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Volunteer & Committees

Traverse Connect relies on a diverse group of volunteers to bring our programs, events and community work to fruition. Bring your talents to a committee that matches your interests and contact our committee representatives below.

Government Relations

Comprised of representatives of the Traverse Connect Board as well as representatives of other Traverse Connect investors, the committee serves to heighten awareness of issues pertinent to the business community and ensure that government at the local, state, and federal levels are responsive to those issues. This committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Executive Committee to take action on issues, positions, and statements regarding public policy advocacy.

Talent

This committee, working closely with our Director of Marketing, and Director of Ecosystem Development, works on developing initiatives and digital infrastructure to highlight, grow, and attract a skilled, diverse workforce in the Grand Traverse region.

Ambassador Committee

The customer service (FUN-raising) division of the Traverse Connect that works with new and existing businesses and Traverse Connect investors to help them identify available resources to make the most of their investment with Traverse Connect. Ambassadors help to recruit new members, hold ribbon cuttings, and make up the core volunteer base for Traverse Connect events & programs.

Young Professionals

The future leaders of our community, these emerging talents come together to connect with other young professionals, serve our local community, and grow together. The Young Professionals host networking and professional development events, volunteer together, help expand Traverse Connect's reach, and work in collaboration with Traverse Connects’ Government Relations Committee to advocate for local issues.

Scale Up North

This committee oversees our signature growing business competition program – Scale Up North. The competition judges serve as the bulk of the committee members and help outline the process for the events, carry out the selection of finalists and award the winning companies. Judges include representatives of the business community as well as former winners of the competition.

Finance

Comprised of the Finance Committee Chair, the Treasurer of Traverse Connect, other board members, and other Traverse Connect investors. This committee has direct oversight for the financial health of the organization, including working closely with the CFO to forecast, monitor, and audit all financial operations, review the effectiveness of internal financial control and risk management systems, and develop the annual Traverse Connect budget.

Professional Development

This committee oversees professional development and leadership programming, such as Leadership Grand Traverse, Leadership Roundtables, and the Young Professionals. The committee serves as a sounding board and helps to organize and evaluate programs, consider and coordinate with other offerings in the region, and stay abreast of trends and best practices. The committee includes representatives from across the Traverse Connect investors. This committee will also develop new programs under the strategic plan.

Marketing

This committee works closely with our Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure Traverse Connect maintains a strategic marketing and communication plan to support the mission of Traverse Connect and our priorities as outlined in the strategic plan.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging committee is dedicated to creating and sustaining a long-term strategy for the Grand Traverse region. The committee will lead the community in becoming a region that is attractive and enabling to people of all diversities – racial, cultural, social, economic and ability.