Bay Harbor Foundation Awards 31 College Scholarships

To the applause of donors and parents of the Bay Harbor Foundation recently awarded college scholarships to 31 students. The recipients included 28 residents of Emmet and Charlevoix counties with 19 of the students residing in the city of Petoskey. All students are either an employee or child of an employee of a Bay Harbor Business.

This is the fourth year that the Bay Harbor Foundation has awarded scholarships to students who are registered in a 2 or 4 year college program. This year, 15 of the recipients are repeat scholars.

The Bay Harbor Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships during the past 4 years. The majority of the recipients continue to be residents of Northern Michigan. Ann Stallkamp, Chairman of the Scholar Program stated that, “Each year the competition increases as our students strive for higher grade point averages, recommendations and community service activities. Most of our scholars are attending Michigan Universities and we are very proud to be a partner in their educational success.”

Next year’s application for the program will be available in early July and the recipients will be announced in early August.

For more information regarding the Scholar Program, including how to make a donation, contact the Bay Harbor Foundation office at (231) 439-2700 or info@bayharborfoundation.org.

The Celebrated War of 1812 Tall Ship LYNX “America’s Privateer” to visit Bay Harbor

2011 Bay Harbor Ice & Snow Festival - A Great Success!

The 10th Annual Bay Harbor Ice & Snow Festival, proudly presented to you by Art Van Furniture and the Village at Bay Harbor Merchants, that took place January 21 -23 was a great success!  This event was sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, and Bay Harbor was officially one of the fourteen stops on the 2011 TOUR OF CHAMPIONS through NICA. The competitions are held all over the country and Canada throughout the year. Bay Harbor welcomed carvers and judges from all over the country including Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Bay Harbor is truly honored to be a part of this very prestigious tour. The competition was managed by Ice Creations, nationally renowned for hosting major competitions across the United States. The professional carvers worked a total of twelve hours on their sculptures and the amateurs worked for four hours to create their works of art. The competition was professionally judged, in which they tallied points in ten different categories for the sculptures.  Our Professional Judges from the NICA were Glenn Motley, Lead Judge from Lexington, Kentucky, Jeff Kartaje from Chicago, IL and Bob Schultz from Grand Rapids, MI.

The Award Ceremony took place at Cava on Saturday evening, and cash awards were given to our winners as follows:

Professional Carving Division:

1st Place - $5,000:
Aaron Costic, “Spirit” – Aaron is a four-time Olympic Gold Medal Champion Carver and Owner of Elegant Ice in Cleveland, OH.  He has been carving for 20 years.

2nd Place - $2,500:
Jeff Meyer, “Jump” – Jeff is a Lead Carver with Elegant Ice and has been carving for 9 years.

3rd Place - $1500:
Robert Childers, “The Great Escape: - Robert is from Chicago, IL.

Amateur Carving Division:

1st Place - $1,500:
Marc Pritchard from Traverse City, MI - “Man’s Best Friend” 

2nd Place - $750:    
Derek Warren from Grand Rapids, MI - “Breaking the Basket” 

3rd Place - $500
Adam Devers, from Alto, MI - “Creepy Crawlers” 

Thank you to our premier sponsors for the event including Bacardi 42 Below Vodka, Petoskey Area CVB, BOYNE, Stella Artois, Odawa Casino, Walstrom Marine, TSA., North Star Builders and Markiewicz & Company LLC, 9 & 10 News, Fox 32, Lite 96.3 and Q106 KHQ. We would also like to thank our 52 local businesses and individuals that supported the festival on our Great Wall of Ice Sponsors.  To see a list of these generous businesses and individuals, please visit villageatbayharbor.com.  

Thank you to Cory Weber from Weber Photography in the Village at Bay Harbor for donating his beautiful photography to the event.  To see pictures of the weekend’s festivities, click here.

Introducing...Harbor Sotheby's International Realty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michigan Firm Joins Sotheby’s International Realty Network

BAY HARBOR, Mich. (Dec. 16, 2010) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Bay Harbor Properties in Bay Harbor, Mich., is the newest member of its luxury real estate network.

The firm now will do business as Harbor Sotheby's International Realty, with David V. Johnson, Chairman of Bay Harbor Company and Victor International, serving as broker and owner.   The firm will service Bay Harbor, Boyne City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Walloon Lake, Lake Charlevoix and Charlevoix markets.

