Thursday, August 27, 2026

Community Development Coalition Speaker Series: Broadening the Front Door to Higher Education

• Time: 12:-00 - 1:30 pm
• Location: Northwestern Michigan College - Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center | 1720 College Drive Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Please join us on Thursday, August 27 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm for the Community Development Coalition's Speaker Series: Broadening the Front Door to Higher Education. Our featured speaker is Laura Stevens, Director of Extended Education & Training at Northwestern Michigan College. 

This event is sponsored by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Munson Healthcare, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Traverse City Light & Power, and West Shore Bank. Lunch is included as part of event registration.

Register by August 21

Parking

Parking for the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center at Northwestern Michigan College is most convenient in the Cedar Lot, Chestnut Lot, or Cherry Lot. Access the campus map for additional information.

---

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Community Development Coalition Speaker Series: What the Numbers Are Telling Us - Entrepreneurial Trends and the Role of Public Policy

• Time: 12:-00 - 1:30 pm
• Location: West Shore Bank | 400 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Please join us on Tuesday, September 22 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm for the Community Development Coalition's Speaker Series - What the Numbers Are Telling Us: Entrepreneurial Trends and the Role of Public Policy. Our featured speaker is Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan.

This event is sponsored by Traverse City Light & Power, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Consumers Energy, Munson Healthcare, DTE Energy, and West Shore Bank. Lunch is included as part of event registration.

Register by September 18

Getting There

If you're not traveling by car, bike, or on foot, a great way to get to the Speaker Series is on BATA. BATA has a City Loop Route 2 stop right in front of West Shore Bank's building. It’s a straight shot for anyone coming from downtown Traverse City or south of town (such as near Woodmere, LaFranier, etc.). Buses run every 30 minutes and the cost is only $1.50 one-way.

Parking

While there is no onsite event parking, West Shore Bank is surrounded by public parking options, including street parking along Boardman Ave. and metered spaces between West Shore Bank & Commongrounds. Click here to explore additional parking options.

---

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Community Development Coalition Speaker Series: How the Michigan Farm Bureau Supports Farmers & Our Community

• Time: 12:-00 - 1:30 pm
• Location: West Shore Bank | 400 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Please join us on Thursday, October 22 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm for the Community Development Coalition's Speaker Series: How the Michigan Farm Bureau Supports Farmers and Our Community. Our featured speaker Ben LaCross, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. 

This event is sponsored by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Munson Healthcare, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Traverse City Light & Power, and West Shore Bank. Lunch is included as part of event registration.

Register by October 16

Getting There

If you're not traveling by car, bike, or on foot, a great way to get to the Speaker Series is on BATA. BATA has a City Loop Route 2 stop right in front of West Shore Bank's building. It’s a straight shot for anyone coming from downtown Traverse City or south of town (such as near Woodmere, LaFranier, etc.). Buses run every 30 minutes and the cost is only $1.50 one-way.

Parking

While there is no onsite event parking, West Shore Bank is surrounded by public parking options, including street parking along Boardman Ave. and metered spaces between West Shore Bank & Commongrounds. Click here to explore additional parking options.