Past Projects & Community Wins
Here’s a quick look at what I’ve organized, built, or contributed to over the years. Every festival, public art piece, and big idea here helped our community grow and brought joy to Dickinson County and beyond.
Project Highlights
Hot Air Balloons Take Flight Downtown
Installed nearly one hundred colorful hot air balloons in the second round of our hanging public art project, bringing vibrancy to our community and sparking celebration downtown.
Teamwork in Action: IM DDA and Michigan Works
Secured support through Michigan Works, making it possible for a student to lead summer event series and bring more energy and opportunity to downtown Iron Mountain.
Rafting with Pure Michigan & Michigan Playground
Strapped with a go pro, I hit the rapids with Michigan Playground and Pure Michigan, helping capture Norway's white water rafting adventure in Piers Gorge State Park.
Italian Fest: Upping the Fun Downtown
Expanded Iron Mountain’s largest festival, Italian Fest, with new beverages, extended children’s area hours and activities, and brought more families downtown for an unforgettable night.
Project Archive
Bay Leadership Academy
Graduated from Bay College Leadership Academy in spring 2025. Gained inspiration from community speakers, grew my leadership skills, and made meaningful connections for the future.
Preferred Powersports Website
Brought Chris’s brand to life by designing, writing, and building the Preferred Powersports website. Highlighting his expertise, dealer connections, and made it easier for our community to find a trusted mechanic.
Norway Music in the Park
Chris and I have sponsored Norway’s Music in the Park since 2023 as Preferred Powersports. Supporting musicians and creating spaces for the community to gather and grow is one of our favorite ways to give back.
Hot Air Balloon Art Installation
Brought downtown Iron Mountains’s second hanging art installation, filling the sky with colorful hot air balloons. This project was exciting and gave the whole community something new to smile and talk about.
Paid Internship Program
Coordinated the DDA’s first paid internship in partnership with UPWorks! Our local student had real opportunities to learn and contribute, opening doors for her future and bring more energy to our community.
Brew Fest
Revived and coordinated Brew Fest for three years, growing the event with new vendors, NA beverages, and yard and table games. Loved seeing the community that came for craft beer, music, and connection.
Italian Fest
Coordinated Italian Fest, adding new experiences and streamlining logistics for downtown Iron Mountains largest festival. Focused on building traditions, becoming family, and having bigger turnouts every year.
Out to Lunch
Honored to organize 29 summer concerts over the course of three years. Out to Lunch made Thursdays a day to look forward to. A crowd favorite for our whole community to connect and enjoy.
Oktoberfest
Led Oktoberfest for two years, making downtown the place to be each fall. Improved logistics, grew volunteer teams, and added creative touches that made the event memorable for the community.
Pumpkin Walk Downtown
Co-created the Pumpkin Walk with Mindy and First National Bank and Trust, filling downtown with Halloween fun for families. In just two years, it quickly became a community favorite and a large attraction.
Third Thursdays
Revived Third Thursdays after COVID as a monthly event with late shopping, food, and music. hosting 13 events to help re-energize downtown Iron Mountain and bring the community back together.
Girls’ Night Out
Organized two Girls’ Night Out events with a detailed catalog featuring local deals and business features. Helped businesses connect with the community and brough fun for the ladies in downtown IM.
Christmas Walk
Organized two Christmas Walks. Highlighting the live nativity scene, magic wands for kids, and creative partnerships. The event brought festive spirit downtown and hopefully magical memories for the kiddos.
Umbrella Art Installation
Mindy was the lead inspiration on this colorful installation. I stepped in to help install and maintain it with the DPW. We watched the umbrellas become a must spot photo spot and community favorite all summer.
DIISD Marketing Partnership
Partnered with DIISD to bring on a student intern at the DDA. This work set the stage for our paid internship program and built a path to continue youth involvement.
Easter Egg Climbing Event
Created and led a colorful Easter Egg Climbing Event in the gym at True North Outpost for ages 5 to 12. This became an annual tradition and a favorite for families.
True North Outpost Social Media
Grew True North Outpost’s media from under 3,000 to 12,000 followers. Built their photo and video library, boosted engagement with analytics, and brought outdoor adventure to a larger audience.
Outdoor Adventure Highlights
Learned how and produced True North Outpost’s video content for three years, helping us reach new target areas and inspire more visitors. I worked with Tia Trugenson and MiPlayground, each creating their own feature on our outdoor adventures.
Data-Driven Analysis
I studied digital marketing, but my favorite part is diving into the numbers. I love tracking views, turnout, and sales to see what’s working. When the data shows community growth, it’s the best feeling. Reading the results is truly my happy place.