Traverse City : Innovation + Job News

The Suttons Bay Trading Company, a local spice-blending company located in Northwest Michigan, knows the value of finding ways to keep their business local--especially when it comes to finding great artists.

The company recently announced the completion of a commissioned piece by local area artist Glenn Wolff, which will be used in future marketing efforts. Suttons Bay Trading Company selected Wolff, a popular TC-based graphic artist, after considerable review of the local artistic community.

"Twelve years ago when we started our firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana we considered using Glenn for some illustration work to help establish a Northern Michigan theme," says Kim Pontius, the co-owner of the company along with his wife, Karen. "Moving here and getting to know him personally and having the opportunity to review more of his work really helped us decide this was a great way to promote our company and the Suttons Bay area."

The first piece is based on a fictional character, a spice trader who leaves the Old World for the New World. Several more pieces will develop as the company builds the story, which is based on a novel being developed for children currently being written by Pontius. Future illustrations by Wolff will be used not only for the book but will also begin to appear in all of the companies marketing and branding materials messages and even on their labeling designs.

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

Munson Medical Center in Traverse City has a new VP of operations, as well as a new physician who specializes in physical rehabilitation.

The new VP of operations is Derk Pronger, a Traverse City native and graduate of Northwestern Michigan College. He has served in several administrative positions at Beaumont Health System, most recently as the VP of surgical and ancillary services in Troy, Michigan.

"Derk will provide leadership for our clinical services to include behavioral health, laboratory, oncology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, radiology and surgical services areas among others," says Kathleen McManus, executive VP and COO of Munson Medical Center. "He has great experience in health care and a foundation in northern Michigan. We didn't have to convince him about the beauty of living in the area."

Pronger will fill the position vacated in 2011 by senior VP Mark Anthony, who is now in a senior leadership role in a Kalamazoo hospital.

He has roots in Michigan and the Traverse City area; he received his master's degree in health services administration from University of Detroit Mercy, a bachelor's degree in accounting from Purdue University and an associate's degree from NMC. Besides that, his mother was a nurse at Munson and instructor at NMC, and his father was the Traverse City post commander for the Michigan State Police for many years.

The other new addition to the Munson staff is Dr. Tracy Riddle, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She will practice at Neuromuscular and Rehabilitation Associates at 3988 West Royal Drive in Traverse City. She is accepting new patients.

Riddle graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, and completed a residency at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, and a fellowship in interventional spinal injections and electrodiagnostic medicine at Lansing Orthopedics.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kathleen McManus, Munson Medical Center

Living Light Massage and Wellness Center is a great example of how local businesses can grow to meet the demand of their customers.

The Traverse City-based business, located right downtown at 134 West State Street, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and offers six treatment rooms. But that just wasn't enough and their clientele demanded more access to more qualified massage therapists.

Living Light Massage responded, hiring Christoper Leeder and Brittany Wildfong to their team of 15 certified and qualified massage therapists.

Leeder specializes in deep tissue, sports, relaxation, hot stone and pregnancy massage and is a graduate of Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences. He has five years experience in the industry.

Widlfong is a graduate of the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing and is nationally certified. She specializes in relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone and pregnancy massages as well as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Living Light Massage and Wellness Center

Preserving foods has been a way of life in the rural parts of Michigan for a very long time. It's not uncommon to this day to find someone who cans their own food or uses a freezer to the best of its abilities.

Oryana Natural Foods Market recognizes that while there are plenty of people who practice these kinds of preservation, there are many out there who would like to but just don't know how. That's why Oryana has decided to offer up food preservation classes in July.

The classes are two hours each and are $10 apiece or $20 for all three of them. The class sizes are limited, so registration is highly suggested by calling Sandi at 947-0191.

The classes, which will be held at the Michigan State University Extension Services Office at 520 West Front Street, Suite A in Traverse City, will be Canning High Acid Foods Using a Water-Bath Canner (July 17, 6-8 p.m.), Canning Low Acid Foods Using a Pressure Canner (July 24, 6-8 p.m.) and Freezing and Drying Foods (July 31, 6-8 p.m.).

