Travis Alden Email & Phone Number

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area

In his role as Senior Director, Community Development, Travis is focused on transformational place-based development projects and initiatives throughout the West Michigan region. Specializing in rural community development, his work focuses on pillars such as smart growth planning, infrastructure & transportation, community leadership & engagement, placemaking, transformational site redevelopment and more. Travis serves as a catalyst to help West Michigan's communities realize their fullest potential.

Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

Lead RPI's rural economic development efforts by providing strategy, guidance and support to the business development team members in the five West Michigan counties outside of Kent that are served by The Right Place: Ionia, Lake, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oceana. Also responsible for the direct coordination of business development activities in Ionia County.

Hastings, Mi

Simultaneously lead Barry County’s two chief community development organizations towards achievement of strategic goals.- Effectively manage four employees and dozens of volunteers.- Oversee the outreach, engagement and promotional activities of both organizations.- Plan and implement a full calendar of impactful events, ranging from community festivals to business education seminars to legislative stakeholder discussions.- Spearhead the BCEDA’s team-approach retention & expansion visit program with employers throughout the county.- Develop annual budgets for each organization, diversifying revenue and maximizing effectiveness.- Initiate and sustain strategic partnerships with local units of government, businesses and non-profit organizations.

Manistee, Mi

Provide leadership & vision in order to effectively manage all operational and programming elements of Manistee's non-profit historic downtown cinema, which includes at least six showtimes per day, 365 days a year. Train, schedule, empower and manage three FTE employees (two full-time salaried, two part-time hourly) and over 200 active volunteers. Plan cinematic programming appealing to both commercial and artistic interests, including first-run films, art-house and independent titles, a classics series, family-friendly matinees, and special events. Creative events include filmmaker Q&As, local-interest panels regarding a film's subject matter, cultural complements to films such as musical introductions and fine art interpretations, and family activities relating to movies. Oversee finances and budget in conjunction with the Vogue's Board of Directors. Initiate strategic partnerships with area businesses and organizations for programming, underwriting and program support. Develop and design marketing pieces across all forms of media. Maintain all technical equipment throughout the theatre, including state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment, networking components and concessions equipment. Serve as primary point-of-contact for inquiries including special programs & facility rentals. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:* Over 100,000 tickets sold in 20 months* Year To Date (Jan-Oct 2014/2015) revenue increases of 21% (box office), 43% (concessions), 71% (memberships)* Vogue Theatre named 2015 “Small Business of the Year” by Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Coordinated and facilitated downtown revitalization activities of the MSDDA. Developed partnerships with local, regional and state-wide organizations. Initiated strategic planning and work plan development for the organization and committees. Developed operational budget of approximately $400,000, oversaw financial management and coordinated fundraising and sponsorship programs. Undertook significant event planning and execution, including the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend and Hops & Props. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: * Recruited a Big Rapids restaurant to expand into an anchor building in downtown Manistee, helping owners navigate complex historic rehabilitation standards, tax credits and grant program requirements* Spearheaded purchase and rehabilitation efforts of the Vogue Theatre, a multi-million dollar project that has brought an important piece of downtown history back to life

Tipton, Ia

Spearheaded revival of the original independent competitive film festival in the state of Iowa at the historic art-deco Hardacre Theatre in downtown Tipton.

Enhanced the image of the Tipton community to internal and external audiences for business and residential growth. Fostered communication between community leadership including elected officials, business owners and civic leaders and work toward common goals.

Operated and managed NLTV, the community’s PEG (public, educational & government) local access cable channel. Worked daily with various digital video and a/v equipment including cameras, editing bays and playback decks. Produced relevant, timely video programming detailing city projects and community events. Produced public service announcements for local non-profit organizations. Produced promotional pieces for business and residential development. Supervised one employee and multiple volunteers.

Bachelor’S Degree, Communications - Film & Video Production; Philosophy Minor

Activities and Societies: Resident Advisor in Honors Housing. Member of Resident Housing Association, National Residence Hall Honorary.

Accellerated Program At Andrews University, Mathematics & Sciences