Meet Elysha Davila
Why did you choose to live in TC?
I grew up in Benzie County on Champion Hill Farm, where my parents cared for 200 beehives and sold local, organic honey. After going to college in Evanston, IL, and working in California for about a decade, I chose to move back to be closer to my family. I have had the privilege and opportunity to travel all over the world for work and adventure: I’ve visited Indonesia, Bolivia, South Africa, Morocco, Italy, India, Sweden, and beyond. I feel so lucky to have family and community in this beautiful place we call home.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
I love bringing my kids to the “big lake” every sunny weekend of the summer. We always have our beach bag packed and ready. I’m lucky both my kids love water as much as I do!
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
That’s tough because there are so many great options! For breakfast and coffee, it’s either Hexenbelle or Bubbie’s Bagels. For lunch, Raduno, Spanglish, or the Good Bowl. For dinner, I enjoy the Filling Station for a casual, kid-friendly vibe, or Modern Bird if I’m looking for something a bit more upscale. I once met a food blogger who had traveled all over France in search of the best croissant in the world. When he found out I was from Traverse City, he shared that the best croissant was from Nine Bean Rows in Leelanau County! So that says something.
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
Many customers aren’t aware of the rebates we can get for electric lawnmowers, snow blowers, smart thermostats, heating systems, and other energy-saving appliances and equipment. What a great way to pay for household appliances and save money on gas once you do!
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
The Midwest is completely unique in that we have so many community-owned municipal utilities and electric cooperatives supplying our public power. There is a real difference between what we can do as a community-owned utility and one that is investor-owned. It means all the money we spend on electricity and high-speed internet goes right back into our community!
Meet John Taylor
Why did you choose to live in TC?
It’s close to family, has a great airport, and is full of opportunities for family fun.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
Bike our amazing trails (shout out to TART and NMMBA!) and get to the beach whenever possible.
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
For a family meal, I would say Rare bird, and for a special treat, Red Ginger.
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
On-bill financing for large projects. These low interest rates are increasingly valuable!
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
We’ve kept rates low while being a national leader among municipal utilities with regard to clean energy programs and smart grid investments.
Meet Maura Brennan
Why did you choose to live in TC?
I chose Traverse City because it is a great community in which to raise a family.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
I love to bike, kayak, and listen to live music
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
Red Ginger.
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
The voluntary green pricing program!
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
We are a community-owned utility!
Meet Laura Ness
Why did you choose to live in TC?
When we first came to Traverse City for my husband’s job, our kids were 2 and 5. We knew immediately that it was the best place to raise our family, and here we are 26 years later.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
My daily walks with my dog remind me why Traverse City is such a wonderful place to live. We love to explore our neighborhood parks and green spaces, but we especially enjoy the trails at Hickory. I also love our downtown restaurants and shops, the farmers market, and our local arts scene. From the National Writers Series to cultural events at Interlochen Arts Academy, there’s always something fun happening here.
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
Sleder’s! We can walk through the neighborhood, kiss the moose, and then grab an ice cream cone at Dairy Lodge afterward. It feels like the quintessential Traverse City night out.
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
I’m most excited about the residential incentive program. We purchased a new electric lawn mower last fall and received a rebate; it’s an easy, practical way for residents to save energy.
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
TCLP has set an ambitious community goal to transition to 100 % renewable energy by 2040. We’ve got an incredible leadership team leading this effort, and it’s something I’m proud to be a small part of.
Meet Paul Heiberger
Why did you choose to live in TC?
My wife and I wanted to return to the Midwest after a few years away in New Mexico. I’ve loved this area from the first time I visited as a teen, fortunately, my wife trusted me and came sight unseen.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
Walking or biking around to everything TC has to offer when it is warm, rotating through all the local ski hills when it is cold.
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
If you’re going to make me pick just one…The Filling Station
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
I’m really excited about the small opportunities for people to electrify. I love my battery powered lawn equipment and look forward to replacing my gas snowblower this winter.
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
I have the pleasure of working with a lot of amazing utilities and their staff. TCLP is up there with the best of them. We are truly fortunate to have such a great resource in northern Michigan with just a stellar team of people. If you’re looking for some civic pride or need a new reason to brag about living in Traverse City look no further than TCLP!
Meet Suzannah Tobin
Why did you choose to live in TC?
Actually, my parents chose to move here from Guam in 1970 when my dad’s service in the Navy ended. And then I moved back as an adult…I missed it!
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
I like to appreciate our access to nature and revel in it.
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
Farm Club.
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
The voluntary green pricing program. It’s an easy first step to engage with and support TCLP’s transition to renewable energy.
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
That it is moving forward with best practices to ensure we all have the power we need in the most sustainable way possible.
Meet Lance Boehmer
Why did you choose to live in TC?
Traverse City has always held a special place in my heart. My family is from Charlevoix and I grew up in the thumb, frequently making trips up north to see family and enjoy nature. We moved here 5 years ago from Denver after deciding we wanted to be close to family again. Traverse City checks all the boxes, on the water, active recreational community, regional amenities and a walkable distance to the lake.
What do you like to do for fun in TC?
I’m a very active cyclist, runner, and xc skier. I also enjoy boating and flying my small Piper Cherokee airplane.
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC? Modern Bird, Red Ginger, Uumbo – can’t have just one!
Where is your favorite restaurant in TC?
Modern Bird, Red Ginger, Uumbo – can’t have just one!
What is your favorite My Clean Choice program that TCLP offers?
Our new time of use rates. I work from home and also drive an EV car, this allows me to program when I’m going to charge my vehicle and make cleaner energy choices.
What is one thing you want customers to know about TCLP?
The new upcoming fiber program really positions traverse city as a unique city, built for modern work and remote work, and creates great alternative choices to privately owned fiber services. I’m looking forward to making the switch!