Intrust CPA Announces Acquisition of WB CPA Group

 Intrust CPA is pleased to announce that, as of October 31, 2025, it has acquired WB CPA Group, marking an exciting new chapter of growth and expanded service for their clients.As part of this transition, members of the WB CPA Group team — Mike Wojtkowiak,CPA, Shaunna Bradford, CPA, MST, and Trish Cross, CPA — will be joining Intrust CPA. Together, they bring decades of accounting experience, strong client relationships, and a shared commitment to excellence in personalized financial and tax services.“WB

News Release: 12/8/2025

Donations Now Being Accepted for Up North Pride’s Free Winter Clothing Closet  Traverse City, MI – Up North Pride is currently taking donations of winter clothing items, including coats, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, pants, and boots, for a Free Community Clothing Closet at the Community Center at 314 E Eighth Street.  “It’s no surprise that there is need this time of year, given weather and financial strain. We wanted to help however we could and recognized the best resource we have is

Now Enrolling - Kiwanis Club Invites Community Members to Join and Make a Difference

The Kiwanis Club of Traverse City, proudly serving the region for more than 100 years, is inviting community members, professionals, and service-minded individuals to join its mission of improving the lives of children and strengthening the local community.Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to serving one child and one community at a time. Membership in the Traverse City club offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying personal and professional growth.Members enjoy a wide range

Planning for a Greener Tomorrow: Counties Request Resident Insights

Networks Northwest, in partnership with counties across Northwest Lower Michigan, is developing comprehensive Materials Management Plans (MMPs) and is seeking resident input to help shape future policies and programs.  Antrim, Charlevoix, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties are currently engaged in planning processes designed to identify opportunities to reduce the amount of solid waste entering landfills. These efforts follow 2022 amendments to Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental

Stroke Club Meets for Annual Holiday Party

 Stroke Club Meets for Annual Holiday Party Grand Traverse Bay Area Stroke Club meets at Presbyterian Church on December 10The Grand Traverse Bay Area Stroke Club will host its holiday party during the meeting on Wednesday, December 10 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, located at 701 Westminster Rd. in Traverse City.  The potluck style party is open to new and former members. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to pass, and if able, a wrapped gift with a value of $15 or under that is

GT Crisis Center Offers Help During its First Holiday Season

GT Crisis Center Offers Help During its First Holiday Season  Those struggling during the holidays have 24/7 access to mental health resources.  There is now a new resource for those in Northern Michigan silently struggling with stress, loneliness, or loss this holiday season as the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center (Crisis Center) welcomes people 24/7.   According to research, 89% of U.S. adults report stress during the holidays, with 41% feeling an increase in stress (American

Kiwanis Club Ski and Snowboard School Program

The Kiwanis Ski & Snowboard School is a local service project in collaboration with the local non-profit Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreational Area. Many years ago, the Kiwanis Club of Traverse City recognized the need for a youth-based initiative that would help create confidence and peer-to-peer encouragement, teach safety practices related to skiing & snowboarding, and provide an outdoor, healthy winter activity for the youth in our area. The Kiwanis Ski & Snowboard School has been in place for decades, and the

Munson Medical Center Granted $2.5 million by HRSA for Street Medicine Residency Expansion Project

Munson Medical Center Granted $2.5 million by HRSA for Street Medicine Residency Expansion ProjectFunding will help support medical outreach to the unhoused across four counties  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded a $2.5 million grant supporting a five-year project to enhance street medicine training to medical students enrolled in Munson Healthcare’s (MHC) Family Medicine Residency Program.One of only 24 such grants awarded nationwide, the funds will be used to launch the

Steve Rittenberg Joins Traverse Body & Paint as General Manager

Traverse Body & Paint is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Rittenberg as its new General Manager.Rittenberg brings more than 30 years of industry expertise, including extensive experience in body work, paint, estimating, collision repair, and shop leadership. Most recently he was part of the Sonny’s Body Shop team in Traverse City.Throughout his career, Rittenberg has worked with a variety of dealerships and multi-store operations. Known for his commitment to exceptional service, he prides

Early Education Wage Initiative Aims to Strengthen Region’s Early Childhood Workforce

