-quality services at a reasonable rate with our two-Color Hamada Press and five-Color Heidelberg Press for traditional printing and our Xerox 700 for digital printing," states Novak.

Besides custom printing, they also offer binding, cutting, laminating, mounting and in-house mailing services. This past winter they upgraded their equipment and have staff in place to fulfill additional requests to mail with variable data.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jim Novak, Progress Printers

Traverse Legal, PLC has already expanded to other states, with offices in California and Virginia. Now they're looking southward again with the opening of a new office in Austin, Texas.

Traverse Legal is, naturally, based in Traverse City. The firm specializes in Internet-related legal issues and so far, has expanded in locations that offer growth in that industry.

"We view Austin as a market that has weathered the recession, and is now positioned for extraordinary growth, especially in the technology sector," says Enrico Schaefer, managing partner of the firm. "We want to be there for those companies to help them achieve their business objectives."

But the firm has a much wider array of clients than simply tech companies, like already-signed-on Austin client Choosewhat.com, which offers small business services.s

"These days, every company has a website, and is confronting legal issues related to their online presence." says Schaefer. "Since we understand the internet and the back-end technology that drives it, we can help."

Attorney Robert Kleinman will manage the Austin office.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Enrico Schaefer, Traverse Legal

It's been a rough couple of years for retailers, and downtown Traverse City has been no exception. Economic troubles have kept many people from spending. But that seems to be changing once again, according to a report from the Traverse City Downtown Development Association.

The to-be-quarterly Retail Report, released for the first time recently, says that the downtown retail vacancy rate has improved by a good chunk since 2009.

In 2009, about 8.5 percent of retail stores in downtown TC were vacant. This year, that vacancy rate is just 2.5 percent, says Rob Bacigalupi of the DDA, who wrote the report.

"Leasing has been particularly strong in 2010, and we are now seeing stiff competition for the few remaining spaces downtown," he says of the downtown's 468,000 square feet of retail space.

That brings the vacancy rate back to 2007 levels, which is good news for retailers, as that was a better year for retail.

And, there were more major leases in the works when the report was written. The DDA charted recruitment efforts so far in 2011 including 25 contacts with potential retailers in downtown Traverse City. More information is also available on the DDA's website.

Bacigalupi says the report will be produced quarterly to help business people, investors and realtors keep their fingers on the pulse of retail downtown.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Rob Bacigalupi, Traverse City Downtown Development Association

Veterans looking for medical services in Cheboygan County can now head to Mackinaw City to get the help they need.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs--known simply as the VA--has selected Mackinaw City to house the new community-based outpatient clinic in the county.

The new clinic will help veterans throughout the area, especially since they currently have to make long trips to VA hospitals in other parts of the state just to receive basic medical services.

Construction on the new clinic is expected to begin soon, and the VA estimates that it will be open sometime this year.

"This new clinic will help so many veterans in Northern Michigan get the care they deserve, preventing them from having to make the long drives to clinics across the state," says Michael Wise, Cheboygan County veterans service coordinator.

Wise notes that the clinic would not have been possible without the assistance of Senator Debbie Stabenow, who led the effort to secure the clinic. She also personally hand delivered a petition that included over 5,000 signatures to the Secretary of the VA, urging him to increase access to veterans' health care in the region.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michael Wise, Cheboygan County Veterans Services

Just in time for the wanderings of summer, North Peak Brewing has released its latest creation. A "session" IPA, it's called The Wanderer, after a northern Michigan character tellingly named Don Key.

A former industrial magnate, Key apparently shed his former life to wander the woods and hills of northern Michigan, gathering followers as he went.

He's imagined as a reclusive traveler, possibly half goat--OK, the story kind of breaks down from there.

But what's sure is that the beer is inspired by meanderings and travels through northern Michigan, and the hops grown on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City by North Peak Brewing Company.

North Peak is under the auspices of Northern United Brewing Company, which is managed by four partners; Jon Carlson, Greg Lobdell, Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall.

They describe the new IPA as balanced with malt and hop characters, with a clean finish of citrus and pine, with plenty of dry-hopping, yet lower alcohol content to make the Wanderer very drinkable for the long haul, aka session.

The Wanderer will be available in six-pack bottles at retail outlets, as well as on tap at restaurants and bars around the state.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jon Carlson, Northern United Brewing Company

Many foodies populate the northern Michigan area, and the heart of all cooking and eating--spices--is soon to have a bigger presence in the area as well.

Suttons Bay Trading Company, a small-batch spice manufacturer and retailer, is opening its first northern Michigan storefront in, where else, Suttons Bay. Under the name Suttons Bay Spices, husband-and-wife owners Kim and Karen Pontius are looking forward to re-establishing the personal connection with their customers that they've been cultivating online for some time now.

The couple moved to northern Michigan in recent years, although the area has been their goal for many years, after a vacation in 1990 touched off a love for Suttons Bay.

"We weren't sure how we were going to do this but we looked at a lot of possibilities. We both had food service and hospitality experience in our past and knew we did not want the grueling pace of the restaurant business while trying to raise a family," says Karen Pontius.

Karen, who is the president, proprietor and spicer, says a soft opening of the store is scheduled for April 30, just in time for the Suttons Bay Saturday village-wide shopping event to kick off the spring season.

"Our grand opening will be in mid-June after we have a chance to get situated in our new place," she says.

While Suttons Bay Trading Company, Inc. has been in the area for two years, the right retail spot just wasn't available till now. The spice company has been working out of a Traverse City building next to Grand Traverse Distillery, where it will still conduct its online and wholesale business.

Pontius says the store offers retail customers the same advantages as it has before: micro-blended , quality batches of spices from their own recipes, as fresh as can be--a big improvement, she says, over most spice blends that sit on the shelf for far too long before they reach your table.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Karen Pontius, Suttons Bay Trading Company