Maritime Community Bestows Inaugural Lifetime Service Award

Mike Wills, a long-time contributor to the Traverse City, Michigan, maritime community, was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Michael Wills Maritime Community Lifetime Service Award. This award was created to recognize an individual’s extended service, contributions and dedication to Traverse City’s local maritime initiatives. The award was sponsored by the Great Lakes Sailing Company and presented at an event at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club in December 2023.

Wills founded Scuba North, Sail North, The Harbor Boat Shop, Harbor West and Several developments on the Boardman River in downtown Traverse City. He has a passion for fostering children’s education as a founder and board member of Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS) for more than 25 years. Wills has served on the board of the Watershed Center, Grand Traverse Bay and played a key role in the creation of the Discovery Center & Pier and continues to serve on that board.

“Mike’s volunteer service to so many maritime programs has made a real difference in the maritime community and beyond!” says Mike Smith, former TACS president.