Recap: Roundtable Discussion with Governor Rick Snyder

Well, well! Last week was a BIG week for the Traverse CIty Young Professionals. We were contacted by the Michigan Govenor's office a while back about hosting a roundtable discussion with Governor Rick Snyder. A lot of planning and organization went into making this happening, but the outcome was incredible. 

Last Friday, at an invitation-only event, fifteen YPs from different businesses and backgrounds sat at a table with Governor Snyder to ask him questions and give him feedback about what young professionals want for our wonderful state of Michigan. It was an experience of a lifetime, and I was so honored to be invited and snap some photos. 

There was a lot of hubbub before the roundtable discussion started. I walked around the room and chatted with familiar faces and met some new folks, too. Our panelists, selected by their industry or expertise in our community, took their seats at the table and awaited the Governor's arrival. 

Honestly, this was about as close to any public governmental figure as I've ever been, and I was pretty nervous that I was going to trip over a speaker cord or something and make a huge fool of myself. And I wasn't even asking a question! I can only imagine how nerve-wracked our panelists were, but as I expected, they did a fantastic job. 

Governor Snyder took his place at the head of the table, next to Kent Wood from the TC Chamber. Kent gave some opening remarks, as did Governor Snyder, and then the conversation worked its way around the table as each of our panelists asked their question. Here is a summary of the YPs that were present and the topics they chose: 

Jessica Wheaton (TC Light & Power): Promoting/incentivizing staying in Michigan for current residents. "Live Michigan"

Warren Call (Huntington National Bank): Support for Michigan's water resources and combatting invasive species

Allison Beers (Events North): Future of public education in Michigan

Rachel Johnson (Cherryland Electric): Growing & sustaining diverse economic development

Josh Janowiak (Platinum Sound): Transportation and road funding 

Jeff Fedorinchik (Hallmark Construction): Incentivizing/Encouraging young people to join trades

Drew Bucholz (Interlochen Center for the Arts): Arts and cultural funding

Shannon Owen (Northwestern Michigan College): Higher education funding

Bryan Taggert (Larkin Group): Tax reform in Michigan 

Andrew Kohlman (Image 360): Struggles for "green" businesses

Todd Sanders (Sanders Solutions): More YP involvement in Government

Marie Chantal-Delese (Chateau Chantal): Regulation for farm/food industry

Lee Michaels (Cherry Capital Foods): Creating a career market place for future workforce

Tracy Wittkop (Munson Healthcare): Northern Michigan Rural OB health service funding

As a young professional living in Michigan, I was so pleased with all the questions posed by our panel. Support for small businesses and farming, concerns about education at all levels, needs for better public and bicycle transportation, concerns about protecting our Great Lakes, and making entrepreneurship more accessible for young people…yes, please! These are all issues near and dear to my heart, and to have the Governor in the room responding to all our concerns--truly having our voices heard--that is something that is unlikely to come around again for our organization. What a privilege!

Governor Snyder did a great job listening to our concerns and understanding our wants for this state. He wanted to know what encourages young people to find a place in Michigan to call home, and also asked us to get involved in our local communities. He is working to build more trails in Michigan, but asks that the trail users work to make trails open for all kinds of activities, not specialized and limited to only a few. Greater pre-K education funding will hopefully make an impact across our entire education system, and upgrades in technology will help teachers as they work with students learning at different paces. Agriculture and arts are important topics to Governor Snyder, and he is pushing for more funding and support into these areas, as well as making it easier for young entrepreneurs to access funding for their businesses.

For us young professionals, we are constantly looking to improve our life/work balance: we want a place that fosters creativity and community, but also provides us with a steady, challenging job and a means to provide for ourselves and our families. Quality of life is the name of our game. Lucky for us, Governor Snyder agreed with the importance of these two issues, and encouraged all of us to get involved in our communities and continue building upon the wonderful foundation we all have in here Traverse City. 

One of my favorite quotes from Governor Snyder was, "Do you want to be another yuppie in Chicago, or do you want to make a difference in Detroit?" Although we are far from Detroit, the message is the same: we live in a place where our voices, our opinions, and our choices make a difference. As citizens in this town, we can make a difference in transforming our economy and bringing others to the place we call home; we can share all the goodness to be found in Michigan. 

We are young, but we are mighty, and we have the power to positively impact the place we live and help make it better for all. Personally, that is the kind of place I want to call home, and I am so glad to have that in Traverse City. Regardless of your political beliefs, getting involved in your local governance and community efforts can shape the place you live. So get out there, and get your voice heard!

All in all, it was a great experience to have this conversation with the Governor. I was so proud to see my friends up there, asking tough questions and wanting answers for their concerns about the future of our state. 

Congratulations to all the YPs selected for the roundtable discussion, and a big "thank you" to Governor Snyder for sitting down and taking the time to listen to what we have to say!

YP Social Event - Low Bar

Last night, we had our first YP social event of the year at a new place in town, called Low Bar. It is underneath the Seven Monks Tap Room (a tried-and-true favorite locale of mine). I was really excited to see what Low Bar had was all about, since I'm a HUGE fan of Seven Monks. 

Low Bar has a whole different vibe to it than any other place I've seen in TC. For one, it is DARK down there...but it's a dark in a cool way. Like, secret-underground-hangout-with-the-best-booze-in-town kind of dark. In a way, it's totally appropriate because it is inspired by the Prohibition Era. Low Bar prides itself on being a high-end spirits and specialty concoctions destination, and they set the mood right. Heck, even the staff gets into character and dress up fancy to make it feel like every drink you order is the best drink you'll find in town (and it very well may be). 

There was a great YP turnout, too! I saw a lot of familiar faces but also some new faces, which is always nice for mingling. Low Bar is a small place, perfect for an event like this where YPs stroll around and chat with each other. You're bound to bump elbows with someone you haven't met yet, and I like that. People stuck around for a few hours, and I've no doubt that it's because they were drinking good drinks, in a good place, with good company.

Thanks to all the YPs who made it out last night! 

Remember, today is our Roundtable Discussion with Governor Snyder. Stay tuned to our Facebook page starting at 3:00 for live, up-to-the-minute updates from this incredible event and conversation! I'll post a recap about the event early next week, so if you miss the Facebook feed, there will still be plenty to share here on the blog. 

Happy weekend, everyone!

Spring Break at the State Theatre

It's Spring Break for the local schools here in Traverse City! For those of us left here in town and not sitting on the beach drinking Mai Tais (sigh...), we're still treated to our own mini-vacation. There are fewer cars driving around, less people on the streets, and yesterday it was 50 degrees outside! Folks were wearing t-shirts, kids rode around downtown on skateboards, and everyone optimistically swapped out their winter coats for lighter spring jackets. We know Spring hasn't totally arrived, but 50 degree weather feels like 70 degrees after six months of cold.

My favorite thing about Spring Break, though, is how the State Theatre celebrates: FREE MOVIES ALL WEEK! Yes, you read that right: FREE. MOVIES. ALL. WEEK.

For me, the State is one of TC's prized jewels. The renovations that went into this building gave it a brand-new life, and the volunteers who dedicate their time to make every movie a truly incredible experience give the State its heart and soul. If a new movie comes out that I want to see, I'll wait until the State shows it instead of going to a big-box theatre. Watching a movie at the State is an affordable luxury, and I've never seen a bad movie there or had a bad time. 

We picked up our free tickets (from the box office right at the theatre) for "Pulp Fiction" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness" this week. Last night we saw "Pulp Fiction," and man...what an awesome movie to see on the big screen!

 The lobby was decorated, popcorn was popping, and everyone was working hard. The wonderful State volunteers kept the crowds happy last night, per usual. They seriously run this place. I've volunteered at the State on many occasions, and if it's something that interests you, why not go with the YPs? We have a group of YPs that staff the State every month, and you can't beat the perks (free popcorn and pop, a pass for a free movie, and you usually get to watch what's playing). Contact Erika and Rachel for more details.

Anyway, we skipped dinner so we could indulge in a giant bucket of popcorn. Seriously, I can't pass up popcorn at a movie. 

If you've never been to the State, feast your eyes on this beautiful theatre:

Now THAT is a movie theatre, my friends. It is worth a trip to TC just to relax in those lush, lean-back seats and stare in awe at the masterpiece that is the State. 

If you can't tell, I'm just totally obsessed with this place. The State, to me, treats movies the way they should be treated...and that is a rare thing to find in today's fast-paced, mass consumer culture where everything is about quantity, not quality. The State is all about delivering quality: quality movies, quality ambiance, and a quality experience. I didn't know that watching movies could be a holistic experience until the State came along and set the bar (really, really) high. When someone says, "We saw it at the State," it goes without saying that they saw a film they enjoyed and had an experience like nowhere else; they have set the standard of film-viewing for us TC folks, and created a sense of community. 

There are still a few days left for the State's free movie extravaganza! The schedule is below. Treat yourself to a (great) free movie while there's still time...you've earned it after this winter!

APRIL 1 State Theatre: SPRING BREAK!BOOK TO MOVIE DAY Percy Jackson: Sea of MonstersPG 10:00 am – FREE! Lee Daniels’ The ButlerPG-13 12:30 pm – FREE! The Book ThiefPG-13 3:30 pm – FREE! The Secret Life of Walter MittyPG 6:45 pm – FREE! The Great GatsbyPG-13 9:30 pm – FREE! Bijou by the Bay: Frozen Sing-AlongPG 10:30 am, 1:00 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply Bijou by the Bay: Veronica MarsPG-13 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply

2 State Theatre: SPRING BREAK! SHIRLEY TEMPLE CLASSIC The Bachelor And The Bobby-SoxerNR 10:30 am – FREE! THE LATE, GREAT PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN DAY DoubtPG-13 1:00 pm – FREE! MoneyballPG-13 3:30 pm – FREE! CapoteR 6:45 pm – FREE! Boogie NightsR 9:30 pm – FREE! Bijou by the Bay: Frozen Sing-AlongPG 10:00 am, 12:30 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply Bijou by the Bay: Veronica MarsPG-13 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply

3 State Theatre: SPRING BREAK!BIG SCREEN DAY EpicPG 10:00 am – FREE! OblivionPG-13 12:45 pm – FREE! World War ZPG-13 3:45 pm – FREE! Man of SteelPG-13 6:45 pm – FREE! Star Trek: Into DarknessPG-13 10:00 pm – FREE! Bijou by the Bay: Frozen Sing-AlongPG 11:30 am, 4:45 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply Bijou by the Bay: Veronica MarsPG-13 2:00, 7:15, 9:30 pm Normal Ticket Rates Apply

4 State Theatre: BONUS FREE KIDS MATINEE Fantastic Mr. FoxPG 10:00 am – FREE! State Theatre: The Grand Budapest HotelR 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 pm State Theatre: Friday Night Flicks Fast Times At Ridgemont HighR 11:00 pm

Student and Alumni Outreach Committee: Bringing new YPs to TC

As the Traverse City Young Professionals group continues growing, we're building up our committees and expanding our reach in the community. One group that really takes this to heart is the Student and Alumni Outreach Committee. These great folks are welcoming and recruiting future YP generations to Traverse City as well as helping to connect homegrown talent to local employers. Interested in learning more about what they do? Read on to find out!

On Thursday, March 6th, a few members of the TCYP Student & Alumni Outreach Team attended the Annual NMC Career Fair at the Hagerty Center. Numerous attendees inquired about the TCYPs. It was good exposure and a great way to let job seekers know how we could help them network in their respective fields. Since the job fair was not limited to patrons under 40, they were also able to promote the TC Chamber, the networking opportunities offered by the Chamber and the job portal on the Chamber website.

The YP Student & Alumni Outreach Program connects with both prospective graduates and current Young Professionals in the area. Colleges and universities can use this program to help provide education to potential graduates on the opportunities Traverse City has to offer. The program is also designed to continue the college spirit for alumni’s through various civic involvement and community events. They also foster professional relationships, as well as build awareness of the resources available to young professionals considering a move to Traverse City.

If you're a current YP, contact Josh or Courtney to learn more about how you can participate in the committee. Let them know if you're an active member of your alma mater's alumni association in TC...it would be great to have you on board to attract recent college graduates to our beautiful region!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone...and keep thinking spring!

Guest Blogger Michelle Elliott: Run, Walk, or Leap into Spring!

We're halfway through March and itching for warm weather, but still stuck with plenty of below-freezing temperatures. Still, it's no reason to stay cooped-up inside! YP Michelle Elliott shares her St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities, where she hung out with over 700 green-clad friends having a great time at the Leapin' Leprechaun 5K race. Check out those great costumes!

St. Patrick’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. I know what you’re thinking; it’s because of all the pub-crawls, shamrock shakes and green beer right? Well, not totally. For me St. Patrick’s Day has always been that sign that spring is right around the corner. In the past it has been warm and it has snowed, but regardless, there is typically a party and everyone is having a great time. 

 

This year, I got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend by working. Yes, working. It’s the nature of the beast if you’re in the event industry. Most of the time you are working while others are playing. I love it. It is rewarding to see all your hard work pay off and witness hundreds of people laughing and joking.  

I work for the National Cherry Festival which organizes the Fifth Third Bank Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K. This fun 5K is held annually on St. Paddy’s day weekend. This year was chilly but we still had over 700 people wake up early to race around town. They definitely dressed to impress in their Irish best.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without a gold Guinness at the post-race party. We had a heated tent set up so everyone could warm up and listen to local favorites Don Julin and Billy Strings. It was a brisk morning, but those who came out had a good time.  

There were plenty of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around town this past week. If you are ever curious about what to do visit the Ancient Order of the Hibernians website.  They have an entire event calendar dedicated to all the Irish festivities in Traverse City. 

