The Mitten Brewing Company
By Olivia RauThe Mitten Brewing Company is a vintage baseball themed microbrewery located in a historic firehouse, Engine House #9, in Grand Rapids’ West Side. Since its opening in 2012, the Mitten has built a unique reputation for pairing high-quality craft beers and gourmet pizzas with community involvement. Giving back to the local community is a core value of the Mitten—they have given more than $300,000 in charitable gifts to local nonprofits since 2012. While the brewery’s commitment to their community through volunteerism and charitable giving has been evident from the beginning, the organization further bolstered their philanthropic capacity by forming their own nonprofit foundation in 2017, Mitten Foundation. The mission of the…
Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau
By Aubrey Sochacki Lansing is often known for being the capital of Michigan, the home of the Spartans, and a growing community. The city strives to be supportive of all members of the community, including local businesses and those who call the city home. The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) encourages each of their staff members to serve on local boards and committees. Through this encouragement, they have made it possible for CVB members to work with these boards and committees to organize local events. One of the events that many staff members help with is planting flowers on the capital lawn each year. This event brings the community together…
Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises
By Megan Heynen If you live in Michigan, there is a good chance that you have heard of the Upper Peninsula’s (UP) Pictured Rocks. However, there is less of a chance that you have had the opportunity to go up to the UP and see them with your own eyes. Pictured Rocks is located on the South shore of Lake Superior and is a strip of unusual sandstone formations that goes on for miles. Pictured Rocks has always been a popular tourist destination. Over 50 years ago, Pictured Rocks Cruises, LLC began offering boat rides around the rocks to allow visitors to see them up close and personal. These cruises run from mid-May through…
Flint and Genesee County Visitors Bureau
By Caitlyn Witkamp and Claire Zuwala Imagine being a tourist in your hometown, kind of a crazy idea, right? You have lived there for most of your life, so you should know everything there is to know about your sweet little town, where everything is, the places to chow down, and the best places for entertainment or fun… but, can you market your town to others? The Flint and Genesee Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB) is trying to change that. “Be A Tourist” is a program that the Flint and Genesee CVB put in place to help change the way the local residents, future residents, and visitors to the community see Flint and…
DoubleTree by Hilton, Port Huron
By Megan Hartmus and Mary Minogue The DoubleTree by Hilton in Port Huron was recognized for its commitment to the community and passion for involvement as winner of the 2019 Governor’s Service Award for the high level of service the business and its employees provide year after year. General Manager Amber Burch and her team routinely go above and beyond in their support for local groups and projects in their efforts to be a positive force in their neighborhood and beyond. Beginning when the hotel opened in 2013, community outreach has always been a priority for DoubleTree Port Huron, with support projects playing a critical role in its mission. The team at DoubleTree formed…
