Sovis Promoted
Wes Sovis
Development Director
Since joining Norte Youth Cycling in 2021, Sovis has expanded Norte's Business Champion program and developed the annual Patrick's Heavy Ride.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – NOVEMBER 15, 2022 – Norte Youth Cycling recently promoted Wes Sovis to Development Director. Sovis started at the organization in February 2021. Among his many accomplishments, he expanded the organization's Business Champion program to over 70 contributing businesses. Sovis also led efforts to reformat the annual Patrick's Heavy Ride with Friends fundraising event. The ride hosted 71 riders and raised $25,000 from 371 individual donations.
"I'm excited for Wes and what he brings to the team. He embodies our happy, healthy, strong tagline," said Executive Director Jill Sill. "I look forward to seeing Wes shine in this new role. His job is critical to the organization's sustainability and our effort to keep Norte programs accessible to all."
Sovis previously served as Norte's Donor Relations Specialist. In the new position as Development Director, he will continue to nurture and build relationships with Norte supporters while pursuing strategic grant and funding opportunities throughout northern Michigan. In addition, Sovis's responsibilities will include developing new strategies to support the organization's programming and advocacy efforts. He will also join Norte's leadership team.
This promotion is part of an effort to engage the community to help ensure that Norte's youth bike programs reach families and individuals in need across northern Michigan. Norte's primary mission is to change the culture of health in northern Michigan. The organization advances this vision through youth bike programs, Safe Routes to School initiatives, and advocacy to promote more walking and rolling.
This year, over 1,300 children participated in Norte Youth Cycling bike programs. The organization has experienced an increase of participants of 300 percent over five years. In addition, the organization annually loans out 600 bicycles through the Grand Traverse Regional Kids' Bike Library. Norte calls the Grand Traverse County Civic Center home, where it operates out of two buildings — the Norte Clubhouse and Norte Wheelhouse.
You can learn more about Norte Youth Cycling at NorteYouthCycling.org.
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Norte | Happy. Healthy. Strong. Norte is the Traverse City area's active transportation–centered, youth-focused, neighborhood-based 501c3 advocacy organization. Norte's mission is to help build stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart.
