Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce Welcomes Four New Board Members in 2025

Manistique, MI – March 13, 2025 – Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC) is pleased

to announce the appointment of four new board members in 2025. These individuals

bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for the economic and community

development of Schoolcraft County. The new board members include Kate Schuetter,

Kara Ziminski, Kent LaCroix, and Brittney Zellar.

“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals to our board,” said Victoria

George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “Each new member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will help us continue to support local businesses, enhance tourism, and foster a thriving community.”

Meet the New Board Members:

• Kate Schuetter has been a business owner and active community member in

Schoolcraft County for over a decade. With extensive experience in volunteer work,

including serving on the CBC Schoolcraft County board and chairing the Michigan Land

Title Association’s Career Pathways committee, Schuetter is passionate about

economic development and workforce initiatives. She is eager to bring her strategic

decision-making expertise to STC.

• Kara Ziminski is a lifelong resident of Schoolcraft County with a deep-rooted passion

for local business growth and community success. Having served on multiple local

organization boards, Ziminski brings valuable insight and leadership skills to the STC

board. She is dedicated to supporting local businesses and ensuring that Manistique

and the surrounding areas continue to thrive.

• Kent LaCroix is a fifth-generation resident of Schoolcraft County with a background in

technology, business, and healthcare. With nearly 20 years of experience at Schoolcraft

Memorial Hospital and an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Management, LaCroix is

committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy. His

involvement in various community organizations, including the Manistique Rotary Club

and Elks Lodge #632, underscores his dedication to community service.

• Brittney Zellar is a business owner and lifelong resident of Schoolcraft County. As the

owner of The Upper Crust Deli and Lil Haven Resort, Zellar has firsthand experience in

the tourism and hospitality industries. She is committed to supporting small businesses

and fostering a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Zellar is also

actively involved in youth sports, coaching a third-grade girls’ basketball team.

The addition of these four new board members marks an exciting time for STC as it

continues to focus on economic growth, tourism development, and community

engagement. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to Schoolcraft County will further strengthen STC’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for residents and

businesses alike.

Recognizing Outgoing Board Members:

STC also wishes to express its deep gratitude to two outgoing board members, Kent

Anderson and Andy Bertapelle, for their years of dedicated service to the organization

and the community.

• Kent Anderson has been a valued member of the STC board since 2018. Born in

Manistique and raised in Nahma and Gladstone, Anderson returned to the Upper

Peninsula in 2016 and has played an instrumental role in assisting STC executive

director with various initiatives. He previously served as a planning commissioner for

Northville Township in Wayne County and was a founding member of Michigan State

University’s Alumni Advisory Board for the School of Landscape Architecture.

Anderson, a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-

Madison, has contributed to the design profession for over four decades. His work has

earned numerous awards, and he has been recognized for excellence in urban design,

park planning, and the allied arts.

• Andy Bertapelle, CEO of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, has provided invaluable leadership during his two years on the STC board. A Navy veteran, he holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Nursing, an MBA, and a Master’s in Healthcare Delivery Science. His expertise in rural healthcare has helped guide STC’s support for the local economy and healthcare sector.

Bertapelle is an active member of professional organizations like the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Medical Group Management Association. He also serves the community through the Lion’s Club, American Legion, and VFW.

STC extends its heartfelt appreciation to both Anderson and Bertapelle for their years of

service and dedication to the community. Their leadership has left a lasting impact, and

STC looks forward to building upon the foundation they have helped establish.

For more information about Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce and its initiatives, please visit www.discovermanistique.com or contact Victoria George at

vgeorge@discovermanistique.com.

About Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce: Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC) is dedicated to promoting economic, community, and workforce development in

Schoolcraft County. By supporting local businesses, enhancing tourism efforts, and

fostering a strong community network, STC works to create a thriving and sustainable

future for residents and visitors.