“David Johnson and his team are experienced at marketing Bay Harbor and the greater northern Michigan market all over the world,” said Philip White, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “The area has been a year-round destination for those on holiday and residents for more than 100 years and for multiple generations.  Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty will provide consumers with access to its most exceptional properties.”

Harbor Sotheby's International Realty is located at 4000 Main Street in the Village at Bay Harbor. 

“We treat our customers as strategic alliance partners looking to achieve common goals, and as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand we will be able to offer access to a global audience of potential buyers,” said Johnson.  “Our mission is to exceed our clients’ expectations by providing the highest level of service and value for all their real estate needs and goals, whether it be purchasing or selling.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 11,000 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide.  Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website.  In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.

For more information on Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty, go to www.harborsir.com.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house.  The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

About Victor International Corporation
Victor International Corporation (http://www.victorintl.com) is an internationally-respected luxury real estate developer with a commitment to creating unique living and playing environments that exist in sociological and ecological harmony with the land.

With a 30-year history of integrity and strong focus, Victor International has created more than 40 developments throughout its history, including the Urban Land Institute's Award of Excellence winner, Bay Harbor, http://www.bayharbor.com, located in Northern Michigan.

Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty
4000 Main Street
Bay Harbor, MI 49770
231.439.2000
www.harborsir.com

Short Movie Filmed in Bay Harbor

Brian Vander Ark, a Michigan born singer/songwriter and lead singer of the band Verve Pipe has written a dark comedy screenplay entitled "Bullies on Vacation". This short film began shooting and will wrap up this week in Bay Harbor.  There will also be scenes shot in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 4 - 6. 

The film plot revolves around writer David Sandstead, played by Mark Kelly, who while on vacation with his family discovers that his childhood taunter Steve Vanderlaan, played by Brian Vander Ark, is also vacationing with his family at the same resort.  A simple "sucker punch" is anything but, and lessons learned are few and far between.  Poolside scenes will be filmed at Bay Harbor Swim & Fitness Club and bar and fight scenes will take place in cava restaurant. 

Besides his musical talents, Brian Vander Ark's acting credits include a stage performance as Charlie Bowdry in The Collective Works of Billy the Kid and the movie Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston.  Mark Kelly who plays Steve Vanderlaan has acted in many stage productions and has T.V. appearances on the Emmy/Golden Globe winning dramas Mad Men, CSI, CSI:NY, Alias, Angel and over 50 television commercials.  Devon Gummersall, the Director has had a lengthy acting career, most notably playing Brian in the 1990's drama "My So-Called Life".  He has directed three short films over the past eighteen months and has shadowed acclaimed directors of "Once and Again" and "Six Feet Under".

Introducing...the Bay Harbor Intimate Wedding Package

Bay Harbor Village Hotel & Conference Center has teamed up with the fabulous boutiques and restaurants within the Village at Bay Harbor to bring a solution to those brides and grooms-to-be who may not be dreaming of a large wedding.  The Bay Harbor Village Hotel now offers a simplified and cost effective package designed especially for elopements and smaller weddings.

The Village at Bay Harbor Intimate Wedding Package incorporates all the essential items a couple will need on their wedding day including lodging and ceremony location at Bay Harbor Village Hotel, floral provided by BLOOM, wedding cake from Galley Gourmet, dinner for two at cava, breakfast for two at The Original Pancake House as well as special amenities within the couple’s suite upon arrival. Bay Harbor has also included friends and fellow wedding professionals, Reverend Ed and Pastor Glad Remaly to perform the ceremony and Photography by Paquette to offer their expert photography within the package. Couples are encouraged to bring their closest friends and family members to join the celebration and the package can be tailored to include a guest count up to 20. There are also many optional upgrades and additional items that can be incorporated into the package so the couple can design their package based on their personal needs and vision of their wedding day.

Bay Harbor still offers multiple, beautiful solutions for weddings up to 300 guests. In the past, the hotel has solely focused their marketing strategies on couples who are seeking a larger, more extravagant event. However, according to a recent survey performed by The Knot, Inc., the average wedding is now costing $27,800, which is a huge expense, especially during these difficult economic times.  To keep up with the financial needs of their guests, Bay Harbor now offers this inclusive package at a small fraction of the price!  This allows those to have the wedding of their dreams and enjoy their very special day without breaking the bank.

