Innovation + Job News

The little bit of snow we've managed to get here in Northwest Michigan is a beautiful sight--especially if you're planning a winter event.

One such event happy to have snow on the ground is the annual 5K Snowshoe Challenge at Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga, which takes place Feb. 25. But even if the snow doesn't tally enough inches to make for a great snowshoe race, there's going to be a competition nonetheless. Snow or no snow, the show must go on--organizers indicate if there isn't enough of the powdery precipitation on the ground, a foot race will beheld instead.

"Come out for the fun of it-- you don’t have to be an athlete to take part," says Laurie Gaetano, the director of Emmet County Parks and Recreation.

Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga is located on Pickerel Lake in Alanson. This year marks the third annual Snowshoe Challenge, but technically it will be the second race, as last year’s event was canceled due to lack of snow.

This year, organizers will circumvent Mother Nature.

"Bring your snowshoes and your tennis shoes just in case," says Gaetano.

Registration is $15 per person in advance (Feb. 24 or before) or $20 on the day of the event. The fee includes lunch at the Rec Hall and prizes. Race age groups are: 13-17; 18-29; 30-39; 40-49; and 50+. All ages and abilities are welcome. Medals will be awarded for men and women in each age division.

For more information, call (231) 348-0014 or visit the county website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Laurie Gaetano, Emmett County Parks and Recreation

A hundred years is a long time for any company to be around, and it's certainly an occasion worth celebrating. Traverse City Light & Power has reached that century milestone this year, and one of the ways it's celebrating with the community is the "Power of Art" contest, which is open to entries in all mediums of art, including video.

The "Power of Art" contest is split into two categories; video and two-dimensional art. Students and community members are invited to enter pieces or artworks that engage viewers in ideas about electric power, and promote the understanding of the role electricity plays in the community. The particular focus of the contest is energy efficiency.

"Light & Power hopes to engage the community in a new way through the 'Power of Art' contest," says Ed Rice, L&P executive director. "We hope students and community members will learn about the important role energy efficiency plays in the success of the Traverse City area through the art they create."

The video category will consist of original videos up to five minutes long, showing the importance of energy efficiency in the community. It is split further into two categories: students and community members. Winners in each category receive a $500 Downtown Traverse City gift certificate, as well as participating in an awards ceremony.

The 2-D category is open to students, Grades 6-12, who must create a work of art on the importance of energy efficiency in the community. One winner will be chosen at each grade level, and receive a $400 class sponsorship for supplies and curriculum support, and a $100 Downtown Traverse City gift certificate for their teacher.

The exhibition of entries and awards ceremony is planned for April 13. Entry forms are available online.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ed Rice, Traverse City Light & Power

What better place to host a globally-acclaimed radio show than a globally-acclaimed arts center?

At least, we assume that's the logic behind the announcement that A Prairie Home Companion will be broadcasting from Interlochen this summer.

The Garrison Keillor-led radio show will come to the Interlochen Center for the Arts as part of its Summer Arts Festival, in conjunction with Interlochen Public Radio.

A Prairie Home Companion, which calls St. Paul, Minnesota home when not on the road, will be broadcasting from Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen at 5:45 p.m. on July 7.

"We're thrilled that Interlochen has once again been chosen for this honor," says Derek Kwan, the director of Interlochen Presents, which brings groups to perform at Interlochen. "This show is an international phenomenon that all other radio variety acts are judged against."

Tickets for the live broadcast will be available beginning April 20 and range from $50.50 to $33.50. They can be purchased online at the Interlochen Box Office.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Derek Kwan, Interlochen Center for the Arts

There's a new face anchoring the 7&4 News for the station's 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts--Arielle Berlin.

Berlin comes to the Traverse City area with plenty of experience under her belt. Originally from Michigan's West Bloomfield, Berlin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and recently obtained her Master’s in Corporate Communications at NYU. She worked as a news anchor and reporter for NBC 24 in Toledo for three years.

