Distinguished Service Award Luncheon & Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards 2026
Date and Time
Wednesday May 13, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Registration Begins: 11:00 AM
Luncheon Program: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Park Place Hotel & Conference Center
Fees/Admission
Individual Tickets: $50
Includes a plated lunch
Please note - We cannot accommodate requests to have a reserved table placed next to another company or person specifically. Refunds will not be available one week prior to the event. Thank you for understanding.
Registration will be closed on Friday, May 4th.
Contact Information
Molly MacGirr
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Beverage
Lunch
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New Business of the Year Award
Description
Distinguished Service Award
& Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
Please join us on Wednesday, May 13, at Park Place Hotel as we honor and celebrate the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient, Ray Minervini Sr.
Ray Minervini, president of The Minervini Group, was selected by the Traverse Connect Board of Directors to receive the Distinguished Service Award. The DSA is among the region’s oldest and most prestigious civic awards, presented annually since 1929. Mr. Minervini will be honored at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon on May 13, 2026.
Ray’s long career in construction and development began in the Detroit area where he was raised. Guided into a construction career by his father, a mason, Ray launched his career in residential construction in the 1960s, beginning with his first project, a cottage for his sister’s family outside of Kingsley, eventually transitioning to commercial construction in the 1980s. Ray and his wife, Marsha, built their own home on Old Mission Peninsula and relocated to the region in the 1990s, continuing his construction career while thoughts of retirement was on the horizon. However, a community movement to preserve the former Traverse City State Hospital captured not only his attention, but his time and treasure.
An experienced builder and restorer of historic buildings, Mr. Minervini and his family, through The Minervini Group, acquired the 19th-century property for $1 in 2002. With this famously nominal purchase, Ray launched the first redevelopment project of a former asylum in the country. Inspired by European villages, the State Hospital property gradually transformed into a mixed-use destination featuring residences, restaurants, retail shops, offices, wineries, and cultural spaces. Over time, the development has expanded into a 500-acre property with extensive parkland, trails, and community amenities.
Ray Minervini’s vision for an integrated walkable community where people can live, work, shop, dine, and gather is now a cornerstone for residents and visitors alike. Buildings once slated for demolition are now hubs of economic activity, home to nearly 90 small businesses employing 500 full- and part-time employees, and contain 276 residential units, including 68 units allocated for attainable housing.
Ray Minervini previously received other community honors, including the 2014 Milliken Distinguished Leadership Award, the 2019 Key to the City of Traverse City, and the 2023 Paul Harris Service Above Self Award.
“Ray Minervini’s legacy is one of vision, stewardship, and extraordinary service to Traverse City,” said Bob Brick, owner of Brick & Corbett and the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award. “The Commons embodies what is possible when someone sees potential where others see obstacles.”
“Ray’s work has strengthened our local economy, protected an irreplaceable historic landmark, and created a gathering place that residents cherish,” said Michael W. Wills, retired real estate developer and community leader. “His willingness to engage the public, share the site’s history, and champion thoughtful development has made him a trusted and respected figure in our community. His contributions have left a lasting mark on Traverse City, and our community is better because of his dedication.”
“Ray does the work behind the scenes where much of his volunteering goes unnoticed by others,” said Matthew Ross, executive director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. “He has always provided support to our organization, lectured on our behalf, volunteered to help mulch trees, and attended our events."
Ray and his wife, Marsha, continue to reside on Old Mission Peninsula, where they host regular summertime cookouts with adult children Raymond, Jeffrey, Tony, Laura, and Jason, and various grandchildren.
Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
Join us for an exciting event as Traverse Connect proudly presents the Business & Community Achievement Awards, featuring live voting during the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon.
Our mission is to honor and celebrate the businesses and leaders who have significantly impacted the Grand Traverse Region in 2025. We invite the community to nominate deserving businesses and individuals for recognition in four distinguished categories: Rising Star (TCYP), Leadership Grand Traverse Alum, New Business of The Year, and Economic Impact. From each category, three finalists will advance to participate in live voting during the luncheon on May 13, where they will be announced and honored. Let's come together to acknowledge and applaud the remarkable contributions within our community. You must be present to vote.
Click here to learn more about each category.
About the DSA Award: The award is a 90-year tradition that annually recognizes a local resident for his or her efforts to improve the lives of people living and working in the Grand Traverse area. The DSA honors business leaders, public servants, patrons of area arts, naturalists, and those from a host of other backgrounds who've worked and given tirelessly to improve the region, according to Traverse Connect.
Interested in promoting your business? Discover sponsorship opportunities here.
