Craft beverage month underway
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is labeling November as “Craft Beverage Month” in Michigan. Michiganders are encouraged to support wine, beer, cider and spirits produced in the state, according to a release.
“Michigan’s multi-billion-dollar craft beverage industry supports thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthens local communities across the state,” Whitmer said in the release.
“During Michigan Craft Beverage Month, I encourage Michiganders to join us in saying ‘Cheers’ to the excellent products we make right here at home. Let’s keep working together to support this iconic industry and grow our economy.”
Community shopping
TRAVERSE CITY — Downtown Traverse City has scheduled its annual Shop Your Community Day for Nov. 9 at local retailers.
Participating stores will donate 15% of that day’s sales to local nonprofits. Customers can choose a nonprofit to support. For a list of participants, go to www.downtowntc.com/shop-your-community-day.
Fellowship applications available
ELK RAPIDS — Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority is working with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to host a community development fellow.
Fellows can help create an economic development plan, an incentive program for new businesses and a business incubator for local entrepreneurs. Applications are due Nov. 18 via cedamichigan.org/cedam-programs. Contact: [email protected].
Healthcare enrollment
TRAVERSE CITY — Munson Healthcare staff members are available to assist area residents enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace for 2024-25.
Enrollment is open through Jan. 15. Open enrollment is for people not covered by health insurance from their employer or elsewhere.
Certified application counselors can review plan options and help people navigate healthcare.gov. Open enrollment assistance is available in Bellaire, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Gaylord, Grayling, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mancelona and Traverse City. Call a hospital or health department to learn more.
Students start business
TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Central High School’s “How to Start a Business” marketing class have introduced the new Junior Achievement company Cherry Capital Cozy Co. They are selling blankets, mugs, coffee, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Students have partnered with local businesses Espresso Bay, Great Lakes Chocolate and Dessert Co., Benjamin Twiggs and JenTees. They are also donating a portion of each sale to Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing. Products are available at cherrycapitalcozyco.com.
Venture North gets grant
TRAVERSE CITY — DTE Energy Foundation has provided a $50,000 grant to Venture North. The award will help Venture North support small businesses with low-cost loans and free consulting, according to a release.
Area businesses may learn more by contacting 231-995-7115 or [email protected].
Partnership expands
TRAVERSE CITY — Munson Healthcare and Traverse City Track Club are expanding their partnership. Munson will be the presenting sponsor for all six annual track club events. These races are the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Kids Marathon; The Zombie Run; Loop the Lake; Jingle Bell Run; Farmland 5K and the Frozen Foot Race.
According to a release, track club members and race participants can benefit from Munson’s support and health education programs like post-race recovery resources and workshops.
Winery acquisition
NORTHPORT — Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau has acquired Dune Bird Winery, a Northport business founded by Nicole and Bo White.
Harmony Estate Wineries also includes Bel Lago Winery and French Valley Vineyard. Sarah Peschel, of Bel Lago, will take over from the Whites in leading Dune Bird through the transition.
BBB recognizes businesses
GRAND RAPIDS — The Better Business Bureau in Western Michigan has announced the finalists of its 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics.
The list includes All Weather Seal and Precision Plumbing and Heating, which both operate in northern Michigan. These businesses are in the 51-175 employees category.
Junior Achievement fundraiser
GRAND RAPIDS — The SpartanNash Foundation is announcing $130,000 was collected for Junior Achievement during its second annual in-store and online fundraiser.
Junior Achievement is a nonprofit that provides career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education for youth.
New solution for employers
GRAND RAPIDS — Priority Health and Healthcare Management Administrators, Inc. (HMA) are partnering to offer a third-party administrator solution for self-funded employers in Michigan starting Jan. 1.
According to a release, the solution is for self-funded employers with more than 100 employees. Employers who select this solution may receive support from Priority Health’s client experience team and self funding information from HMA.
MiLEAP receives $20K
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential has received $20 million to continue several programs that aim to improve child care quality and access in the state. The programs are Family Child Care Networks, Regional Child Care Coalitions, Great Start to Quality and Great Start Collaborative/Great Start Family Coalition Training and Technical Assistance.
The initiatives are funded through the federal Child Care Development Block Grant and will be managed by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
Orchestra support
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is seeking proposals for the new $5.65 million Symphony Economic Recovery Program.
Michigan symphony orchestras may apply for up to $500,000 in need-based grants for projects and expenses. Organizations are eligible if they are nonprofits that provide public performances and programs.
Applications are due by 3 p.m. Dec. 5. For more details, see https://egrams-mi.com/LEO/user/home.aspx.
VA care
WASHINGTON D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is announcing its fiscal year 2024 services provided for Michigan veterans, their families and caregivers.
The VA saw more than 3,178,000 health care appointments, 9,244 Michigan veterans enrolled in care, more than 1,200 no-cost emergency health care support for veterans in crisis, 135,335 Michigan veterans compensated and 3,768 veterans interred in VA national cemeteries this year.
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