News

December 5, 2022 - 11:36 am

Our Top 10 Stories of 2022

By 20Fathoms

In case you missed them, here are the most-read articles from the 20Fathoms website this year.


Megan Swan

Jul. 12 | 20Fathoms is pleased to announce that Megan Swan has joined the organization as Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives. In this leadership role, Megan will execute key programs, strengthen community partnerships, and manage business operations to support the organization’s growth.


Developing Programmer Team Development Website Design And Coding

Jan. 21 | Internships are a great way to bring new energy and a talent pipeline into your organization, as well as provide a valuable learning experience for a future professional. At 20Fathoms, we believe in the value of internships and also understand that developing a quality internship program is time consuming.


Gretchen Swanson

Feb. 14 | 20Fathoms is pleased to announce that Gretchen Swanson has joined the organization as Director of Workforce Development. In this role, Gretchen will manage the growth and expansion of 20Fathoms’ workforce development and tech education initiatives to address the region’s critical need for qualified tech professionals.


Matt Goddard

Sep. 12 | In 2022, Traverse City, Mich. gained three spots on the “Best of the Midwest: Startup Cities Rankings” due to growing resources for startup founders including access to angel and venture capital, pitch competitions, and the 20Fathoms startup incubator. Hybrid Robotics is one company founded in Traverse City that took advantage of these local resources and has seen great success.


Jun. 30 | “The Rural Edge” is a video series featuring small towns across the country that are building thriving digital economies and changing the narrative about what’s possible in rural America. Produced by the Center on Rural Innovation, the videos showcase diverse and dynamic communities that are strengthening local economies and creating family-sustaining jobs through the development of new opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.


Two women meeting

Jun. 8 | 20Fathoms was selected by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and endorsed by an array of community partners to convene an employer-led collaborative (ELC) focused on bridging the gap in our regional tech talent. The initiative is funded by the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 grant and allows us to continue to build a regional hub for tech talent training. 


Logo for Michigan Tech University - Grand Traverse Area

May 23 | 20Fathoms and Michigan Technological University are developing a growing partnership to turn outcomes of research on campus into start-up businesses in Northern Michigan. Representatives from the Michigan Tech Office of Innovation and Commercialization recently visited Traverse City to discuss a number of ongoing commercialization projects in areas including 3-D printing, renewable energy, plastics recycling, and advanced batteries.


Brittany VanderBeek

Aug. 15 | 20Fathoms is pleased to announce that Brittany VanderBeek has joined the organization as Director of Development & Community Engagement. In this role, Brittany will work with donors and supporters throughout our community to strengthen 20Fathoms’ programs that advance tech and entrepreneurship in the Grand Traverse Region.


Grow with Google

Jul. 12 | For those interested in learning new digital skills, Google offers professional-level training and certifications through their Grow with Google program. Upon completion of the program, graduates can share their resume and new skills with employers who have committed to considering program participants for entry-level jobs including Wells Fargo, SiriusXM, Verizon, Salesforce, Ford, and Crate & Barrel.


Aug. 16 | We recently spoke with Jamie and Andrew Jamie Kidwell-Brix, co-founders of Earthen Ales to learn their journey as founders of this sustainability-focused brewery in Traverse City. Earthen Ales is also a 20Fathoms sponsor, providing beer for our coworking space.