Traverse City : Innovation + Job News

Two Great Lakes Maritime Academy faculty members were honored recently at the Great Lakes Waterways Conference for their service and contributions within the maritime community.
 
Deck Instructor Bob Mason of the academy was awarded the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement from the U.S. Maritime Administration. The medal is presented to industry leaders who have dedicated years of service and made extraordinary contributions to the maritime industry
 
Michael Surgalski, deck instructor and captain of the training ship State of Michigan, was appointed a captain in the U.S. Maritime Service at the conference.
 
"Our cadets already know of Bob and Mike's dedication to the industry. We're pleased to see them both receive this well-deserved recognition," says Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
 
Mason has been an instructor with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy since 1979; Surgalski has been with the school since 1995. The academy is located at Northwestern Michigan College.
 
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jerry Achenbach, Northwestern Michigan College

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has a new manager, as of March 1; Timothy Norman is now overseeing the staff of the Acme resort and spa as their general manager.

The hotel and spa are part of the Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos, near Traverse City on 900 acres along the shore of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.  

"Mr. Norman's responsibilities are to lead the staff of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, which is approximately 500 persons in winter and grows to over 900 in summer," says J. Michael D'Agostino, public relations manager for the resort and casinos.

He's well equipped for the job, with more than 20 years of hospitality management experience. Norman comes to Northwest Michigan from Battle Creek, where he was general manager of the McCamly Plaza Hotel. Previously, he was general manager of the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. He also was the VP and general manager of the Ogle Bay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia for more than 10 years.

Norman holds a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management, and is a past president of the Virginia chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association.
    
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: J. Michael D'Agostino, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Traverse City State Bank has a new mortgage expert on staff thanks to the decision to hire Thomas Dilloway recently.

Dilloway, who has been in the banking industry for 35 years, has focused on the field of mortgage origination for the past 21 years. He says his business motto is a simple one that involves "building relationships through outstanding service and establishing a high level of customer confidence."

Dilloway is no stranger to the Traverse City area. He is an adjunct instructor at Northwest Michigan College and has been the chairman of both the Traverse City Housing Commission and Junior Achievement boards. In addition, he has been known to help raise funds for United Way, the Salvation Army and the YMCA, among others. He also completed the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Grand Traverse Program.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Thomas Dilloway, Traverse City State Bank

Trails for pedestrians and bicyclists around Leelanau and Emmet counties will see some improvements this coming year, thanks to a transportation enhancement grant from the state Department of Transportation.

Leelanau and Emmet are two of four Michigan counties to get the federally-funded grants, which will support tourism and business in the state.

"This federal funding helps pay for improvements that make a real difference in economic development and quality of life," says state transportation director Kirk Steudle. "Transportation enhancements like these make Michigan communities even more attractive to residents, visitors and business investors."

The federal transportation funds pay for 80 percent of each project, with the rest coming from MDOT and local governments or the private sector.

The Emmet County project is funded locally by the Emmet County Road Commission, and at the state level by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The project will construct seven miles of a 10-foot-wide trail from M-119 in Petoskey to Powers Road in Alanson. About five and a half trail miles will be constructed on a former railroad corridor owned by the DNR, while one and a half miles will be constructed in the right of way along US-31.

In all, the project will cost $1.3 million, with $300,000 coming from the DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund and $103,700 from the DNR Recreational Trails Program.

In the Leelanau county transportation project, the Leelanau County Road Commission will pave six and a half miles of the Leelanau Trail, part of the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation trail, from Lakeview Hills Road to Revold Road. The plan is to use asphalt pavement from Lakeview Hills Road to Bingham Road, and crushed limestone from Bingham Road to Revold Road.

The total cost is $671,500, with about $201,000 of that coming from TART Trails, Inc.

The other two projects are in Kent and Livingston counties. Livingston County also will improve its pedestrian and bicycle paths, while Kent County will improve a Grand Rapids business district with better stormwater runoff.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kirk Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation.

Two Northwest Michigan farms are getting a bit of help from grants issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Light of Day Organics, a Traverse City-based organic farm, and Royal Farms, located in Ellsworth, were awarded funds from the Value-Added Producer Grant program run by the USDA. The idea behind the program is to help farmers and growers develop marketing strategies for agricultural commodities.

"Michigan agriculture is strong and expanding five times faster than the general economy," says U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who announced the grant recipients. "From food processing and manufacturing to farming and marketing, Michigan's agriculture industry is extremely wide ranging. Our agriculture sector brings in more than $71 billion a year and supports one out of every four jobs in the state. We are poised to continue building on that success and creating jobs here in Michigan, and tying our farms to tourism is a recipe for success."

Light of Day Organics will receive $293,842, which will be used to develop a marketing campaign to promote the farm as a premier health and wellness destination in Northwest Michigan. The farm's products are grown organically and hand harvested.

Royal Farms is known for its cherries, apples and pears. The farm will receive $45,094 to help fund marketing activities promoting their new fruit wines and hard cider products.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Congress

The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce has long led the charge in trying to help recruit talent and business to the region. Now they've found another ally in that cause.

The chamber and MyNorth Media recently announced their partnership in the creation of a multi-media recruiting and relocation publication known as Traverse City Region Careers.

"Traverse City Region Careers provides recruits and businesses considering a move to our area with a window into our alluring lifestyle, the sophisticated cultural activity and the winning landscape," says Deborah Wyatt Fellows, founder of Traverse Magazine and CEO of MyNorth Media. "It engages the emotions through gorgeous photos, embedded video and more. But like any good publication, it is also packed with calls to action, including contacts integrated into every section, providing easy ways for a potential recruit to find out more."

The publication will feature profiles of businesses that include CEO letters, company highlights, employee interviews and more--basically anything a business would like to include to tell the story of what makes them an attractive prospect for employees.  

"We are actively talking with Northern Michigan’s manufacturing, health care, engineering and service industry leadership," says Fellows. "Traverse City Region Careers will place Northern Michigan’s spectacular life and employment opportunities in front of the people and businesses that will help shape the exciting future of our region."

To find out more about participating in Traverse City Region Careers, businesses should contact Jeff Hale via email.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Deborah Wyatt Fellows, MyNorth Media

Collaboration is the name of the game when it comes to bringing outstanding exhibits to the region--just ask the Traverse Area District Library, the Dennos Museum Center and the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Thank to the efforts of the three organizations, the Great Michigan Read traveling exhibit, "We Don't Want Them," will be shown throughout the region in March.

"Rather than applying for the exhibit as three single organizations and competing for the opportunity, we decided to combine our efforts in hosting the exhibit in order to offer a variety of complementary programming," says Diana Bolander, curator of education and interpretation at Dennos.

The exhibit focuses on race and housing in metropolitan Detroit ranging from 1900 until now. Through reproductions of historic documents and photographs, viewers of "We Don’t Want Them" will learn about the causes and effects of residential segregation.

In addition to hosting the exhibit, each organization will offer supporting programs ranging from concerts and presentations to a community book discussion and a film screening designed to stimulate discussion concerning the themes of discrimination as well as tolerance and acceptance which are represented in both the exhibit and book selection.

The exhibit will run at Interlochen, March 1-10, before moving on to Dennos March 11-18. The Traverse Area District Library will host the exhibit March 19-28.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Diana Bolander, Dennos Museum Center

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

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