In addition to providing couples with a cost effective option for their wedding day, the Village at Bay Harbor Intimate Wedding Package now places northern Michigan as an ideal location for smaller destination weddings and elopements.  No longer is there the need to travel to Las Vegas, Mexico or the Caribbean for your destination wedding.  You can have an all-inclusive, beautiful wedding on the shores of Lake Michigan within the Village at Bay Harbor.  It is the goal of Village at Bay Harbor and Hotel to be a destination for couples with weddings of all sizes and budgets and to continue to bring guests from all regions to northern Michigan.

Bay Harbor Village Hotel & Conference Center offers year-round luxurious accommodations, charming vacation rental homes, nationally recognized marina, challenging golf courses and elegant wedding and conference services. www.bayharbor.com/weddings

Contact Megan at 231-439-2422 for more information on this great package!

Bay Harbor Hotel Announces Official Name Change

Bay Harbor, MI , January 1, 2010 – There has been a name change in Bay Harbor.  Bay Harbor Resort & Marina Hotel has officially changed their name as of January 1, 2010 to Bay Harbor Village Hotel & Conference Center.

The luxurious suites and lodge rooms that sit above the boutiques and restaurants in the Village at Bay Harbor were built in 1999 as part of the reclamation project to turn Bay Harbor into a resort destination.  During the construction stage, the area was named “The Marina District” and many were not aware of the hotel that is part of the Village at Bay Harbor.

The Bay Harbor Village Hotel & Conference Center staff is excited about the new name change and is dedicated to providing the service and accommodations that are beyond compare. When you come to Bay Harbor, we want your stay to be relaxing and exceed every expectation.
 
The Conference Center can accommodate groups for social events, retreats and very special weddings.  We also offer special packages for that perfect getaway.  Bay Harbor can make your special event be full of lasting memories.

For more information on the Bay Harbor Village Hotel & Conference Center including special promotions and rates and packages, please contact us at 231-439-2400 or visit bayharbor.com and villageatbayharbor.com.

Victor International Wins Prestigious 2009 CNBC Property Awards!

Best Development USA - Bay Harbor

Best Marina Development Caribbean - North Sound Yacht Club 

(Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands) - November 24, 2009 Leading real estate developer, Victor International, announces that two of its developments have won esteemed CNBC International Property Awards.  North Sound Yacht Club has been named Best Marina Development and Bay Harbor has been named Best Development USA.   Slated to open in fall 2010, North Sound Yacht Club is one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced super-yacht marinas in the British Virgin Islands.   Bay Harbor is a 1,200 acre luxury resort community in northern Michigan. 

The CNBC Property Awards, in association with CNBC Arabia and the New York Times, are judged by a panel of 52 independent professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is unsurpassed by any other property awards. The International Property Awards are also supported by 12 professional bodies and many of these are represented on the judging panel.

As well as entries from across the USA, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Canada, Belize and Bermuda were represented this year. There were 36 different residential and commercial categories in total. These international accolades were announced at a gala presentation dinner in San Diego.

Victor International creates upscale residential, resort and commercial real estate, and provides the highest quality lifestyle and leisure experiences through its developments. Victor International's mission is to create and facilitate unique living and working environments in ecological harmony with the land.

Situated on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, well known for its safe harborage, North Sound Yacht Club is a world-class facility opening in November 2010. Featuring a state-of-the-art marina with up to 38 slips for super-yachts from 100-350 feet (35-100 meters), as well as on-site dining and boutique shops, North Sound Yacht Club can accommodate any super-yacht, both power and sail, offers privacy and optimal vessel security, and has been built in environmental harmony with the land, with deep water berthing and no dredging.  In addition to all the amenities offered by NSYC, founding members will also receive access to Biras Creek Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property, and membership to the exclusive Oil Nut Bay Club, where amenities included hiking trails, a secluded beach, tennis, fine dining, a spa, and a nature center (Nuthouse for Kids).

A world-renowned, $1 billion resort community in northern Michigan, Bay Harbor was once the site of an abandoned century-old cement plant and limestone quarry. Bay Harbor is now a 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring a world-class deep water harbor and marina, the Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club and the 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Club.

Having earned these high accolades, winning developments including North Sound Yacht Club and Bay Harbor are now entitled to display the CNBC Property Awards logo with pride. This symbol of excellence has become recognized and appreciated by property buyers the world over. 

