RED FLANNEL FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
LEADING WITH PHENOMENAL GROWTH
The 2012 Red Flannel Board of Directors has been hard at work since January to ensure a successful 73rd Red Flannel Day Celebration. “It’s a tremendous undertaking and we spend hundreds of hours preparing for the many various Red Flannel Day events,” said Michele Tracy Andres, President.
“This is a strong, organized all volunteer Board who’s passionate about continuing the tradition of Red Flannel Day. Even though we are all extremely busy, with full time careers and families, we find the time to make this a reality. It’s just such an honor to work with such talented, dedicated leaders. It’s frightening to think of the first weekend in October without a Red Flannel Day celebration!”
Over the past ten years, the board has been instrumental in the phenomenal growth of the Festival, adding over 26 new events and donating over $24,600 to local non-profits with the implementation of the Community Share Program.
The purchase and renovation of the new building in 2006 has given the Festival a permanent home at 21 East Maple Street.
Marketing exposure for Festival Patron Sponsors has increased dramatically with the addition of hundreds of radio and television commercials, resurrecting the Red Flannel Press, creating the website, participating in numerous live radio show appearances and consistently earning the Festival the honor #1 Grand Rapids Press “Gonzo’s Top 10”. New (and a first!) the advertising portfolio this year has expanded to include several area billboards.
The Festival has designed a donor program exclusively for individuals, called “Friends of the Festival” that includes various levels of giving. All donations to the Festival are tax-deductible with its 501c3 non-profit status.
The Festival Board is proud of its dedication and commitment to the local business community, spending over $33,000 annually, or 83% of the purchases directly with Cedar Springs businesses. “Preference is given to local businesses,” said Andres. “The only items purchased outside the community typically cannot be purchased in Cedar Springs.”
The Board consists of Michele Tracy Andres, President; Nick Andres, 1st Vice President; Rose Coonen, 2nd Vice President; Faith Fraser, Secretary; Matt Andres, Treasurer; and Trustees Rand Ruwersma, John Potes, Anna Nozkowski and Laurie Nozal.
