Michael Kazanowski

Name:
Michael Kazanowski

City/State:
Petoskey, MI

Employer/Former Employer (if retired):
Gypsy Spirits

Type of Business/Organization:
Distillery

Membership Level:
Lifetime Member

Please add a brief bio of your relevant experience:
I have spent 3 years serving the Bliss Board where I helped with programming, development, and HR. I have helped attract new sponsors and underwriters to the festival.

Why are you interested in serving on the Blissfest Board?
Bliss has been on of the most important organizations in my life for almost 20 years. The family and people that make up Bliss is what makes it so special. I want to continue to lend my expertise and dedication to the board and continue to move Bliss in the right direction while respecting the traditions it embodies.

What do you see as your most valuable contribution to Blissfest?
I have a lot of business expertise from running my current business. I want to continue to use my networking skills to raise money, invest into the strategic plan, and work with local politicians and first responders to make sure Bliss stays in good standing. I am a hard worker and a team player, there is no job too big or too small that I wont be willing to do. Whether meeting with major donors and stepping in to work the main gate, I love it all.

What do you see as challenges and opportunities for us in the next few years?
Challenge: Upholding the traditions of Bliss while the festival becomes more main steam.

Challenge: Keeping members active and engaged. Bliss was founded and grown with the help of the membership and we need to continue to keep members actively engaged while attracting new members
 
Opportunity: Bliss is in a great spot as more and more people are curious to experience Bliss. As more smaller festivals are going away Bliss is brining in a great new crowd of passionate music lovers.
 
Opportunity: Bliss has a vast membership and dedicated following who have experienced the magic of Bliss. This brings so much opportunity to grow our outreach, strengthen the community, and raise money that we can use to better Bliss and our surrounding communities.

Please provide more details about your nonprofit or board experience such as the organization’s size or other roles not listed above.
Working with the Bliss Board I got to learn how a non-profit operates and works together. As a working board I know the time and dedication that is required to to succeed in my position.

Skills and Expertise you will contribute to the Board of Directors, Blissfest Music Organization and Committees you serve.
Event Planning, Marketing, Public Relations/ Speaking/ Presentations, Social Media, Grant Writing/Fundraising, HR / Administration, Professional Nonprofit Experience, Strategic Planning, Real Estate

Attributes:
Collaborative, Comfortable Speaking in front of groups, Enthusiastic, Facilitative Style, Good Sense of Humor, Optimistic, Respectful of varying points of view, Strong Work Ethic, Responsive, Willing and able to lead a discussion

Please describe your level of comfort or experience with the expectations of the organization: including any concerns or potential conflicts with this time commitment?
Only conflict is I work a full time job and manage a team of 40.

Please List the Organization(s) you have served?
Blissfest Music Organization, Board Member

President / Board Member