Hundreds of early educators in Northwest Michigan will soon get a bump in wages thanks to the Early Education Wage Initiative, which was launched Thursday, November 20th by the Northwest Regional Child Care Coalition, convened by Networks Northwest.  Beginning in January 2026, eligible early childhood educators will receive monthly stipends of $200 (part-time) or $300 (full-time) through August 2027. Based on current projections, Networks Northwest estimates being able to issue stipends to 189 full-time

Associates in Dermatology Welcomes Dr. Taylor Adlam

 Associates in Dermatology is proud to announce the addition of Taylor Adlam, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, to its growing team.Dr. Adlam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, before completing her Doctor of Medicine at the Wayne State UniversitySchool of Medicine. Following medical school, she completed her transitional year and served as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Beaumont Health –Dearborn, before pursuing her

GARY GRANGER – HONORED AS A NOTABLE LEADER

GARY GRANGER – HONORED AS A NOTABLE LEADERGARY GRANGERFounder & CEO of Granger GroupGranger Group, Wyoming, MIGary Granger is a visionary developer and entrepreneur whose decades-long career has helped reshape the healthcare, residential, and mixed-use real estate landscape throughout the Midwest and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Granger Group, headquartered in Wyoming, Michigan, he has led multi-billion-dollar development initiatives grounded in long-term community impact and sustainability.What

Building Lasting Loyalty in the Subscription Era

TL;DR In a world where memberships are one click away from cancellation, loyalty isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about delivering ongoing value, tailored experiences, and effortless renewals. Brands that treat their subscribers as evolving partners, not static accounts, create compounding satisfaction and advocacy.Why Subscription Loyalty Feels Different Now Membership models have replaced one-time transactions. Customers now expect not only what they paid for—but continuous evidence that they made the right

TBACU Marks 70th Anniversary by Supporting Local Non-Profits

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – TBA Credit Union (TBACU) proudly celebrates a significant milestone: 70 years of dedicated service to its members and the community. In honor of this anniversary, TBACU expanded its annual Pay It Forward celebration by donating a total of $70,000 during the month of November. The Pay It Forward celebration has been a tradition at TBA Credit Union since 2015. The purpose is to provide random acts of kindness throughout the community during our anniversary month.   As part of this

The Folded Leaf Issues Urgent Call for Community Support Ahead of Thanksgiving

PRESS RELEASE   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   The Folded Leaf Issues Urgent Call for Community Support Ahead of Thanksgiving  Cedar, MI – November 12, 2025 — The Folded Leaf is calling on the Northern Michigan community to come together and help provide essential support for more than 60 local families in need this Thanksgiving season. With many households having six or more members, the demand for assistance has grown significantly.  Here’s how you can help:Donate Winter Gear: All sizes of snow boots,

CRYSTAL NEWS: New development, indoor golf, new mascot, and flex passes top the list of highlights for what’s new this winter at Crystal Mountain

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (October 30, 2025) – An exciting season of changes is in store at Crystal Mountain this winter. The resort is putting the next phase of development in motion, offering more flexible options for lift tickets, introducing winter golf, welcoming a new mascot, and overall, continuing to invest in winter. This season, guests will notice construction underway as the resort begins the initial stage of its North Village Project with a new Mountain Operations building. Expected to be completed

News Release: 10/20/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEGive a Taste of Michigan This Holiday Season with Benjamin Twiggs Traverse City, MI – [October 20, 2025] – As the holiday season approaches, Benjamin Twiggs, Michigan’s original cherry store since 1966, invites businesses and individuals alike to celebrate the season of gratitude and giving with handcrafted gifts that capture the heart of Michigan. “At Benjamin Twiggs, we’re honored to help our customers express appreciation to clients, partners, and employees through our signature

How Small Businesses Can Maintain Healthy Cash Flow for Long-Term Stability and Growth

Keeping your business’s cash flow steady is like keeping the heart of your company beating. When cash consistently flows in and out with control, owners can make decisions confidently, plan for expansion, and avoid unnecessary debt.    TL;DR Cash flow management is about timing — ensuring your business always has enough on hand to cover expenses while funding future opportunities. Focus on forecasting income, tracking expenses, invoicing consistently, and reinvesting wisely.    Why Cash Flow

