Dancing to Grupo Ayé, an Afro-Caribbean salsa band with Grand Traverse roots

Grupo Ayé has a bona fide local connection to the Grand Traverse region. Band founder Robert Mulligan spent part of his childhood in Omena in Leelanau County, where his mother lives. We caught up with Robert to learn more about the band, about his love for Latin music, and about his northern Michigan roots.

Casey Cowell Joins Groundwork Board

Casey Cowell Joins Groundwork Board

Tech entrepreneur, startup investor and philanthropist Casey Cowell has joined Groundwork’s Board of Directors. In 1976, Cowell and friends created U.S. Robotics, which developed the world’s first computer modem. The Cowell Cancer Center at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City recently opened, exemplifying his commitment to healthful communities. Cowell wants to help foster healthful communities in northern Michigan, as well as expand the region’s growing tech scene and create jobs in Traverse City.