Traverse City : Innovation + Job News

The Great Start for Success Network will have a few more funds to keep some of their top-notch programs moving forward thanks to a grant from the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corps.

The Traverse Bay EDC recently gave a $10,000 grant to the Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative. The funds will be used to create a child care system that will be sustainable and practical for rural areas.

"Many of the EDC’s investments are for today’s economy," says Don Coe, the EDC board chairman, who presented the Great Start representatives with the funds. "This investment is about tomorrow’s economy."

The project’s initial phase involves identifying and assessing child care resources in the region and determining where there are gaps and needs in the system. The next phase will expand the effort into Wexford and Missaukee counties.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Traverse Bay EDC

There's no arguing that electronic waste--or e-waste, as it's known--is a quickly-escalating problem for the environment. Thankfully, groups like Safety Net are helping make sure it doesn't all end up in a landfill. In the process, they're helping Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.

Safety Net announced it is holding a "Keep It Green! Keep It Clean!" drive April 17-19. They will travel to Traverse City-area businesses and pick up unwanted computers and electronics. The equipment will then be transported to Goodwill, where it will be recycled and the profits will go toward the various Goodwill programs and services.

To schedule a timeslot, please email Safety Net or call Heather Askew at 231-944-1100, ext. 112, by April 15.

Allowable donations include monitors, desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, hard disk drives, keyboards, mice, speakers, cords and cables, ink and toner cartridges, software (with license key), Microsoft X-box, Microsoft-branded webcams, cell phones of any type and small appliances such as coffee makers and toasters.

The proper disposal and recycling of e-waste eliminates some components from releasing lead, cadmium and mercury into soil and groundwater. The valuable scrap metals will be used to benefit Goodwill.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Safety Net

Munson Medical Center announced it will name its new president, Alfred E. Pilong, Jr.

Coming to northern Michigan from Virginia, Pilong was chosen after a national candidate search. The healthcare system's president and CEO, Ed Ness, made the announcement. Pilong will replace Kathleen McManus, COO and executive VP of the medical center, as she prepares to retire this fall.

Ness says the two will work closely together to create a smooth transition for the center.

"This returns us to a leadership structure that has been in place successfully during most of Munson Healthcare's 28-year history. I will continue on as president and CEO of Munson Healthcare and will focus my efforts on developing a financially stable, clinically coordinated, integrated health system," he says.

Pilong was most recently president of Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia, where he also served as senior VP of Valley Health System. He holds an MBA from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, a master's degree in divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary and a bachelor of science degree from Rutgers University. He began his career as a pharmacist and also has taught pharmacy.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Munson Medical Center

Erin Waineo made it clear from the day she launched her own agency in 2011 that her intention was to be one of the best creative minds in the graphic arts business.

Earlier this month, Waineo was honored with the 2013 Best of Show award at the AAF West Michigan ADDY Awards.

Waineo earned the award for her design of the Cat Footwear Autumn/Winter 2013 magazine. Additionally, she was awarded two Gold ADDYs for the project.

"Erin made the project speak volumes," says Ken Czop, of Cat Footwear of Wolverine World Wide. "Her keen eye for design detail and tasteful aesthetic helped take our brand magazine to the next level."

The Cat Footwear Autumn/Winter 2013 magazine is a 160-page, full-color print publication used by Wolverine World Wide to promote their upcoming footwear line.

Waineo, who is the creative director and owner at Erin Waineo Design, competed against top agencies from Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo for the advertising industry’s most comprehensive competition recognizing creative excellence. As a result of the award, Waineo will now compete at the district and national levels.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Erin Waineo Design

It looks like Century 21 Northland has no intention of slowing down its growth as it recently announced the hiring of four new real estate agents to its staff.

The real estate brokerage, believed to be the fastest growing in Northern Michigan, hired Molly Buttleman, Camille Campbell, Rebecca Mann and Cherie Robinson to help meet the needs of new and existing clients at the Century 21 Northland Traverse City office.

Buttleman is no stranger to the Traverse City area, bringing with her three decades of restaurant management in the area with focus on human resources and customer satisfaction. Buttleman also has a background in custom home construction.