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Oryana Natural Foods Market

It's not as if it's ever OK to say you're bored in Traverse City during the summer, but if you're leaning in that direction, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is launching two series of summer events to entertain, wine and dine visitors and residents alike, so it certainly seems like the right time to take a stay-at-home vacation where you don't have to clean, cook, or even find your own entertainment.

The hotel and spa is kicking off Beach Week from June 27 to July 5, which will be sponsored by Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and Pepsi, and is open to resort guests at special overnight Beach Week rates ($149-$189). The week takes full advantage of the resort's location on East Grand Traverse Bay and its Shores Beach Club, which will host summer activities like a beach volleyball tournament, evening bonfires with live music, kayak races, a five-kilometer fun run, summer grilling and refreshments, beach-inspired movies, and a ton of kids' games. Giveaways are also planned including Detroit Tigers tickets and a Leinenkugel's canoe.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa also is offering a summer wine dinner series at its Aerie Restaurant and Lounge, in collaboration with local vineyards Black Star Farms and Bowers Harbor Vineyards, taking place June 16, June 30 and July 28.

The June 30 dinner is at 7 p.m. and will focus on Michigan wines versus Spanish wines. Spencer Stegenga, owner of Bowers Harbor Vineyards, will discuss the winemaking process and four courses with wine pairings. The menu is Spanish-inspired including Michigan and Spanish wines with each course.

The July 28 dinner again features Bowers Harbor Vineyards, with a menu touching on several cuisines from around the world it starts out with a citrus gazpacho, then foie gras, a choice of short ribs or veal chop, and ends with a hazelnut chocolate torte. Bowers Harbor wines are matched with each dish. Pricing for each dinner is $65 per person, and reservations are required.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Sometimes the best approach to wines--which can often be a stuffy and overbearing environment--is a lighthearted one.

The folks over at M.Lawrence sparkling wines realize that, which is exactly why Mike Laing, assistant winemaker for the company, announced recently the first of a series of short videos showing the virtues of their products. This first video, called Workout, is available on YouTube and takes a look at the sparkling wines with more than a bit of humor. 

"The lighthearted approach to enjoying our wines everyday in the video is immensely appealing to our customers," says Laing. "Our focus is on making seriously fun sparkling wines that remind folks not to take life so seriously and to enjoy life's every day moments."

M.Lawrence produces such sparkling wines as US, Sex, Fizz, Wet, Detroit, Green and Sandpiper. The company is located in Suttons Bay and is a brand of L. Mawby wines.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mike Laing, M.Lawrence

A new Michigan-focused product line, called "Don't Mess with the Mitten," is coming to Traverse City-area shops.

Don't Mess with the Mitten is a line of clothing and products like mugs and window clings, created by Lisa Burnia and Terri O'Brien of Detroit. Burnia and O'Brien created it as a response to worries about the state of Michigan in the late 2000s. Another brand they created with the help of Scott Pryor of Pryor Design in Ann Arbor, along the same lines was MichiCAN, which promotes positivity about the state.

The shirts are bought in Detroit, the printing is done in Novi, and a portion of each item's sale price goes toward the Girls Travel Club at Western High School in Detroit. The club takes girls from the inner-city school to travel throughout the state and learn about other places. So all in all, it's quite the Michigan-focuses business venture.

Burnia and O'Brien came to northern Michigan this spring to scout potential new retailers, since Don't Mess with the Mitten is primarily sold in metro Detroit stores. One of those retailers was Nifty Things, which has locations in Traverse City, Elk Rapids and Alden, owned by Martee Hickman.

Since Nifty Things is a strong supporter of Michigan and northern Michigan, and sells many related items, Burnia and O'Brien say they knew right away it was the perfect fit, and the store buyer and owner agreed. So visitors to the stores can expect to see Don't Mess with the Mitten and MichiCAN products on the shelves this year.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Terri O'Brien, Don't Mess with the Mitten

Team Elmer's will be putting in a new driveway for a very deserving family thanks to an annual contest the company holds.