"I’m looking forward to exploring the beautiful towns, lakes and shopping in Northwest Michigan," says Berlin. "And I hope to snag a few recipes from the popular local chefs."

WPBN/WTOM TV 7&4 is owned and operated by Barrington Broadcasting Group, which owns 21 television stations in 15 markets.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Arielle Berlin, 7&4 News

Traverse City's Downtown Development Authority doesn't have to worry about how well their events are being put together--they know they have the best in the business when it comes to that department.

Colleen Paveglio, the downtown marketing director for the DDA, was named the Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine's 2012 Best Special Events Planner recently. The award is one of the magazine's "Hall of Fame" awards. According to the magazine, the award is "presented to individuals who have show leadership in and/or made remarkable contributions to the meetings and events industry in the state of Michigan."

"This award is reflective of the quality Colleen exhibits when organizing the dozens of events we put on ever year," says Bryan Crough, executive director of the Traverse City DDA. "We are lucky to have such a high-caliber professional here in TC."

Paveglio will be inducted into the hall of fame at a May event, which is scheduled to be held in Detroit.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Bryan Crough, Traverse City DDA

Doug Mansfield, the supervisor of Union Township in Grand Traverse County, will now have responsibilities that will impact all of the townships in Michigan instead of just his own. That's because Mansfield was recently elected as the secretary of the Michigan Townships Association.

Mansfield, who has been township supervisor since 1995, is no stranger to the Michigan Townships Association. In fact, he's been on the board of directors for the past seven years representing townships in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee counties.

"During my tenure as MTA secretary, I hope to continue to forward the mission that individual township government, even in the most rural of areas, plays a vast role in growing the new Michigan economy," says Mansfield. "As the steward for the majority of the land and people in the state, townships must stay in the forefront of supporting new markets, ideas and trends in their region in order to maintain the quality of life that is so steadfast in our heritage."

Prior to being supervisor in Union Township, Mansfield was a trustee for two years and is a past member of the township planning commission, rural fire board, the chair of the Grand Traverse County Board of Public Works and on the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Council. He has been a member of the MTA Grand Traverse County Chapter since 1993.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Doug Mansfield, Michigan Townships Association

Local computer gurus at Frontier Computer have a new credit to their names: the company is becoming a Peplink reseller, an extension of an ongoing partnership between the two companies.

Northern Michigan-based Frontier Computer Corp. has been a North American distributor for Peplink's routers and connectivity devices since early 2010. As increasing demands for networking, reliability and bandwidth spread to smaller businesses, Frontier has seen the opportunity to grow further with Peplink.

The reseller initiative means Frontier customers will have faster shipping and distribution, as Frontier will be stocking the whole Peplink product line locally. Technical support on Peplink products also will be provided by Frontier's experienced IT staff.

It also will include a new website that allows online ordering of Peplink products, and retailer information and sign-up. Partner pricing and marketing are other benefits for local retailers.

"I'm also very excited to announce that Frontier will be rolling out the first Peplink Customer Care program in North America with a 24/7 answering service and support ticket system. With guidance and support from our knowledgeable sales and technical staff, our partners will have the opportunity to expand their business, capture additional revenue, and serve their customers' needs with great care." says Steve Hawn, Frontier CEO.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Steve Hawn, Frontier Computer Corp.

If you haven't been by Morsels in a while, you should make note that they are going to be in a new location come May 1.

The bakery, which serves up bite-sized tastiness, will be heading to 321 East Front Street. Thankfully, that means they'll be staying right here in Traverse City.

"We're looking forward to more space, more seating, more coffee and food," the company says on its website. "And if you haven't seen the view from the new spot, you'll be impressed!"

The new location is the former home of Belstone Gallery and, later, Gallery 50. Morsels will be on the same Front Street block as Nolan's Tobacco Shop and Yen Yoga.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Morsels Bakery

If one thing is for certain, it's that Michigan wines are definitely making a big name for themselves. Take, for example, Chateau Grand Traverse and the wines that company is producing. Not only have they been heralded across the state by wine aficionados, but they have earned the attention of wine professionals across the country.

