The Distinguished Service 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 Distinguished Service Award 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.The Traverse Connect Business & Community Awards also showcase outstanding businesses and professionals in the Grand Traverse region for their economic contributions, leadership, and community involvement in a live voting setting. There are three finalists for each category.
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 DSA (Distinguished Service Award) Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Speaking opportunity during opening remarks at the Distinguished Service Awards
- One (1) reserved table of eight (8) at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
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- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- Opportunity to place marketing materials at each table (provided by sponsor)
- Opportunity to provide promotional video to be played on social platforms leading up to DSA event, regarding the DSA’s event (video provided by sponsor)
- Recognition as Supporting Sponsor for the 2026 DSA (Distinguished Service Award) Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- One (1) reserved table of eight (8) at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Speaking opportunity during opening remarks at the Distinguished Service Awards
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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- Recognition as Beverage Sponsor for the 2026 DSA (Distinguished Service Award) Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed at beverage station
- Single-color logo printed on coasters placed at each table
- One (1) reserved table of eight (8) at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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- Recognition as Lunch Sponsor for the 2026 DSA (Distinguished Service Award) Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed around the room
- One (1) reserved table of eight (8) at the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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An award that recognizes a talented professional who is considered a rising star in their field and is considered a role model for others both personally and professionally.
- Recognition as Rising Star TCYP Member of the Year Award Sponsor for the 2026 DSA Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Opportunity to read what the award is about, why your business supports this award in the community, and announce the winner during the luncheon
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- Two (2) tickets to the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (8,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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A business that has made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the region through business growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure, and participation in other endeavors that benefit that community and its residents. The company must also exemplify excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to the community in which it operates and possess a corporate culture that enhances the lives of its employees.
- Recognition as Economic Impact Award Sponsor for the 2026 DSA Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Opportunity to read what the award is about, why your business supports this award in the community, and announce the winner during the luncheon
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- Two (2) tickets to the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (8,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
A new, stand out business in the Grand Traverse region that has already demonstrated a level of excellence in their product category and a commitment to giving back to the community.
- Recognition as New Business of the Year Award Sponsor for the 2026 DSA (Distinguished Service Award) Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Opportunity to read what the award is about, why your business supports this award in the community, and announce the winner during the luncheon
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- Two (2) tickets to the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (8,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
An award that recognizes a talented professional who has completed and is an Alum of Leadership Grand Traverse and has made a positive impact on the community both personally and professional
- Recognition as Rising Star TCYP Member of the Year Award Sponsor for the 2026 DSA Traverse Connect Business & Community Achievement Awards
- Opportunity to read what the award is about, why your business supports this award in the community, and announce the winner during the luncheon
- Logo included in digital program
- Logo included on signage placed throughout the event
- Logo placed on all table tents
- Two (2) tickets to the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (8,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-