The business announced recently that the Walker family of Kingsley will be the recipient of the $5,000 prize that is to be applied toward a brand-new asphalt driveway.

Throughout the month of April, Team Elmer’s searched for "the worst driveway in northern Michigan," asking each contestant to write a 200-word essay explaining why they were deserving of a new one. Team Elmer’s then narrowed the submission pool down to three finalists, judging each entry based on need, creativity, originality, and artistic merit. Finally, Team Elmer’s put the decision to a community vote, via their Facebook page.

"We cannot express how appreciative we are that (Team Elmer’s) selected us as a finalist and how overwhelmed we were with all the community support during the voting process," Angie Walker says. "We just can’t put into words how appreciative we are for the wonderful gift."

In addition to submitting their own case, the Walker family was unknowingly entered into the contest by a caring neighbor. Keith and Angie’s daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth, and the current muddy condition of their driveway presented difficulties in the maneuvering of her wheelchair. Team Elmer’s vows to remedy this situation, with hopes to complete the project in time for the family to host Fourth of July festivities.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Team Elmer's

Northern Michigan small publisher Arbutus Press has a new book on area shelves, and it's bound to be of interest to those who like local history. Author Laurie Kay Sommers has written a historical look at the Leelanau Peninsula's Fishtown, its people and, of course, its fishing.

The book, titled Fishtown: The Place and Its People, will be first released to the public at its release party June 28 at Leelanau Books in Leland, where Sommers will sign copies also.

Sommers tells the stories of commercial fishing, the fishermen who made their living from it, their families, and of the town itself, which still maintains its Great Lakes fishing history, as it has for more than a century.

Fishtown: The Place and Its People will be available at Northwest Michigan bookstores (including, of course, in Leland) this summer. Other book signings are also planned for this summer.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Laurie Kay Sommers, Arbutus Press

Downtown Traverse City's Pure Pilates studio is relocating. Owner Jennifer Cutler-Pampas announced she will move her studio from its current location on Cass Street to a larger space on Maple Street.

The new location is 124 Maple Street, next to Cog's Creek Gallery and Studio. Pure Pilates will have about twice the amount of space as its old location, and have convenient parking close by. Both private and semi-private practice rooms will be set up at the Maple Street location, which will be open June 11. June 8 is the last day for classes at the Cass Street location.

"I have known Kim Bazemore, the owner of the building and Cog's Creek Gallery, for about five years and when her space came open I knew she was someone who I would enjoy having a business next to," says Cutler-Pampas. "Since she started her renovation in 2010, she has mentioned many times how she envisioned our studios coming together. And here we are."

Pure Pilates first opened in 2005, and has offered classes for men and women of all ages and fitness levels since then, with great success. The new location offers a view of Kids creek, more exercise space, bathrooms and parking.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jennifer Cutler-Pampas, Pure Pilates

Two local residents have been named to the Michigan Cherry Committee by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Brian Altonen, of Kewadin, and Jim Nugent, of Suttons Bay, were recently appointed to the committee, which is made of nine members and works to develop and implement marketing industry for Michigan's cherry industry.  

"The cherry market and agricultural industry are crucial parts of Michigan's economy," says Snyder. "I am confident Brian and Jim will continue to effectively serve."

Altonen is owner and manager of a fourth-generation farm, Altonen Orchards, where he grows 140 acres of cherries, 40 acres of apples, 20 acres of pears, eight acres of peaches, 40 acres of sweet corn and 20 acres of other field crops. He holds a bachelor's degree in food systems economics and management from Michigan State University.

Nugent is partner and operator of Sunblossom Orchards, where he grows 30 acres of tart cherries and 11 acres of sweet cherries. Previously, he worked as a district horticultural agent for Michigan State University Extension and coordinator for the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Nugent earned a bachelor's degree in horticulture and a master's degree in entomology, both from Michigan State University.