Most recently, Chateau Grand Traverse's 2010 Whole Cluster Riesling was included in the Editor Picks 2011: Best Wine and Beer article in Food & Wine magazine. In the article, wine editors Megan Krigbaum and Ray Isle selected 10 wines as the best of 2011.

"I’ve been going to this winery in Grand Traverse, Michigan, with my parents since I was a toddler, but the quality of the wine has grown significantly in recent years," Krigbaum says in the article. "This affordable riesling is the result of an experiment begun by winemaker Sean O’Keefe about five years ago. It’s faintly sweet with ripe fruit and great acidity."

The winery began operation in 1974 and has been known for quite some time for its exceptional Rieslings. The Whole Cluster Riesling was also a winner at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Megan Krigbaum, Food & Wine

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority has lit the green light for Cherry Republic to move forward on its multi-use brownfield redevelopment project.

The project, which will support the construction of a retail outlet, a food production facility and new residential spaces in Traverse City, will require the demolition of two buildings before the five-story mixed-use building can be erected.

The Cherry Republic building is a benefit for the company and for the community, the authority says.

"This new Cherry Republic facility consolidates their production, retail and administrative operations and brings the company’s high quality jobs into the center of downtown Traverse City," says Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "As we transition from our previous tax credit programs into the Michigan Business Development and Michigan Community Revitalization programs, we will continue to seek to help Michigan companies with amendments to prior agreements as real world business changes arise."

The Grand Traverse Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will use captured local and school tax valued at $2,264,085 for the project. The Cherry Republic Center will include administrative offices, a primary retail outlet and food production facility for Cherry Republic products. The plan may also include up to 13 residential units with underground parking. The project is expected to create up to 30 permanent full-time jobs, with a total capital investment of approximately $13 million.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michael Finney, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

There's no doubt that the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is considered one of the best in the country, drawing in entries from across the country.

Northwest Michigan was well represented with four wineries being awarded medals for Rieslings and other wines ranging from dry to sweet.

One of the standout performances was by Blackstar Farms, which netted a double gold, a gold and a bronze for its wines. Also winning medals with their local wines were Chateau Grand Traverse, Forty-Five North and Chateau Fontaine.

The 2010 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling earned a double gold from the judges while the 2010 Arcturos Riesling was a gold medal winner. Taking a bronze was the Sirius Red Dessert Wine.

"It’s always an honor to be recognized for the quality of our region," says Lee Lutes, head winemaker for Blackstar. "2010 was certainly an exemplary vintage showcasing many of the best attributes of Riesling growing in this climate. These medals will further raise the standards by which we continue to create our wines."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Lee Lutes, Blackstar Farms

Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects are important, especially for agricultural producers and rural small businesses that need to cut costs in any way possible.

That's why the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that it is seeking applications to provide assistance to those two groups for funding for a variety of efficiency and renewable energy projects.

"Renewable energy development presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” says Tom Vilsack, the agriculture secretary. "This funding will assist rural farmers, ranchers and business owners to build renewable energy projects, providing opportunities for new technologies, create green jobs and help America become more energy self-sufficient."  

The Rural Energy for America Program was created to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. For 2012, USDA has approximately $25.4 million available to fund the program, which will support at least $12.5 million in grants and approximately $48.5 million in guaranteed loan program level awards.  

The USDA is accepting the following applications:

• renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until March 30, 2012;  

• renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications on a continuous basis up to June 29;

• renewable energy system feasibility study applications through March 30; and

• energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications through Feb. 21.  

More information on how to apply for funding is available in the Jan. 20 Federal Register, pages 2948-2954.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tom Vilsack, USDA

If you ask Fox News and CareerBuilder.com, the company that is making a lot of noise in the hiring department is Comfort Keepers, which has two regional locations in Northwest Michigan.

