Making a Difference and Promoting the Youth of Michigan!
We encourage you to fully explore our website as your central resource for understanding the CCR Foundation. Here, you can learn more about our dedicated team and mission, review the tangible impact of the projects we’ve already completed, and see exactly what new initiatives we have planned for the coming year. We value transparency, and our site is designed to keep you informed and engaged with every stage of our vital work.
We are immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished and eagerly look forward to continuing our mission, which encompasses both community support and environmental stewardship. Our commitment includes promoting our youth through essential programs, actively supporting our schools, and ensuring the ongoing funding of our museum to preserve local heritage. Environmentally, we are dedicated to building educational programs to preserve and protect our lands, forests, waters, and wildlife for future generations, which involves continuous monitoring of erosion and wildlife, executing crucial tree planting projects, supporting research for wildlife and forest regeneration, and performing regular, critical overall maintenance of Canada Creek’s vital structures, including its sand traps, bedding structures, and the stream’s banks.
Our Scholarship Program Provides a Helping Hand to the Youth of Michigan and Their Continuing Success.
We Strive to Educate Our Communities, Both Young and Old, in Preserving and Protecting Our Lands, Waters, Forests, and Wildlife for Future Generations.
Our Tree Planting Project Ensures the Continued Beautification of Michigan and will Provide Our Wildlife with a Sanctuary Environment.
Want to Help? As a Charitable Organization, Every Extra Hand is Appreciated. Please Contact any Member and Start Making a Difference in Your Community Today!
The Canada Creek Regional Foundation, Inc. is a dedicated public charity committed to the enduring health and vitality of our unique northern Michigan environment and the success of its next generation. Our mission is clearly focused on achieving sustainable impact through three core pillars of support:
We actively fund projects designed to preserve and protect the woods, waters, lands, and diverse wildlife found within the expansive Canada Creek Regional Watershed area. This vital ecological corridor begins its journey in Briley Township in northern Montmorency County, flows northward through Allis Township in southwestern Presque Isle County, and ultimately enriches the Black River in Cheboygan County. Our conservation efforts safeguard this complex ecosystem for today and tomorrow.
A core component of our work is to increase the public’s awareness and knowledge of these critical natural resources. Through grants supporting education and outreach programs, we strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment, empowering the entire community to become responsible stewards of the watershed.
We are deeply invested in the young people of the region. The CCR Foundation proudly supports the area’s youth by providing post-secondary scholarships to local students, offering assistance to local Boy and Girl Scout troops, and funding essential educational and training opportunities. These initiatives are designed to foster the development of future leaders and conservationists, ensuring the region thrives for decades to come.
Importantly, the CCR Foundation, Inc. maintains public charity status with both the Michigan Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This means that all contributions made to the Foundation are fully tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law, maximizing the impact of your generosity.
The CCR Foundation is guided by a Board of Directors with deep, personal ties to the region. Nearly all of our Directors have generational connections to the Canada Creek Watershed area, and most are full-time residents, giving us firsthand knowledge and a vested interest in the region’s well-being. We are driven by a powerful dual mission: to rigorously preserve the abundant natural resources of the Watershed and to actively encourage and equip our young people through education and training. Importantly, our Directors and committee members all serve on a voluntary basis and without compensation, ensuring that your contributions go directly to the mission. We warmly encourage you to join us in supporting this vital work for Canada Creek’s future.
The CCR Foundation is established exclusively to receive, steward, and administer funds in support of crucial natural resource protection, charitable initiatives, and educational programming within the region.
Our core mission is two-fold:
To honor and protect the natural resources of the Canada Creek Regional (CCR) watershed—including its vital land, waters, forests, and wildlife. We strive to preserve this unique environment for its inherent natural value and for the sustained enjoyment of the watershed’s residents, guests, and visitors.
We actively invest in the next generation and the broader community by:
Assisting local schools with essential conservation education and the awarding of post-secondary scholarships.
Collaborating with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops to provide meaningful conservation projects tied to earning merit badges.
Offering diverse educational opportunities, including hands-on biological field trips and resources detailing the historical information of the Canada Creek area.
When it comes to the Canada Creek Regional Foundation’s Volunteers, It’s not about the Money or Recognition. It’s about the continued preservation of the Lands, Water, Forests, and Wildlife in this part of the Country they call HOME. It’s about connecting with everyone in the surrounding Communities, young and old, and educating them on the importance of protecting these majestic places for the benefit of future generations. It’s about Promoting the Youth of Michigan and giving back to the Community they’re proud of. Each one of them has their reasons for Volunteering, and it all stems from the Heart and the place they’re from and grew up in. You can read about each of their Inspirational stories and maybe…Hopefully, they can Inspire you to Volunteer and continue the much needed work preserving one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Jim’s career is defined by a unique intersection of entrepreneurial success, specialized industry knowledge, and high-level public service. His educational foundation is solid, holding an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Administration (MSA). Together with his wife, Alice, Jim spent decades navigating the business world, building a diverse and successful portfolio as entrepreneurs.
Within the corporate sphere, Jim carved out a distinct niche as an aviation insurance specialist. His expertise is backed by multiple professional designations in the insurance industry and reinforced by his practical experience as a licensed FAA pilot. This combination of technical knowledge and risk management made him a leader in his field.
Jim’s leadership extends well beyond his business ventures. He has a prolific history of governance, having served as President for numerous organizations throughout his career. His expertise was recognized at the state level when he was appointed to the General Aviation Committee of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission. Additionally, he served as a Director on the Manistee County Airport Authority. In his personal life, Jim remains committed to ethical leadership, having served as a trustee for his church.
