Account Manager and Personal Lines Team Lead

I love working in the insurance industry - it's a relationship and trust business, and I love being a problem-solver. I have incredible clients that I work with on a daily basis - they inspire & push me to be the best version of me. I love what I do - every day.

I love the quote: "Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back."

I am who I am because of who I surround myself with... other strong and confident women leaders.

I have owned and operated the Tvedten Fine Art gallery for 26 years at 394 East Third Street in Harbor Springs. I represent over 25 full time professional artists, the majority of whom are from Michigan. It is very important to me to provide a beautiful, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere in which to view the artwork.

One of the best parts of having the gallery is the continued relationships I build with my clients and my artists. It is wonderful to be able to offer outstanding contemporary artwork that helps to complete a beautiful space for the owners and the artists!

Putting beautiful creations in beautiful spaces continues to inspire me. The gallery is a win-win business, and I love that!

Owner/Publisher since 1988. Website.

What began as one publication, Concierge, grew over the years to several others, many websites, and a national health and safety publication for childcare providers. Watching the community change and grow is why I keep doing this. It is so much fun!

For me, there are two kinds of people, givers and takers. I don't ever want to be the latter.

Just do it! You will learn as much from mistakes as successes. You will make great friends. You will learn to use criticism as awakenings while being able to not let it become a burden. Being a part of a community is a gift. Share what you have learned and never stop learning!

I am the owner and lead designer, I've held that position since I started The Day's Design in autumn of 2012.

We started as a wedding planning business, but in 2014 an evolution started as we were immersed into the floral side of the wedding industry and it's been one of the best business decisions I've made. As cliche as it may sound, each event is a high point. The Day's Design is honored to be a part of some of the biggest celebrations in people's lives. Having even just a small part in those momentous occasions, the opportunity to share joy and beauty in the form of flowers, is a privilege we don't take lightly.

Chamber Executive Director Bonnie Kulp recently visited the Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry, took these pictures and learned more about this important organization.

The pantry provides food assistance to area families mostly in the Harbor Springs School District but also to others in need in Emmet County. It is always open on Monday mornings from 9 until 11:30 AM including most holiday Mondays. Due to following COVID guidelines, they are distributing food "curbside" but still allowing families to choose what they want and need.

Carolyn Sandford provided us with this interesting short history, starting from when local farmers would provide excess food for their less fortunate neighbors.

The Harbor Springs Chamber has started to search for new office space, and we’re open to suggestions and ideas from our members and the community.

By the end of this year, the chamber will have to move from its current office, which it has shared with the Andrew Blackbird Museum at 368 Main Street, for the past 20 years or so.

We have moved our Dining and Takeout Guide to our website. Check here for details on hours and more. 

Restaurants and bars are allowed to be at 50% capacity up to 100 people with an 11 p.m. curfew. Because seating capacity is limited, reservations are encouraged at most restaurants. Dine-in customers must wear masks until seated at their tables and are required to provide their contact information when they enter.

STATE ROAD PROVISIONS will feature all-you-can-eat pasta for $20 (or $16 for one bowl) on Tuesdays starting March 16.

Ashley Brower Whitney, CIC, President and Owner of Harbor Brenn Insurance Agencies, was presented the Forsetlund Award recently by the Big I of Michigan at their Annual Convention. This year the annual convention was held virtually. The Big I of Michigan, formerly known as the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, presents five awards each year. The Forsetlund Award, also known as the agent of the year award, is presented to honor the agent nominated and chosen for their meaningful contributions to their agency and community. Receiving this award is a distinctive honor within the Independent Insurance Agency group and it’s wonderful to see all of the things Ashley has done locally rewarded. Congratulations Ashley!

Back by popular demand, nothing says science like Kaboom! An interactive, science-driven experience with Doktor Kaboom is taking over Center Stage at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts on March 20 & 21. Join us for a live experience as the hilariously wacky scientist blends science and comedy in his series of spectacular demonstrations of the physical sciences directly tied to curriculum standards. Entertaining for all ages, Doktor Kaboom creates an environment where science is for everyone.

> Tickets and details.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan recognizes March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women; however, there are a variety of screening tests available to detect colorectal cancer early.

Early colorectal cancer has no symptoms, so regular screening is vital to early detection. There are a variety of screening tests available, and many can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. “According to the American Cancer Society, people at average risk should begin screening tests at age 45; whereas, people at an increased risk should speak with their health care provider before age 45,” said Katrina Bezak, NP, Regional Director for Karmanos Cancer Institute. “Screenings offer the best chance to have colorectal cancer found early when treatment can be most successful.”

To schedule a colorectal cancer screening, talk to your primary care provider or gastrointestinal specialist for a referral. If you do not have a primary care provider, find one today at www.mclaren.org/NorthernCare.

The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has named 4Front Credit Union one of 2020’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation.

Tip of the Mitt SCORE is proud to bring a free webinar to the business community on Making The Most of Your Website in 2021. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register in advance by clicking here.

North Central Michigan College will host an international lecture on the realities of the U.S. immigration system. Rev. Wayne Dziekan will use his field experience as an immigration advocate and his work on Catholic social doctrine to share insight on common questions related to this complex subject. The free lecture will be held via Zoom at 12 p.m. on March 16. Pregistration is required.

“Why don’t the estimated 11 million people in the U.S. without legal status bother to get papers? What are some real solutions to unauthorized immigration? These are some of the most misunderstood questions concerning the topic of immigration in the U.S.,” Dziekan said.

Ordained since 1994, Dziekan is a Roman Catholic priest with the Diocese of Gaylord and a member of the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese in Traverse City.

North Central Michigan College’s popular Luncheon Lecture series will present its final program, Beethoven and the Ode to Joy, in a virtual format on Friday, March 19. The presentations are free, however pre-registration is required.

Orchestras across the world had planned to celebrate the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven in 2020 before COVID-19 struck. Although he is often hailed as a hero who overcame deafness to compose some of the greatest music ever written, there is much more to his story. Amanda Sewell, Ph.D., music director for Interlochen Public Radio, will survey his life and music, focusing on some less well-known facets, including his long affair with a married woman known as “Immortal Beloved.” Sewell has written a biography of Wendy Carlos, the composer of “Switched-on Bach” published by Oxford University Press.