About Victor International Corporation
With a 30 year history of integrity and a strong focus on creating one development at a time, Michigan-based Victor International Corporation is a leading real estate developer, founded by David V. Johnson. Victor has created more than 40 developments throughout its history, including, in the U.S., the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence winner, Bay Harbor, Michigan, a $1 billion, 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of Lake Michigan; and Turtle Lake, a premier, $400 million low density private community in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In the Caribbean, Victor International is developing Oil Nut Bay, a generational family community featuring 88 homesites on 300 acres (www.oilnutbay.com), as well as North Sound Yacht Club, and operates Biras Creek Resort, top luxury destinations in the Caribbean and world. Victor International boasts no debt. www.victorintl.com

About North Sound Yacht Club
Sitting adjacent to Oil Nut Bay and Biras Creek Resort, awaits the North Sound Yacht Club, a Victor International luxury mega-yacht marina that will accommodate 100 ft. to 350 ft. yachts. A state-of-the-art marina facility, this boutique club will also host villas and upscale retail shops. www.northsoundyachtclub.com

About Bay Harbor
A world-renowned, $1 billion resort community in northern Michigan. Once the site of an abandoned century-old cement plant and limestone quarry, Bay Harbor is now a 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring a world-class deep water harbor and marina, the Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club and the 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Club. www.bayharbor.com

"We Did It" Now Available For Purchase - Pick Up Your Copy Today!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person: Candace Fitzsimons, Foundation Director
Phone: 231.439.2700
E-Mail: Candace@bayharborfoundation.org
Fax: 231.439.2701

We Did It! Samara D. Johnson, daughter of developer David V. Johnson, has written a book to encompass the history of Bay Harbor. The book chronicles the creation of the community from the time when the land that now makes up the Bay Harbor development was owned by the Penn-Dixie Portland Cement Company and was occupied by a massive cement plant. Since then much has changed, in fact where the cement plant once stood is now occupied by a bustling downtown area known as the Village at Bay Harbor. The five miles of shoreline that once held a quarry and factory now hosts luxury homes and condos along with shops, restaurants, an inn and a resort, marina and conference center. Throughout the book you are seamlessly led through the many changes that what is now known as Bay Harbor has undergone to become the world renowned resort community it is today. Through pictures, as well as personal testimonials, you are allowed a unique glimpse into all the remarkable aspects of Bay Harbor that may previously have gone unnoticed.

We Did It! Is now available for purchase at the Bay Harbor Signature Store which is located in the heart of the Village at Bay Harbor, get yours today! 

Bay Harbor Welcomes the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc. in 2010

Bay Harbor Resort & Marina, Hotel and Conference Center is excited to announce its selection to host the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc.’s 9th Annual International Boat Show and Meeting, to be held September 12-18, 2010.  Bay Harbor has been chosen as the group’s 2010 host venue amongst some of the finest locations throughout North America including Lake Tahoe, CA, Lake of the Ozarks, MO and Coeur D’Alene, ID, where the group just recently completed their 2008 meeting.

This international event will attract approximately 500 antique boating enthusiasts from fifty-five regional chapters throughout the United States and Canada.  This event is the largest group Bay Harbor Resort & Marina has had the opportunity to host and is predicted to greatly benefit the entire northern Michigan area through tourism; generating a high demand for hotel accommodations, dining and entertainment. 

The group will also host their annual boat show at Bay Harbor Lake Marina on Friday, September 17, 2010 and Saturday, September 18, 2010.  This show is open to the public and will feature 120-140 antique and classic boats.  This fantastic show will be in addition to the annual Bay Harbor Vintage Car & Boat Festival, held in the Village at Bay Harbor every June.  Next year, the annual festival will take place June 26-27, 2009.

The Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc. is an international group designed, amongst other missions, “to bring people together with a common interest in historic, antique and classic boats, sharing fellowship, information, experience and exchange of ideas”.   For more information, please visit the Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc.’s website at http://www.acbs.org.

Bay Harbor Resort & Marina, Hotel and Conference Center is Michigan’s premier year-round family destination.  With the exquisite balance of natural beauty and world-class luxury, Bay Harbor Resort & Marina offers superior accommodations, including spacious suites, charming vacation rental homes, and elegant wedding and conference services.  Bay Harbor Lake Marina has been deemed the “Nautical Center of the Great Lakes”, one of the “Top Ten Ports” by MotorBoating Magazine, and has received the Clean Marina Designation from the Michigan Boating Industries Association.  For more information, please call (231) 439-2400 or visit bayharbor.com.