The purpose of the Economic Club is to encourage discussion and understanding of economic issues which cover the range of local, national and international topics. Our Club not only serves as a forum for current events but as a meeting place for present and future leaders of the community. Members enjoy outstanding speakers at ten monthly luncheons, from January to November, and meet at the Traverse City Country Club for a great dining experience.
The Economic Club of Traverse City
Our mission is: To enlighten our membership on relevant economic issues.
Next Event
August 26, 2021
Chris MacInnes & John Melcher, Crystal Mountain
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Crystal Mountain turned to its core values for answers including partnerships and collaboration, and safety. Reflecting on this more than a year later, the strength of partnerships and a focus on safety helped the resort not only navigate the pandemic, but also set the stage for success beyond the crisis.
Chris MacInnes and John Melcher will share insights on how the resort applied these core values and the “Swiss cheese approach” to make changes for the future.
Interested in becoming a member?
2021 Events
All lunch events are held at the Traverse City Country Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Registration for each event will open around the first of each month. The annual dinner is our large yearly celebration and is typically held at a different, special venue, indicated in the event details once determined.
Declan Gaul, Alkeon Capital
January 22, 2021
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Jamie Chapman, Gemini
February 19, 2021
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency
As a digital financial services product manager at Gemini, Jamie Chapman works to create elegant and secure cryptocurrency trading and investing experiences. She has led numerous teams through Gemini’s rapid growth from small start-up to sophisticated international company, and specializes in building financial products for the mass retail market. She recently launched Gemini Earn, a crypto lending and interest-earning program offering up to 7.4% APY. Her aim is to make complex financial services easy to use and understand. Read More
Sam Gregg, Acton Institute
March 19, 2021
The Case Against Economic Nationalism
Dr. Samuel Gregg is research director at the Acton Institute, Michigan, as well as a Visiting Scholar at the Feulner Institute at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. He has written and spoken extensively on questions of political economy, economic history, ethics in finance, and natural law theory. He has an MA from Melbourne University, Australia, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in moral philosophy and political economy from Oxford University. Read More
Bob O'Hara, Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area
Dawn Crandall, Home Builders Association of Michigan
April 23, 2021
Bob O’Hara has been a nonprofit executive for most of his adult life. His 35-year career with Boys & Girls Clubs has included work at all levels of organizational management, in four Midwest states. With a great interest in the power of nonprofits and home ownership to benefit the entire community, Bob finds the Home Builders Association to be a natural fit for his talents. Read More
Benjamin Marentette, City Clerk of Traverse City
May 21, 2021
Benjamin Marentette has served as City Clerk for the City of Traverse City since the confirmation of his appointment in September 2011. In his role as City Clerk, Benjamin essentially functions as Chief Operating Officer for a city government in one of Michigan’s most thriving and engaged communities with annual cash flow in excess of $150 million and assets that nearly equal that amount. He has oversight and leadership responsibilities in areas of finance, risk management, governance, licensing, elections, policy development and more. Benjamin believes in providing white glove service and works to inspire excellence in the city’s delivery of services. Read More
Suneel Gupta, Founder of RISE and author of "Backable"
June 18, 2021
SUNEEL GUPTA is the founder of RISE and is on faculty at Harvard University. Using the seven steps inside this book, Suneel went from being the face of failure for the New York Times to being the “New Face of Innovation” for the New York Stock Exchange. His ideas have been backed by firms like Greylock and Google Ventures, and he has invested in startups including Airbnb, Calm, and SpaceX. Suneel also serves as an emissary for Gross National Happiness between the United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Paul Britten, Britten, Inc.
July 22, 2021
Paul grew up in TC and is a TCSF grad, class of 1979. After two years getting toughened up at West Point, he transferred to University of Detroit School of Architecture graduating as an apprentice architect in 1985. Less than a year later, he founded Britten Banners in Washington DC and moved the company to TC in 1992. Darcy is still married to Paul after 35 years and they have 7 children and 5 grandkids so far!
Chris MacInnes & John Melcher, Crystal Mountain
August 26, 2021
Chris MacInnes is the president and co-owner of Crystal Mountain. After graduating from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., she began her career in the ski industry and, later, the power equipment business. In 1985, she and her husband Jim MacInnes moved from California to join Crystal Mountain, and have led its evolution into a thriving, four-season regional resort destination that is deeply rooted to the community.
John Melcher joined Crystal Mountain in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Crystal Mountain, he enjoyed a 25-year career at Fifth Third Bank and most recently served as Vice President of Commercial Banking. He is a reserve Lieutenant with the Traverse City Police Department and part of the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol. John has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University in Grandville, Ohio, and a MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.