Walstrom Marine Announces Jeremy Anderson as Its Next President

Harbor Springs, MI – Walstrom Marine is pleased to announce that Jeremy Anderson will be joining Walstrom Marine as its new President on October 6.Jeremy most recently served as General Manager for Big Thunder Marine in the Lake of the Ozarks. Under 8 years of leadership by Jeremy, Big Thunder through acquisition and organic growth became the leading dealer in the Lake of the Ozarks with additional locations in Florida. Prior to Big Thunder, Jeremy worked at several dealers in Wisconsin, including serving

Get rebates on past projects

Brand Like You Mean It: Foundational Moves for Small Business Owners

A logo won’t save you. Neither will a slick font. Branding is a decision—not a decoration. When you’re starting a business, everything feels like it needs to happen at once. But brand work? That’s not extra. It’s structural. Every conversation, every pitch, every page on your site builds from this foundation. Get your brand right, and things start sticking. Get it wrong—or ignore it—and every next step slips through your fingers.Define Who You Are Before Anyone Else Does You don’t start with colors—you

New adventures and amenities this summer at Crystal Mountain

Media Use:Photos THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (July 15, 2025) – Crystal Mountain is excited to welcome locals and visitors alike to experience an impressive array of new attractions and enhanced offerings. Emphasizing adventurous family fun and unparalleled convenience, the 1500-acre resort is inviting guests to embrace the magic of long summer days, sparkling fresh water, and unforgettable experiences. "Summer in northern Michigan is remarkable, and there are so many ways people can embrace the season on

Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour Coming to Crystal Mountain

Michigan Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour: July 17-24, 2025 Discover sustainable living practices on Michigan's first "Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour," running July 17-24, 2025. This free, eight-day event offers a unique opportunity to explore existing and developing ecovillages and intentional communities across Michigan, highlighting successful community-building and ecological innovations. Organized by Tom Stanton of Community Energy Solutions, LLC, the tour aims to showcase

Scroll-Stopping Stories: Visual Marketing for a Generation Raised Online

In the loud, over-saturated amphitheater of social media, attention isn’t earned through logic—it’s sparked through feeling. For younger audiences who live and breathe in pixels and scrolls, what’s seen matters more than what’s said. They’ve grown up immersed in visual content, fluent in meme-speak and trained to detect inauthenticity faster than a banner ad loads. For brands, this doesn’t just require aesthetic savvy; it demands cultural fluency and a willingness to trade control for creativity. Emotion

Field Trip/Career Day

FIELD TRIP/CAREER DAY! Lake City Trojans took a day to come to Traverse City and see what it takes to make a career as an MMA Fighter! Coach Chris touched on each aspect of MMA, as well as the conditioning it takes to get you there. If you, or someone you know is interested in shadowing, or learning more about the sport of Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu or MMA, reach out to admin@significantstrikes.com to schedule an appointment! We are so grateful for the staff at Lake City for investing in each student to

Crystal Mountain welcomes two dynamic leaders to the Groups Sales team

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (April 24, 2025) – Crystal Mountain, northern Michigan’s premier four-season resort, is thrilled to announce the hiring of two accomplished individuals to its sales leadership team. Ashley Curd and Skye Lemmen have joined Crystal Mountain as Group Sales Managers, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the region to their new roles.Ashley Curd, a Northern Michigan native, returns to her roots with a strong background in client management and engagement. Most recently,

CRYSTAL NEWS: A collaborative effort between non-profits brings metro-Detroit students to Crystal Mountain

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (March 10, 2025) – A collaborative effort between Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC), Detroit Outdoors, SOS Outreach, and Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT), is set to bring a group of students from Hamtramck High School to Crystal Mountain for an unforgettable winter adventure. The initiative is to break down socio-economic barriers and provide access to snowsports for students who might otherwise miss out on the joys of winter in Michigan. This trip, March 12-14, marks the

Crystal Mountain hires Julie Oatman as Director of Sales

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (Dec. 20, 2024) – From conferences by the casino to slopeside meetings and events, Julie Oatman has been named the new Director of Sales at Crystal Mountain. Oatman comes to Crystal after working in sales for more than 25 years at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She began as Corporate and Incentive Sales Manager in 1998, implementing effective sales strategies, managing key client relationships, and driving customer engagement. In 2017 she was promoted to

Traverse City, MI Businesses: FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline is 01/01/2025! File Now to Avoid Possible Fines!

