This month we are highlighting the Committee Chairs that helps make all of these events possible! If you see them at events, don’t be afraid to say hey or ask them questions!
Mandy
Tell us about your position.
As the programming committee chair, I lead the committee in planning our monthly Happy Hours and Fun Days. We have a great group and are always trying to come up with fun new ideas for the TCYPs to enjoy.
What got you involved in TCYP?
I have been attending TCYP Happy Hours (on and off) for many years now. I think it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and check out places I might not normally go to.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
Traverse City is such a beautiful place — I love the water and going hiking.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
Lakes and Grapes is one of my favorite local businesses. Not only do they have cute clothes, I love how invested they are in our community. I worked with the owner Abby before she started this company and it’s been awesome to see her and her business grow.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I ran a marathon in 2020! I’m not sure that I want to run that far ever again, but it taught me that you can truly do whatever you set your mind to with hard work and dedication.
Marisa
Tell us about your position.
I am the Marketing Committee Co-Chair. I, along with Anna, make sure all of our social posts and reels get posted.
What got you involved in TCYP?
I had seen friends posting about being involved. It looked fun and now I’ve been a member for about 7 years!
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
There is so much to do in this area no matter the season or your hobby.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
This may be a little biased, but Angel Care Preschool and Child Care. The staff is fantastic and truly cares about the families that attend!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I actually didn’t do that great in my accounting courses in college. Despite that, I am the Accounting Associate for Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City and love my job!
Margaret
Tell us about your position.
I am the President of TCYP.
What got you involved in TCYP?
I first got involved in TCYP a couple years ago when I was seeking to be more active in the community. I wanted to give back, meet new people and be more involved. I started in the program committee then was chair of the program. And now I just recently took the role as president of TCYP. I’m very happy to lead a wonderful program of Traverse Connect and look forward to what lies ahead for this group. We have an amazing team and amazing community that shows up to support our program. Thank you all!
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
My favorite aspect of living in the Traverse City area is pretty typical answer but it’s true that we have the best of everything here. We have water and nature at almost every turn. Beautiful hiking spots and running areas. We get to experience the beauty of all the seasons. It’s truly a spectacular place.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
There are many favorites of mine. For restaurant/social place I would have to stick to Little Fleet. From the space to the staff and all the amazing causes they support, I love all that they embody. Also Farm Club that is owned by the same people as Little Fleet. I love the farm to table menu and they have a top-notch pilsner! Also just to shout a few other amazing organizations…. Traverse City Track Club, Generations Ahead, Food Rescue program of Goodwill. To all I have first hand involvement and can say how amazing these organizations are and how many amazing leaders and people come together to brighten others lives and help make this area so great. This is just a few. There are so many. Its truly magical.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I have a metal plate and 8 screws in my left elbow from shattering it a few years ago. Wish I could say there was a cool story to go along with that but…. there isn’t.
Anna
Tell us about your position.
I am Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee along with Marisa. Together, we work with a team of other TCYP members to schedule, create, and manage all social media posts, newsletters, and “Spotlight Member of the Month” (like this one!). With this responsibility, we collaborate with the other committees to ensure all members and newcomers are aware of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Our main goal is to keep members engaged with each other and the community. It is a fun and meaningful role to have, and I couldn’t do it without all of those involved with TCYP’s impact!
What got you involved in TCYP?
I actually learned of TCYP through social media when I first moved to the area. I wanted to find a way to meet other professionals and give back to the community.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
My favorite aspect of living in the Traverse City area is the outdoors. No matter the season, there is always something to do here in Northern MI.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
This question is so hard to answer because there are endless options! I would have to say Moomer’s Ice cream. You can’t beat it!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I love to make homemade cheesecake! I learned how to bake a cheesecake during Covid, and it’s become a fan-favorite in my family since then.
Nick
Tell us about your position.
I am the Volunteer Committee Chair, and work with my team to plan our volunteer opportunities each month.
What got you involved in TCYP?
I saw the TCYP events on Facebook and decided to come out for one of the nature hikes. I was able to connect with some really cool people and have been going any event I since!
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
There is always the obvious outdoors, as there are so many things to do, but I want to take this opportunity to shoutout the community in TC! There are so many cool organizations around town that put on awesome events year-round to bring people together and keep those that live here active and entertained.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
There are so many to choose from, but I’ll go with the Parlor! They have such a great staff, delicious drinks, a great Happy Hour and are always putting on great events.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I recently had double jaw surgery! I had 2 titanium plates installed on my jaw and way more screws than I could’ve imagined! It was a long process, but 100% worth it!
