TCYP Brief
December 2015

Save the Date! 2016 Annual Celebration is Near


Mark your calendars! The time has come again for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration - and celebrate we will. This year has been such an amazing year full of positive change, accomplishments, recognition and growth. Come help us celebrate an overwhelmingly successful 2015 while we look forward to the possibilities for 2016 and honor this year's recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. The 2016 Annual Celebration will be held on Friday, January 15 from 6:30-10 p.m. at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. CLICK HERE to Register.

Susie Janis receiving last year's Distinguished Service Award

Tickets:
 
-        $100 per person
-        $1,200 Corporate Table for 10
 
The Agenda:
 
-        6:30-7:15 p.m. - Strolling Dinner
-        7:15-7:45 p.m. - Seated Program
  • DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
-        7:45-10 p.m.- Mix & Mingle Reception
 
Don't miss this incredibly fun annual event! Make it a night - CLICK HERE for special room rates at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. We can't wait to see you there!


Serve
Non-perishable Food Donations
The Y P Committee has made it a point this year to bring in non-perishable food items as well as make financial donations at every meeting. The proceeds of this mission are then passed onto the Father Fred Foundation. Year to date, the committee has donated an equivalent of 558 servings equaling 186 meals. THANK YOU to all who have donated and contributed to this cause. For more information about the YP's donation or to learn how you can join in the cause please contact Josh Janowiak.
 
YP Committee members- don't forget your food item at the next meeting!

Free popcorn, movies, and volunteering ...what's not to love?
Join us for our monthly YP volunteer event at the State Theatre on Tuesday, Dec  ember 22 from 5:15-7:15 p.m. All volunteers receive a FREE movie voucher and popcorn! Sign up or e-mail Erika Wiltse with questions.
Come Volunteer for Business After Hours in 2016
We are always looking for YPs to work the check-in table at the Chamber's Business  After Hours (BAH) events. There will be plenty of chances to meet and mingle with fellow YPs and Chamber members at BAH in 2016. For more information, or to sign up for one of the upcoming BAH evenings, contact Bridgett Beckwith.
 
The next BAH will be held on January 20- location TBD. We hope to see you there!

Connect
Mix & Mingle at the YP Social Event Tomorrow!
The Social Event is back! Come mix and mingle with your fellow YPs at the Inside Out Gallery on Wednesday, December 2, from 5-7 p.m. The event will be hosted by Midtown Development Inc. and will be a great way to meet new young professionals in the area and learn about exciting new TC developments. The event will feature a 5-minute presentation from Midtown Development and a give-away of two $50 Downtown TC gift certificates and door prizes. Attendees will also receive 2 drink tickets for any house wine or beer. We look forward to seeing you there! CLICK HERE to register.
Coffee Conversations with TCAPS Board
Each month you can join the TCAPS Board of Education to discuss some of the most pressing subjects surrounding local education. This month you can catch the Board at Horizon Books on Thursday, December 17, from 6-7 p.m. The topic of these unique and personalized events will be different each month. Be sure not to miss this great opportunity to meet the TCAPS Board of Education and learn more about the TCAPS system.

Grow
TCYP: On the Verge of Growing "Up"
Thank you to all of those who came out for the Planning Commission meeting to show support for the new River West condo development proposal. Last month we asked for help providing a voice for the YP community and the response was overwhelming. The City Planning Commission passed the proposal last month, and will recommend that the City Commission do the same. The next step in the process will take place on Monday, December 7at 7 p.m. Please come show your support for this development and help have an impact on the future of your downtown.
 
Last month's TCYP Committee meeting featured property co-owner and developer Erik Falconer. He explained the design, reasoning, and future hopes for the development while also explaining the process for approval and the great lengths he and his team have gone through to assure that this development provides value to so many different segments of downtown. For more details about the project you can access that HERE. If you are unable to attend the meeting on December 7, don't be afraid to send an email to City Commissioners expressing your stance at CityCommissioners@traversecitymi.gov.
TCAPS Strategic Financial Plan: YP implications

TCAPS is currently going through a 3-5 year strategic financial planning process. The goal is to preserve student programming and advance educational priorities, such as updating curriculum materials, while remaining financially responsible with the community's investment in its schools. During the first phase of the process, the overhead expenses of maintaining three elementary buildings with less than 200 students have been identified as a potential area for cost savings and options are currently being explored. Check out more depth of the process HERE.
 
As we move through the process, it is important to remember that schools are a reflection of the community. Traverse City is currently grappling with the issues of affordable housing and good paying jobs, the kind that attract young professionals and families, and the solutions developed will shape the future of our community. The demographic shifts in the last 10-15 years indicate that as a state and region, we are seeing a decline in the number of school-aged children. The choices we make and the solutions we pursue will continue to be reflected in our community's schools.
 
Be sure to stay connected to your schools. Subscribe to the TCAPS newsletter HERE.
Seeking Input for 2015 Young Professional Events
We had a great line-up of Lunch and Learns, social events and volunteer opportunities in 2015, and now we are setting up the calendar for 2016. Please share any ideas you have for Lunch and Learn topics, social event locations, speakers, or volunteer events in 2016 with YP Chair Allison Beers.

Calling All Guest Bloggers!
Are you new to TC or have you been here for years? Just landed your dream job or are you searching for the next step in your career? Sharing your story on the blog is easy, and a great way to reach other young professionals both in our area and across the world. Simply type a brief summary about yourself-your favorite things in the Traverse City area, why you live here, what you do for a living-and send it in to   Adam Rhoades with some great photos. We love featuring our YPs!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
 
December 2-Young Professional's Social Event (Inside Out Gallery); 5-7 p.m.
 
December 22-YPs Volunteering at the State Theatre; 5:15-7:15 p.m.
 
January 15-Chamber's Annual Celebration 2016 (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa); 6:30-10 p.m.

YPs In the News!







Nick Jacqmain, President at Springfield Roofing-
Nick has earned a recent pro motion at Springfield Roofing from Director of Operations to President. Nick is a  cherished member of the Springfield team and has been essential in their constant success. Congrats Nick!
 

Katelyn Zeits, Deputy Clerk at City of Traverse City-
Katelyn has obtained her CMC (Certified Municial Clerk) professional designation. This was a 3-year commitment through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and allows her to be become a Clerk anywhere in the world.

Stephanie Mathewson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Oryana- Stephanie is the new Marketing & Communications Manager at Oryana Natural Foods Market where she oversees all Community Education, Marketing, Outreach and Events. As a new resident, she is excited to get involved in Traverse Area community groups and events.

Lee Mathewson, Associate Actuary at Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.-
Lee is an Associate Actuary at Accident Fund Holdings, Inc., based in Lansing, Michigan. He is new to Traverse City and looking forward to lending his time and efforts to local area causes and organizations.  

Received a promotion, new job, board election, or community achievement? LET US KNOW! Please submit a 1-2 sentence description with a photo to Daniel.Baker@firstcb.com (Photo optional, but preferred). Don't be shy!


Get Out of the Office
Spread your holiday cheer on the mountain this year. Have a holiday party at Crystal.