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote financial transparency and prevent illicit activities. As of today, November 27, 2024, Traverse City, Michigan, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face fines of $500 per day!    What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses

TBA Credit Union Celebrates 69 Years by Paying it Forward

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – TBA Credit Union (TBACU) celebrated 69 years of providing services to its members. Every year, to celebrate TBA Credit Union’s birthday, the Credit Union conducts a Pay-it-Forward celebration. The Credit Union donated a total of $6,000 to the community throughout the month of November. Six teams were formed, consisting of team and board members, and six non-profits were selected to receive a $1,000 donation.  Recipients includedCherryland Humane SocietyRainbow Hope FarmReining

Steps to Build and Sustain a Profitable Home Services Business

Have you ever dreamed of turning your knack for fixing things or your passion for home improvement into a lucrative business? Launching a home services enterprise could be your gateway to financial independence and professional fulfillment. However, the journey from concept to thriving business involves more than just good intentions – it requires strategic planning, insightful market analysis, and meticulous execution. Whether you’re aiming to become the go-to handyman in your neighborhood or the

The Innovator’s Mindset: Cultivating Creativity in Your Business

In today's fast-paced and increasingly digital world, small and mid-sized business owners are presented with unique opportunities to drive growth and enhance efficiency through digital innovation. The dynamic landscape of digital technology offers various tools and strategies to revolutionize the way businesses operate and interact with their customers. By embracing these technological advancements, you can not only streamline operations but also stay competitive in a rapidly-evolving

Taking the Reins: How to Direct Your Own Marketing Campaigns

In the fast-paced world of business, having a direct hand in your marketing efforts is not just an advantage; it's a necessity for growth and sustainability. Whether you are spearheading a startup, managing a small business, or forging ahead as a solo entrepreneur, understanding and executing effective marketing strategies internally can significantly impact your success. This comprehensive guide provides you with the steps to take charge of your marketing, allowing you to craft a message that resonates

Central Michigan University Extends Partnership to Empower State Employees' Education

Mount Pleasant, Michigan, May 3, 2024 – Central Michigan University (CMU) proudly announces the extension of its partnership with the State of Michigan, dedicated to providing educational opportunities for state employees. Originally forged on July 31, 2017, this collaborative effort has the potential to positively impact over 48,000 individuals statewide and will continue doing so until November 30, 2028. The partnership aims to bolster academic achievement among state employees and their families by

Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant: All You Have to Do Is Ask Acrobat’s Generative AI Document & PDF Tool

Adobe Acrobat has long been an invaluable tool for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees all over the world thanks to its wide array of PDF generation and editing tools. Now, Acrobat AI Assistant offers new benefits for businesses of all sizes. Acrobat AI Assistant’s revolutionary software can transform your business with its incredible features:   Intelligent Search and Retrieval: Entrepreneurs frequently need to access specific information buried within a vast collection of documents. The

Protecting Your Construction Business: Tips for Financial Resilience

In the world of construction and home services, financial stability is the cornerstone of success. Whether you're a construction business owner or a contractor in the home services industry, safeguarding your business from financial downturns is essential. In this article, we peek into practical strategies that can help you fortify your business against economic challenges without overwhelming your budget.   Keep a Close Eye on Your Financial Records with PDF Document Management   Construction

Unveiling the Impact of Data Visualization: A Guide to Business Insights

In today's data-driven world, the ability to harness the power of data is essential for businesses seeking a competitive edge. Data visualization, the strategy of simplifying complex information by converting it into compelling visual formats, has emerged as a critical tool in this endeavor. In this article, we will explore the core elements of data visualization and its profound impact on businesses.   What Is Data Visualization?   At its core, data visualization is the art of transforming