CWIB Luncheon March 17, 2026

Join Connecting Women in Business on Tuesday, March 17 for a great panel discussion with three area women entrepreneurs.  Joining us are Christine Donovan of The Bahnhof, Kelly Nash of Under The Stars Glamping and 1902 Resorts and Retreats and Eeva Redmond of Elder Piper Beer & Cider. You will hear about their journeys, challenges and lessons learned.

Christine Donovan is the co-owner of Bahnhof Sport in Petoskey with her husband, Adam. She previously managed billion-dollar philanthropic funds.  Ater the pandemic they decided to focus on quality of life. The couple cashed out their 401ks, sold their house and left corporate America to purchase this 50-year-old ski and sport shop in Northern Michigan in October of 2024 with a focus on community and keeping the legacy brand alive.
 
Under the Stars Glamping is a veteran-owned and woman-owned luxury tent rental business launched in 2022 by Allen and Kelly Nash. It recently underwent a major expansion with the opening of a permanent physical location called 1902 Resort and Retreats located in Wolverine. The property includes a banquet facility for up to 50 guests and a bunkhouse that sleeps sixteen, targeting weddings and retreats. Learn how they have turned the property into a hub for local events, hosting dinner series, community meetings, and more.
 
Eeva and her husband Trace opened Elder Piper Beer & Cider taproom in 2024. It serves as a social hub, hosting regular activities such as team trivia, yoga classes, euchre events, and seasonal workshops. Learn why they specifically sought a location that felt integrated into a local community. In case you missed it, Elder Piper Beer & Cider was just named #3 Best New Brewery in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

The luncheon takes place at The Talcott, 4078 M-75, Walloon Lake. Registration and networking 11:30am to noon. Lunch buffet begins at noon. Program starts at 12:20pm and the event concludes at 1pm. 
 

Cost is $35 for CWIB members and $45 for all others. PLEASE NOTE - Registration closes Wednesday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. Any cancellations or no-shows after this time will be charged.   

To register with the $35 lunch cost, you need to be a member of CWIB. Membership is January 2026 to December 2026. It will include 8 luncheon events (does not apply to the April 23 Go Grants Fundraising luncheon). Individual membership is $25 and corporate membership is $125 and includes 10 staff. You can download the form here or you can pay online when you register for the event. 

The lunch buffet will be prepared by Walloon Lake General Store and the menu includes:

• Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette
• Waldorf Salad
• Marinated Beets, Lentils, Goat Cheese & Walnuts (goat cheese on the side)
• Cream of Tomato Soup
• Havarti Grilled Cheese
• Roast Turkey Hand Pie
• Gluten-Free / Vegan Brownies

Program sponsor is Yoga Roots Petoskey and Hotel Walloon. Our 2026 marquee sponsor is PNC Bank, Radio sponsor is Lite 96.3. Our 2026 supporting sponsor is F.S. Roofing.