Altonen and Nugent will serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Gov. Rick Snyder's Office

Traverse City is the place to be in the summer if you're into festivals, whether it's about cherries, food, art, wine or music.

The Traverse City Wine & Art Festival is coming up on June 30, and it combines all of those fantastic Northwest Michigan things in one celebration. Wine and art are backed by a large and diverse slate of musicians and restaurants.

Festival organizer Laura Herd says that's the aim of the festival, which is held at the Grand Traverse Commons.

"This is the one event that brings nearly all the wineries of our region together to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Michigan," Herd says. "What really sets our festival apart is how we combine culinary and cultural artistry to stimulate and excite your palate, letting you enjoy the fantastic wines and ciders our region has to offer as you dance, dine, and watch extraordinary performers in the gorgeous and historic arboretum of the Grand Traverse Commons."

The headlining band is fusion-world-rock group Rusted Root, in a return to Traverse City. Other performers will be Orpheum Bell, Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk, and the Naughty Neighbors.

Added to that, if you're coming for the wine, there will be 27 northern Michigan wineries, and more than 100 wines. A ticket includes two glasses, although we certainly suggest sampling more than that.

Area restaurants will offer small plates for pairing or just snacking throughout the day; they will include Trattoria Stella, Chez Peres, Mana, Poppycocks, Siren Hall, Little Bohemia, Phil's on Front, Om Café and Bourbons 72.

The festival is presented by Turtle Creek Hotel and Casinos, while Rusted Root and other entertainers are sponsored by Cherry Capital Subaru. Other sponsors are Up North Distributing, UpNorthLive.com, ArtCenter Traverse City and Traverse Legal.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Laura Herd, Traverse City Wine & Art Festival

Traverse City State Bank has two new assistant VPs, Stephanie Volz and Amy Grant.

Volz will be overseeing cash management and deposit operations for the Traverse City bank, and has worked at the bank since 2005.

Volz' previous capacities at the bank include cash management, branch and deposit operations. She was selected for the position as a result of her exceptional knowledge of bank procedures, services and products, and her high level of professionalism with staff and clients.

Amy Grant will serve as assistant VP, mortgage underwriter and loan production supervisor. She began working with Traverse Mortgage Corporation in 2000, and has been with Traverse City State Bank since 2006.

Traverse City State Bank is a locally owned and operated bank providing commercial and consumer banking services. It has three Traverse City locations and one in Suttons Bay.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Traverse City State Bank

There's a new face on the sales team over at Floor Covering Brokers in Traverse City.

The company, which is the largest privately-owned floor cover, tile and window treatments retailer in northern Michigan, recently announced that it hired Sally Erickson as a sales associate.

Erickson, who is a licensed builder, has significant experience in sales, design and construction. Previously she worked for her family's Port of Old Mission Association, a condominium developer. She has also served as president on both the local and national Home Builder's Association board.

Erickson joins a staff of 11 experienced flooring and blinds experts at Floor Covering Brokers. She is available for design and consultation for flooring and window treatments.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Dennis Lauterbach, Floor Covering Brokers

We here at Northwest Michigan Second Wave are the first to say that we think it's important to celebrate what small businesses bring to our communities and our economy. That's why we're so thrilled when groups like Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative take the time to celebrate those small businesses that are special to them.

The Great Start group recently treated over 150 childcare and preschool providers in the greater Traverse Bay region to events that helped showcase how much they appreciate "Small Businesses with Big Hearts."

Early childhood professionals were treated to flowers, desserts and beverages, goody bags and door prizes that included collections of toys and books for children. Everyone received at least one free children’s book through Traverse Bay Intermediate School District’s Early Childhood department’s "Michigan Reads" program and Sam’s Club also provided a special membership offer, which continues through the month of June for childcare providers.

Celebrations were held at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce in Traverse City, and at locations in Kalkaska, Leelanau, Benzie and Manistee counties.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative