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Attracting &\; Retaining Talent
\nThe Power of Benefits
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About This Event:
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Employer-offered benefits play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent. As a business owner\, it can be challenging to determine if your benefits package is in line with other employers in our region. In our second Economic Strategy Session\, Attracting &\; Retaining Talent\, learn how competitive \;benefits can set your business apart from others in your industry\, \;help you retain your current workforce\, and attract top talent.
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\nThe panel will focus on industry-specific tips while highlighting information from the 2025 Traverse Connect Benefit survey completed in partnership with Networks Northwest. Learn what others businesses in our region offer to stay competitive!
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About the Economic Strategy Sessions:
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The Economic Strategy Sessions are an initiative by Traverse Connect to engage high-level investors and community leaders with the key pillars of our Strategic Plan\, and to provide clear and transparent leadership and guidelines for our region'\;s economic development activity. Held three times annually\, each Economic Strategy Session focuses on one core strategy for Traverse Connect'\;s economic development leadership. The 2025 \;Economic Strategy Session event series is Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. \;
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Don&rsquo\;t miss this opportunity to unlock funding for your organization! \;Register now \;to secure your spot!
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Learn More About the Panel Here:
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Mandy Sentieri \;is the Chief Financial Officer for Traverse \;Connect\, \;a regional economic development organization focused on advancing the economic vitality of the Grand Traverse Region through the growth of family‐\;sustaining careers. Mandy has been with Traverse Connect (formerly known as the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce) since 2014 and was a key partner in the creation of Traverse Connect and the merger of the Traverse City Chamber Foundation and the Traverse City Economic Development Corporation\, which was renamed Venture North Funding &\; Development. \;Mandy&rsquo\;s focus is on the planning\, implementation\, managing and running of all the finance activities of the organization\, including strategic planning\, budgeting\, forecasting\, negotiations\, grant writing\, and human resources. \;As the CFO\, her role is to protect the company&rsquo\;s revenues and profits to achieve full financial control and sustainable growth\, while \;maintaining \;mission focused activities. \; \; \; \; \;
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\nMandy is a native of Traverse City and holds an M.B.A. in Accounting from Davenport University and a B.A. in Business Management from Davenport University. \; \;She has 25 years of experience in accounting and business financial consulting. \;Prior to being hired by Traverse Connect she owned and operated Aace Accounting\, which offered small business consulting services including \;establishing \;new businesses\, accounting\, financial and strategic planning\, and human resource services \;
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Jessica Willis \;| \;Bio \; \;
\nJessica Willis\, LMSW is currently the Director of Northwest Michigan Works\, serving the \;ten county \;region in northwest lower Michigan. Prior to her role Director\, Willis was the Chief Program Officer for Networks Northwest and for several years before oversaw the Northwest OS Reentry Services program as the Regional Director of Offender Success. \;
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\nWillis received her BA in Sociology from the State University of New York in Buffalo and graduated with her Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She is a licensed MSW with the State of Michigan and a Certified Nonprofit Professional with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Since 2006 Willis has worked in non-profit administration and community development\, volunteering with a variety of community-based agencies and other local non-profit boards. \;
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Christopher Staub \;| \;Bio \;
\nChris brings over 30 years of health care industry leadership and experience from his prior roles at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Elevance Health and CIGNA Healthcare. \;
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\nChris graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island\, Illinois with a degree in Business and Music. He has enjoyed serving in a variety of community and leadership roles including Traverse Connect (Board member\, Committee work and Leadership Grand Traverse)\, The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce (DuoShare \;programs\, as well as coordinating the Northwest Regional Child Care Coalition.
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Norika Kida Betti | \;Bio \; \;
\nPrior to joining the United Way team\, Norika worked for eight years as a legal aid attorney \;representing \;parents and children in child welfare matters and coordinating a pro bono program for a statewide legal aid organization. Norika holds a BA in Human Development and Social Relations from Kalamazoo College and a JD from Vermont Law and Graduate School. \;
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Nick \;Jacqmain | Bio
\nNick Jacqmain is the President and CEO of Springfield Roofing\, where \;he'\;s \;been a key leader since 2009. He began as a project manager and was named CEO in 2018\, now overseeing daily operations\, and working closely with the management team to drive company growth and performance. \;
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\nNick holds a degree in Business Administration and Sports Management from Central Michigan University and brings a strong background in safety\, leadership\, and innovation to the roofing industry. \;He'\;s \;a Level 1 Certified Thermographer\, FAA-certified UAV pilot\, and an alum of Leadership Grand Traverse. Nick has also served on several local and industry boards\, including Traverse Connect as of 2025\, and was recognized in the TCBN 40 Under 40 in both 2016 and 2018.
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