"What is Art, Anyway?" Lecture Series at The Box

When I was moving back to Traverse City after attending college in Ann Arbor, I was wary about what kinds of "academic" opportunities would be available, if any. Lucky for me, TC has grown in all kinds of ways since I was in high school, and there are plenty of learning activities and speaker events out there. 

As a History of Art major, I was thrilled to hear that the Art Center of Traverse City was hosting a six-week lecture series called "What is Art, Anyway?" They have different panels slated for each week to discuss what art is, and based on some of the speakers they have lined up (graffiti artists, gallery owners, and even this past years' ArtPrize winner!), it is geared up to be a great series.

 
The other part of this series that was particular exciting to me was the location: The Box. Back in its day, The Box was a cigar factory. Much later in its life, and just prior to the major renovations that converted it into a beautiful event space, it was the gym I went to for years. I'd not been inside The Box yet, and I was itching to see how the space was converted from a place where I took Spinning lessons and read way too many magazines on elliptical machines.

I wasn't the least bit disappointed: The Box is gorgeous. It's an open layout that doubles as a living and entertaining space. The space is modern but intimate, and the tone is very cozy and warm. I loved the high ceilings, wood floors, and magnificent kitchen. I'll look for any excuse to visit The Box again!

I went to the first art lecture, which included three artists: Ann Loveless (the 2013 ArtPrize winner), Del Michel, and Bob Purvis. There were a ton of people there, and even though I was among the younger attendees, I would highly recommend the lecture series to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. The audience actively participated and lots of great questions and conversations were thrown into the mix.

 It was great to get the perspective of three different (and successful) artists from our area. They talked about the growth they've made as artists, the moments they first knew they were artists, and took questions from the crowd about their work, vision, and what art means to them as artists. Plenty of folks from the audience had their own opinions about art, too, but it did make for engaging dialogue. All in all, it was a really enjoyable lecture and I'm looking forward to attending another one before the end of the series (plus, it means another visit to The Box).

If you're looking to attend this lecture series, you can learn more about each week's lecture here. Personally, I think their graffiti, street art, and tattoo art lecture looks really interesting, and it's definitely geared towards a younger generation. Keep your eyes peeled for other great speaking events in our area...if you're an academic, you'll find plenty of opportunities to keep your mind sharp in TC!

Guest Blogger: Kelsey Lauer Visits Ice Cave Wonderland

The last time I can remember West Grand Traverse Bay freezing over was in 2009. This year, about 90% of all the Great Lakes are frozen, and I am thrilled to experience winter the way I remember it as a child. While it's unsafe to go explore them now, the Lake Michigan ice caves will live on in legend. Never before have we Michiganders seen something like this, and hundreds of people visited these magnificent natural beauties. Lucky for us, YP Kelsey Lauer and her boyfriend took the trip out and snapped some incredible pictures. Read on to hear about (and see!) their adventure. (All photos by Colin Johnstone.)

By now, most of the people in Northern Michigan have heard about the spectacular ice caves that formed on Lake Michigan in Leelanau County near Northport.

I was alerted by these amazing pictures that were popping up all over my social media news feeds, and after hearing someone call them a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” I decided I had to go check them out along with boyfriend Colin and his camera on a sunny but FRIGID afternoon.

A once in a lifetime opportunity was a total understatement. I've never before seen such majestic jagged ice sculptures that stretch towards the sky, looking like a giant hand had reached down and sculpted the ice.

A rugged, frozen landscape set off by the icy blue sky looked as if it could have come from another world.

We weren’t alone in our adventure, either; it looked as if a few hundred other people had accompanied us out onto the ice, complete with one very small dog wearing a hooded coat and bright pink booties. The huskies, on the other hand, looked right at home.

The very texture of the ice was fascinating, with bumps and divots where spray from the waves had frozen. An occasional handy foothold or handhold made climbing some of the slippery slopes quite irresistible (although that is not recommended!).

Some of the caves were quite small, hardly large enough for a person to stand upright in.

Others, however, offered a myriad of nooks and crannies to explore—including some skylights!

After spending a wonderful couple of hours exploring the caves, however, the sun started to set and we decided to head back to shore while we could still see.

Saying farewell to the ice caves was almost bittersweet—especially now that the ice conditions are no longer safe to check them out. It was truly an honor and a privilege to see them while they were accessible, something far more than a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

The caves are a stunning reminder of the power and beauty of Lake Michigan and Mother Nature in all seasons—even in the frozen depths of winter, there is still amazement and joy to be found by going outside.

I challenge you to head outside this winter, try out a few new winter activities to see which strike your fancy and most of all, have FUN.  Let’s make the most of our nearly 17 feet of snow this winter while we can!