Champions of Community: The Businesses Building Ann Arbor's Future Trail

When we dream of the Treeline — a transformative urban trail connecting Ann Arbor's neighborhoods to the Huron River, downtown, and University of Michigan — we're not just imagining a pathway. We're envisioning a community coming together to create something extraordinary. And at the heart of this vision are our corporate sponsors, whose commitment to Ann Arbor's future makes this dream possible. These aren't just businesses writing checks. These are organizations deeply rooted in our community, each bringing their own story of service, innovation, and commitment to making Ann Arbor a better place to live, work, and play.

Building on Generations of Community Legacy

The story of our sponsors is really the story of Ann Arbor itself — a tapestry woven from decades of community investment and unwavering commitment to local values. Take Washtenaw Dairy, which has been serving as a community gathering place for over 86 years, creating memories over cones and donuts while supporting countless local organizations. Their longevity mirrors that of Old National Bank, whose 190-year history of weathering everything from the Panic of 1837 to the Great Depression demonstrates the kind of enduring vision we're building into the Treeline. Both organizations understand that true success comes from deep community roots and long-term thinking — the same philosophy driving our commitment to creating lasting infrastructure for generations to come.

This tradition of enduring service continues with Robertson Morrison Inc., which has been providing unmatched heating, cooling, and sheet metal services to Ann Arbor for more than 60 years. From their early days to their current role as a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer serving residential, commercial, and institutional clients throughout Michigan, Robertson Morrison exemplifies the kind of steady, reliable craftsmanship that builds communities. Their expertise in everything from custom fabrication to 24-hour emergency service reflects the same commitment to dependability and long-term thinking that makes the Treeline possible.

Innovation with Purpose

Innovation and creativity flow through Ann Arbor's DNA, and our sponsors embody this spirit in remarkable ways. FinalFinal draws inspiration from Michigan's legendary design heritage — from Eames chairs to Ford Mustangs — understanding how to marry form and function in ways that endure. Their strategic brand building mirrors our own approach to the Treeline: creating something that works beautifully for decades to come. Meanwhile, Huck Finch brings their own brand of innovation with refreshing honesty and serious Webflow craftsmanship, committed to "making the internet look less like shit... with one damn good lookin' website at a time." Both companies understand that the best projects combine functionality with beauty — exactly what we're creating with the Treeline.

Community-Centered Growth

Perhaps most inspiring is how our sponsors demonstrate that deep community investment creates extraordinary value. Zingerman's has built a community of businesses that makes Ann Arbor more flavorful and enjoyable, employing nearly 700 people across eleven businesses while generating $70 million in annual sales. Bank of Ann Arbor has embodied their "Helps" philosophy since opening with just 15 employees in 1996, contributing over $8.3 million to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations — from creating Sonic Lunch to supporting small businesses through challenging times. These organizations exemplify how community focus creates meaningful impact that truly lasts, a principle all our sponsors embrace in their unique ways.

This community-centered approach shines through in Ann Arbor's vibrant neighborhood spaces. Lowertown Bar & Cafe represents the perfect example of how thoughtful development can transform a community. Located in a converted historic Pure Oil service station on Broadway, this hybrid neighborhood space serves as both a morning coffee destination and evening gathering place, offering everything from Hyperion Coffee to carefully crafted seasonal cocktails. Co-owner Pete Baker's vision of creating neighborhood hubs throughout Ann Arbor reflects the same community-building spirit that drives the Treeline — understanding that great neighborhoods are built through spaces where people can connect, relax, and build relationships.

Nearby, Sic Transit Cycles demonstrates how passion and community mission can create lasting impact. More than just a bike shop, Sic Transit has become a true community hub in historic Lowertown, hosting cycling events from the Sic Transit Fundo to Sub-24 Hour bike camping trips that bring people together around their shared love of cycling. Their focus on urban transportation, complete with bikes designed for commuting and all the accessories to support them, perfectly aligns with the Treeline's vision of creating sustainable, people-centered infrastructure. Their belief that "bicycles can bring positive change to people's lives and that seeing the world on two wheels can be transformational" captures exactly what we're building with the Treeline.

Personal Commitment

The personal commitment our sponsors bring to this project runs remarkably deep, creating connections that go far beyond typical business partnerships. Retirement Income Solutions, founded by Larry Hastie and Griff McDonald thirty years ago, has grown from a boutique operation to serving over 1,200 clients while maintaining their focus on deep, trusting relationships — the same careful planning and community focus we're bringing to the Treeline. Hylant's philosophy of treating clients like family rather than customers resonates with our community-first approach, understanding that the best investments protect and enhance what we value most. Most meaningfully, O'Neal Construction's support comes from Joe O'Neal himself — not only has his company been building Ann Arbor for over six decades since 1961, but Joe is also the founder of the Treeline Conservancy, originally established as the Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy. When someone who has spent their career building our city's infrastructure believes this strongly in a project, you know it represents something transformational. Learn more about Joe in his "Treeline Spotlight" profile on our blog.

Together, these sponsors represent more than financial support — they embody the collaborative spirit that makes the Treeline possible. Each brings something unique to our community, just as the Treeline will bring something unique to Ann Arbor. They understand that great communities aren't built by accident; they're built by people and organizations willing to invest in a shared vision of safe routes for families, students, and commuters, gathering spaces where memories are made, environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and infrastructure that serves future generations. The Treeline isn't just about creating a trail — it's about connecting our community in new ways and supporting the kind of place we all want to call home. Our corporate sponsors get it. They see the bigger picture. And they're helping us build Ann Arbor's future, one partnership at a time.

Ready to join them in building Ann Arbor's future? Visit our website to learn how you can be part of this transformative project. Because this can't happen without you.

Want to learn more about how your organization can support the Treeline? Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities and join these incredible community champions in building something extraordinary for Ann Arbor.