Page 18 - Michigan Credit Union League: 2018 Contact Q2
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a means to increase operational efficiency like wasn’t always like that,” he said. “It’s gained
most bank mergers, the partnership actually national recognition, is second only to Grand
increased employee numbers while maintain- Rapids for breweries, has wineries, food, music,
ing economic viability. Additionally, both CEOs the bay ... whatever your walk of life, there’s
stayed to lead the new organization. always something to take care of you.”
“We call it a partnership because [both CEOs] Traverse City has benefitted from the marriage of
took on unique roles in the organization,” he small-town charm and modern evolution, which
said. “From that, we could build a credit union makes it an ideal location for credit unions to
without winners and losers; we came behind learn a similar balance between member-fo-
a new brand and we’re having great success cused service and the constant change in the
with it.” financial sector. The region maintains its com-
munity-minded rural roots while making room for
A RENAISSANCE CITY WITH innovation in industry through small business
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE growth, ample variety of cultural opportunities
and a burgeoning tourism industry. Attendees of
Similar to 4Front’s new brand is the rebirth of this year’s AC&E will have the chance to explore
Traverse City itself. The area boasts national the region’s diversity as they learn from industry
accolades, including one of National Geograph- leaders and experts about harnessing their own
ic’s 21 Best Beaches in the World (Sleeping Bear spirit of balance.
Point), RewardExpert’s 2017 Best American
Foodie Town in the Midwest, one of Travel Chan- FEATURED GUEST SESSION:
nel’s Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs, and more. TRAVERSE CITY SPLENDOR
“The special thing about this area is that it has Join fellow AC&E attendees for a taste of what
something for everyone,” said Wybenga. “We makes this area so special! On Friday, June 8,
have culture in the way of music and art, we have explore and shop downtown Traverse City and
support for our communities, we have nature. head to Black Star Farms for an unforgettable
Especially for AC&E, it’s the beginning of our culinary experience in the heart of northern Mich-
farmers market ... it really gives you a strong igan wine country. Because the city rests on the
flavor of the region.” 45th Parallel — halfway between the equator
and the North Pole — the region’s climate is
AC&E’s return to Traverse City gives attendees similar to other prime winemaking locations like
the chance to come “up north” and experi- the Italian Piedmont region and France’s Rhone
ence all the region has to offer, from lounging Valley and Bordeaux.
on the beach to homegrown wine and
world-class cuisine. Attendees of this session will enjoy lunch
in Black Star’s Aquarius Room followed by an
“It’s easy to just get in your car or grab a shuttle hour-long guided tour and wine tasting in the
and go downtown when you want to get away Arcturos Room. Don’t miss an opportunity to
from the event to do something in the area,” experience one of the Leelanau Peninsula’s
said Leusink. “Pick any type of restaurant you most celebrated wineries.
want and it’s available in Traverse City.”
Riegler, a lifetime resident of Traverse City,
remarked on how the community has grown
during his time living there.
“It’s been really fun to watch [Traverse City]
become such a diverse community because it
18 SECOND QUARTER 2018 I CONTACT