Campbell, who will work with both the TC office and the Elk Rapids location, has four years experience selling real estate and specializes in properties in the Chain of Lakes region.

Mann has more than six years of experience in the real estate industry. She is from Traverse City and has thorough knowledge of the Northwest Michigan region.

Robinson brings more than a decade of real estate experience to Century 21 Northland and has gained it all while buying and selling properties in northern Michigan. She specializes in residential, vacant land and commercial properties and has been a multi-million-dollar producer for several years.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Century 21 Northland

There's a new owner over at Greenlight Martketing and the company announced it will be rebranding to create a spanking-new image for itself in 2013.

The company, which was previously co-owned by Kevin Gillespie and Karl Bastian, will now be solely owned by Gillespie.

"Though Karl and I have been friends for more than 20 years, and will remain so, I am highly motivated and eager to take on this role," says Gillespie. "Greenlight’s goal has always been to provide thoughtful strategy and original creative for our clients. I am supported by a talented staff whose focus will be just that."

Greenlight turns 10 years old this year, and in celebration Gillespie says there will be a company rebrand. Additionally, the company will also launch a fully-redesigned website and a new Facebook look.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Greenlight Marketing

Northwestern Bank has a new president and CEO with the retirement of Harry Calcutt and the hiring of Daniel Terpsma.

The bank, which is headquartered in Traverse City and has branch offices peppered throughout the northern portion of the state, named Terpsma the new president and CEO following Calcutt's announcement in January that he was retiring. Additionally, the bank announced Terpsma has also been appointed to the board of directors.

Terpsma has more than 30 years of experience in the financial field, including more than two decades in community banking. He has previously been a regional bank president, among other high-level management positions with various financial institutions.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Northwestern Bank

The Century 21 Northland real estate agency based in Traverse City has a new staffer, as Pat Garno joins its Elk Rapids office as the new office manager.

Garno is an Elk Rapids resident with many years of experience in real estate, having been in the business since 1997. Most recently she was with EXIT Realty in Elk Rapids, where she won administrator of the year in 2009 from EXIT Realty Michigan.

At Century 21, Garno will be responsible for administrative functions of the office, like listings, closings, showings, advertising and bookkeeping. Century 21 Northland, which is co-owned by Brad Platt, Jason Kudary and Julia Lilley, also recently acquired Remerica Up North Real Estate in early 2013.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Century 21 Northland

The downtown branch of Traverse City State Bank has a new assistant manager thanks to the addition of Annie Bouwens to the staff.

Bouwens brings with her nearly four years of experience in the banking industry, having most recently spent her time as the customer service manager with another local financial institution.

Traverse City State Bank, which is locally-owned and managed, offers multiple services ranging from commercial to consumer to residential mortgages. All of these accounts, plus other services, can be discussed with Bouwens, who hails originally from Zeeland.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Traverse City State Bank

The law office of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge recently added a new attorney to help better serve its clients in Traverse City.

Kate Flewelling joined the firm's Traverse City offices earlier this month, bringing with her a focus on business and corporate law, construction law, real estate law and health law.

Her focus will be representation of businesses, individuals and health-care providers and her experience showcases a background in the area of real estate.

Flewelling is a graduate of New York University School of Law and Northwestern University. She is licensed to practice law in the state courts of Michigan, Illinois and New York.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

CPA, financial management and investigation firm Rehmann announced two new promotions in its Traverse City offices.

Ryan Sullivan and Matt Grigsby both have been promoted to principals at the firm.

Sullivan is currently Rehmann's director of retirement plan administration and serves on the Rehmann financial executive committee as well. He has more than 10 years of experience as a financial advisor and supervises services for more than 1,000 retirement plan clients. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance at Michigan State University.

Grigsby is in Rehmann's tax department and has been providing tax consulting and compliance services with the firm since 1998. He has expertise in federal and state taxes, particularly regarding real estate, construction, manufacturing and retailing, and also works with high-net-worth individuals. He is a member of Rehmann's real estate and construction industry groups. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in taxation from Walsh College.

Rehmann offers a full slate of financial services from 21 Midwestern offices.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Rehmann

Two Traverse City-based innovative businesses are partnering on a new agreement.

