Northern Michigan Policy Fund

Northern Michigan Policy Fund Traverse Connect Political Action Committee (Traverse Connect PAC).

The purpose of the Traverse Connect PAC is to support the nomination and election of qualified candidates to public offices in the U.S. Federal government and the State of Michigan. The PAC may also support issues and ballot campaigns that espouse or reflect the policies and principles deemed important to the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, its member organizations, and investors. The PAC does not engage in local races, such as city councils, county commissions, and school boards.

Personal checks can be made payable in any amount to Traverse Connect PAC and sent or dropped off to Traverse Connect PAC, 202 E. Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684. Contributions are also accepted via Square.

Not allowed: Corporate checks

Allowed: Checks from a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC)

We will need to collect the following information from you for reporting purposes for both money and in-kind contributions:

• Name (First & Last)
• Complete address
• Occupation
• Employer

Individuals are allowed to give an unlimited amount of direct or in-kind contributions to Traverse Connect PAC.

• Contribution of Money: A committee may accept direct contributions of money from legal sources. Direct contributions of $20.01 or more must be on written instruments such as a check, money order or credit card. Direct contributions of $20.00 or less may be received in cash.
• In-kind Contribution: In-kind contributions are goods, services and facilities donated or loaned to the committee at no cost or at a discount. An in-kind contribution could be a donation of postage stamps, paying off a debt incurred by the committee or donating professional services to the committee. The value of an in-kind contribution is the fair market value of the goods or services or the usual rental charge of the facility. If the committee receives a discount unavailable to the general public, the value of the in-kind contribution is the amount discounted.

• Individuals
• • Joint checking accounts – spouses are allowed to contribute from a joint checking account. For reporting purposes, the contribution will be recorded from the person who signed the check.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC)
• Other registered PACs
• Registered Party committees

• Anonymous contributions
• Cash contributions over $20.00
• Earmarking to a specific candidate committee
• Contributions from foreign nationals
• Making a contribution in the name of another individual or organization
• Contributions from corporations, joint-stock companies, labor organizations, tribes
• Casino interest holders

The Northern Michigan Policy Fund Traverse Connect Political Action Committee has its own board and bylaws and follows a rigorous process for all endorsements. The process requires a completed candidate questionnaire based on the priorities established by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and Traverse Connect. It can also include an interview with PAC committee members. The PAC considers the questionnaires, direct interviews, and voting records/public statements before making a final decision on contributions.

The PAC Committee considers four criteria when making a recommendation:

• The extent to which the candidate supports the mission and vision of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and its member organizations
• The extent to which the candidate or PAC supports the policy priorities of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and its member organizations
• The extent to which the candidate has proven leadership capabilities
• The extent to which the candidate represents our region

Please contact Henry Wolf, Director of Government Relations, at henry.wolf@traverseconnect.com