Recognition
•State Sen. Jason Allen of Traverse City was named 2008 "Legislator of the Year" by the American Institute of Architects. He was cited for his work in economic development and revitalizing downtown areas for new growth and investment.
•Shanty Creek Resorts in northern Michigan has the best nightlife and downhill terrain in the Midwest, according to visitors to OnTheSnow.com. OnTheSnow.com, which attracts a Nielsen-audited 1.2 million unique monthly visitors during the winter, gave its visitors the opportunity to write reviews of all resorts in North America. Visitors then ranked them in five categories: overall favorite, best nightlife, most family-friendly, best downhill terrain, and best terrain park. More than 7,500 reviews were submitted from September 2007 until April 2008. For more information, visit www.ShantyCreek.com.
•Oneupweb of Traverse City earned three Pro-Comm Awards from the Business Marketing Association, including a "best of division" award for the company's electronic newsletter. The BMA awards are in their 33rd year in the business-to-business communication field.
Relocation
•Plans are in place for the new Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel to open on June 17 with a grand opening celebration set for June 24. The new casino and hotel, 10 miles east of Traverse City in Williamsburg, will feature a six-story hotel with 137 guest rooms -- including 10 suites -- 4,500 square feet of meeting space, a 54,000-square-foot gaming floor, approximately 1,300 slots, 40 table games, two restaurants, six bars, Player's Club, VIP parking with car wash, a night club, poker room, gift shop and fitness center. The existing Turtle Creek Casino will remain in operation until the new facility opens.
Personnel
•The Traverse City North Stars junior-A hockey club recently announced that Three West, a multidivisional Traverse City-based consulting firm, is joining the club as part of a front office reorganization. Rick Deneweth, Kevin Endres and Stephanie Endres will assume business-side duties -- Deneweth as director of business affairs, Kevin Endres as director of operations/marketing, and Stephanie Endres as business manager.
Retirement
•Lt. Cmdr. Dale Bluemel, after 26 years of military service, retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. Bluemel served at Air Station Miami and Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. He was twice noted for bravery during life-saving missions. He also served at Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala., instructing brand new Coast Guard aviators in the HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter. He arrived in Traverse City in 2004. In retirement, Bluemel will continue to fly as a helicopter pilot for Spectrum Health Aero-Medical Service in Grand Rapids.
Certification
•Chad Neddo of The Sound Room in Traverse City has been awarded level 1 status with Control4, a home automation company based out of Salt Lake City. The certification covers lighting control, HVAC control, home theater single remote control and wireless/wired networking throughout a structure. The Control4 product will be sold exclusively through The Sound Room, and will be on display in the showroom at 3275 S. Airport Road.
New location
Sailsport Marine LLC relocated to a new facility west of Traverse City just off M-72 located at 13988 S. Robinson Road. The move nearly doubles the company's showroom and shop space. A grand opening event is set for May 17, followed by an annual Windsurfing Swap Meet and Picnic on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Accreditation
Cherry Bend Animal Hospital of Traverse City has again received accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association following a quality assessment review of its hospital facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.
Expansion
•Grand Bay Marine of Traverse City and Charlevoix is launching a new store in Grand Rapids at 269 Lake Michigan Drive NW. For details, call (616) 643-8044 or visit www.grandbaymarine.com.
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