Ozmott is a mobile shopping app company in Traverse City. Grand Traverse Pie Company is a bakery and restaurant with locations across Michigan. Now the pie company will be among the retailers and restaurants that offer special app-based deals through Ozmott.

The app development company has been looking for ways to expand its user base and coverage across the state, so Grand Traverse Pie Co., with its locations in Lansing, Okemos, East Lansing and Traverse City, was a good fit.

Users of Ozmott's free shopping app also can access offers in 28 other states besides Michigan. The app, which links in-store offers to loyalty rewards, is available on Apple and Android devices, and was introduced nine months ago.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ozmott

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs announced more than 300 grants statewide, and many northwest Michigan agencies will be among those benefiting.

To receive the grants, 401 organizations applied, asking for $8.9 million. Overall, $5.7 million was granted statewide from the Program for Operational and Projects Support, the Capital Improvement Program, the Regional Regranting program and the Services to the Field program.

In Benzie County, the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts got $40,500 while the Michigan Legacy Art Park got $19,000.

In Charlevoix County, the Raven Hill Discovery Center received $15,000, as did the Ludington Area Arts Council in Mason County and the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts in Otsego County.

In Emmet County, the Bay View Music Festival got $11,250; the Blissfest Music Organization got $48,750; the Crooked Tree Arts Council, Inc. got $67,500; the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society got $6,000 and Voices Without Borders got $10,455.

In Leelanau County, the Glen Arbor Art Association got $4,500 and the Leelanau Community Cultural Center got $19,000.

Grand Traverse County was far from left out, with the Great Lakes Children's Museum getting $17,000; the History Center of Traverse City getting $15,000; the Interlochen Center for the Arts getting $82,500; The Music House getting $15,000; Northwestern Michigan College's Dennos Museum getting $25,500, the Old Town Playhouse getting $15,000; Rotary Charities of Traverse City getting $42,920; and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra getting $5,000.

In total, the grants support organizations with 10,718 full time employees and an additional 54,868 contracted Michigan artists. The programs or exhibits offered will be attended by about 50 million people, about 10 million of which are youth.

"Once again we are grateful for the support this sector has received from Gov. Rick Snyder and the legislature and for their confidence in MCACA," said MCACA Chairman Drew Buchholz. "Their confidence in MCACA allows us to directly support organizations whose work does so much to enhance Michigan's image, improve education, stimulate cultural tourism, and strengthen communities statewide by impacting local economies and creating a better quality of life. This is truly an amazing sector."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Three new, big clients are on board at Organik Consulting Growth Marketing, which in turn, is spurring growth at the company, which has offices in Traverse City, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor.

Organik announced it is launching marketing and engagement campaigns for Michigan State University, Online Tech and DPT Solutions.

"We think it's pretty fabulous that we are able to live and work in Traverse City and work with clients of this caliber," says Organik's creative director, Patty Fabian. "It just proves the point that global communication is a reality and digital engagement with meaningful content is king."

For MSU, the marketing consultants will develop engagement tools like a website, videos and digital marketing to help the university with a new development campaign to build support from alumni, friends, the public and other stakeholders.

At Ann Arbor-based Online Tech, Organik will help the data management firm take its branding national in preparation for a Midwestern expansion.

DPT Solutions in Grand Rapids is a business performance consulting firm. Organik started out working on marketing strategy and messaging for the firm, and now will help build engagement with web tools, content and digital marketing.

Organik started up in Grand Rapids, and has expanded this year into Lansing, southeast Michigan and Traverse City, to help their clients grow statewide.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Organik Consulting Growth Marketing

At Traverse City State Bank, a longtime mortgage professional is adding the title of VP to his job description.

Steve Strassburger will now be assistant VP of mortgages at the bank. He's been handling mortgages for 20 years, with consistently effective and productive results, according to the bank's announcement.

Bank officials praised Strassburger's loyalty and ingenuity for problem-solving, and said he has excellent long-term referral relationships with local realtors.

Traverse City State Bank provides a full range of banking and mortgage services across northwest Michigan, with its headquarters in Traverse City.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Traverse City State Bank