Fox News, during its morning show, Fox and Friends, named Comfort Keepers as one of the top five companies in the country hiring in 2012. CareerBuilder.com named the company as one of the top 10 currently hiring in terms of numbers of job listings postings in September last year.

That's because, nation-wide, Comfort Keepers posted 2,100 jobs for new caregiver positions, and they're still growing. The local offices in Traverse City and Petoskey expect to hire at least 100 employees this year to fill open positions for homemakers, companions, drivers, personal care aides and nursing positions.

"We attribute the growth of our employee base to the immediate need of our services,” says Leslie Knopp, local owner. "Most people say they want to age at home. In-home care is a growing industry that will only show more demand as baby boomers look for someone to care for their parents and eventually, to care for themselves."

Founded in Springfield, Ohio and now with over 600 franchised locations around the country and more than 13 years of service, Comfort Keepers has earned the reputation of being a leading provider of in-home care for seniors and other adults. Approximately 25,000 caregivers and office employees work at the independently owned and operated offices in the U.S.

"We have developed a winning formula for recruiting people and that is one more reason we continue to grow," said Knopp. “We look for people who have a heart for serving others, we provide some of the best training in the industry, and we retain them because the work is rewarding and schedules are flexible."

Individuals interested in applying for a position at their local Comfort Keepers office can visit the Comfort Keepers employment center.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Leslie Knopp, Comfort Keepers

If you haven't had a chance to try some American Spoon Wild Thimbleberry Jam yet, you might want to consider ordering yourself a jar soon--the rest of the foodies across the country probably are.

American Spoon, based in Petoskey, was recently named as a 2012 Good Food Awards winner for their Wild Thimbleberry Jam. If that weren't enough, the company actually had another finalist in their Heritage Tomatoes Preserves.

"We’re honored to be recognized for our long-standing commitment to capturing the singular flavors of exceptional fruits and for helping to sustain dedicated growers and foragers in rural communities across Northern Michigan," says the American Spoon blog. "We’re so pleased that we had the opportunity to share our rare wild thimbleberry with such a devoted group of food artisans and aficionados, and we’re proud to be a part of this growing good food community."

The company accepted the award during an event in San Francisco Jan. 13.

For those who don't know, the thimbleberry is a tart, aromatic fruit that grows in northern climates, especially those with cool summer weather. The berries have a taste that American Spoon says is "reminiscent of currants and raspberries, with soft seeds that release their nutty flavor when chewed."

American Spoon gets their thimbleberries from a handful of families in the Keweenaw Peninsula, who the company says "beat the bears to the berries for us every year."

In the company's kitchens, the berries are prepared by hand in copper kettles before being canned and sold.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: American Spoon

The Michigan Brewers Guild had its annual meeting at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire in earlier this month, and announced some new leadership on the guild's board.

We were glad to see the guild up here in Northwest Michigan, as we've certainly got some tasty local brews to offer. Hopefully they used them to toast these newly elected or re-elected board members, who each will serve a two-year term.

Our local representative on the board is Scott Newman-Bale, VP of Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire, who was elected to a second term on the board, and another year as treasurer.

Eric Briggeman, brewmaster at Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, begins a fourth term on the board, and a fifth year as guild president. Steve Berthal, brewmaster and partner at The Livery in Benton Harbor, was elected to a third term on the board. Isaac Hartman of New Holland Brewing Co. will serve a second term on the board, and Greg Burke, brewmaster at Woodward Avenue Brewers in metro Detroit, will serve a second term on the board and continue to serve as secretary.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is celebrating its fifteenth year this year, and represents 89 member breweries in the state, a number that just keeps growing. They put on four annual festivals, including the Winter Beer Festival in February in Grand Rapids, the Summer Beer Festival in July in Ypsilanti, the U.P. Fall Beer Festival in September and the Detroit Fall Beer Festival in October.

Maybe we can get them to add one in Northwest Michigan in the years to come. Now that would be a good time!

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michigan Brewers Guild