Alice has been a dynamic force and an integral partner in her family’s diverse business ventures. Far more than a silent partner, she provided strategic direction and operational expertise that drove their success. As a licensed Realtor, Alice was the linchpin of the family’s residential land development and subdividing business, utilizing her market knowledge to guide complex projects to fruition. Expanding her professional portfolio, she also became a licensed Michigan insurance agent, where she played a pivotal role in identifying, acquiring, and integrating several area insurance agencies.
Alice’s commitment to growth is rooted in her education; she attended Central Michigan University and has continued her professional development through coursework at various other Michigan colleges. Beyond business, she has always prioritized community service, devoting countless hours to youth mentorship and serving in leadership capacities on numerous church committees.
A true steward of the environment, Alice is one of the seven original founders of the CCR Foundation. Along with her husband, Jim, she is deeply passionate about protecting the ecological integrity of the Canada Creek Watershed. Today, she remains an active advocate for the Foundation’s mission, working tirelessly to secure tax-deductible funding for educational, scientific, and charitable projects that ensure the preservation of the land she loves.
Ray’s professional journey is a testament to the value of diverse experience and lifelong dedication. His early working life was defined by hands-on grit, spanning roles as a steel mill laborer and a machine operator. Additionally, he served his country as an aircraft electrician in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, developing a discipline that would serve him throughout his life.
Leveraging this strong foundation, Ray pivoted to the corporate world, building a distinguished 35-year career as a labor negotiator and management consultant. In these high-stakes roles, he utilized his unique background to bridge gaps and solve complex organizational challenges. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan. Beyond the boardroom, Ray is also a published author.
Since retiring, Ray has dedicated his energy and leadership skills to the Canada Creek community. He served two full terms on the Canada Creek Board of Directors, where his peers entrusted him with the roles of Treasurer, Vice-President, and eventually President. Today, he continues that legacy of service as the current President of the CCR Foundation Board.
Sharon brings a lifetime of experience in education, leadership, and organizational management to her current role in the community. Her academic background is robust, grounded by a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and further strengthened by a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Professionally, Sharon dedicated 39 years to the Livonia Public Schools system. Her tenure was marked by progressive responsibility; she served not only as a classroom teacher but also rose to the positions of Department Head and Curriculum Developer. In these leadership roles, she was responsible for guiding faculty, shaping educational standards, and implementing long-term strategic plans. Her commitment to youth and education also extended to her community, where she directed the pre-school religious education program at her church for several years.
Since retiring from her professional career, Sharon has refocused her energy on the Canada Creek Ranch community. She is an active and engaged volunteer, lending her time and expertise to a variety of Ranch activities and special projects. When she isn't serving the community, Sharon is an avid reader, enjoys the social strategy of card games, and spends time cultivating her garden.
Jeff is a seasoned business leader with a dynamic career that bridges high-level corporate strategy and hands-on entrepreneurial success. With over 26 years of executive experience, he has navigated the complexities of large-scale corporations, serving in key leadership roles including CEO. His corporate tenure is defined by a mastery of operational ecosystems, where he specialized in Supply Chain Management, Strategic Planning, and System Integration.
Throughout his corporate career, Jeff was a driver of innovation, leading major initiatives in Digital Transformation, Business Analysis, and Data Conversion. His ability to manage complex projects and consult on high-stakes business decisions has made him a valued asset in the boardroom.
Parallel to his corporate success, Jeff is a prolific entrepreneur with a remarkable breadth of experience. He has founded, owned, and operated six distinct businesses across a diverse array of industries, including automotive consulting, e-commerce, construction, and the hospitality sector. Demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, he also established a non-profit charity dedicated to the welfare of children. Currently, Jeff remains an active business operator. He leads JJK North Corporation, based in St. Clair, Michigan, and owns the El Bo Inn and Ma Deeter's, two beloved restaurants and community landmarks nestled between Atlanta and Onaway.
Gary is a distinguished engineer and executive whose career is defined by technical excellence and strategic leadership. A Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a member of the prestigious Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, Gary spent his professional life rising through the ranks at Ford Motor Company. As an Executive, he specialized in the complex fields of powertrain engineering, design, and development. During his tenure, he mastered critical operational skills—including project planning, manufacturing process control, and rigorous design verification—that he now applies to organizational governance.
His career and personal interests have taken him around the globe. Gary has traveled extensively for both business and recreation, gaining a worldview shaped by visits to Europe, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, and destinations across North America.
Since retiring from the corporate world, Gary has pivoted his management expertise toward environmental stewardship. He applies the same rigorous standards he used at Ford to managing wildlife, forestry, and stream projects. This is most evident in his role as Chair of the Conservation Committee at Canada Creek Ranch and as a Director at a local sportsman’s club. Furthermore, Gary is deeply committed to public safety and community well-being, having served as a volunteer medical first responder, firefighter, and in law enforcement. He also provides spiritual leadership as an Elder on his local church council.
Ferris State University senior Chloe Idoni has been recognized as a model student-athlete, receiving the prestigious Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Commissioner’s Award. This coveted honor is presented annually to a select group of only 12 student-athletes—six men and six women—who demonstrate exceptional excellence both in the classroom and on the field of play.
Chloe, a native of Fenton, Michigan, has exemplified the definition of a scholar-athlete during her tenure at Ferris State. Pursuing a degree in early education, she has maintained a near-perfect 3.99 cumulative GPA, proving her dedication to her academic future is just as strong as her commitment to basketball.
On the court, Chloe was a dominant force and a pivotal leader. As team captain, she spearheaded the Bulldogs’ offense, averaging a team-high 16.7 points per game. Her scoring prowess was on full display throughout the season, as she recorded 20 or more points in 13 separate contests. Her leadership helped propel the Bulldogs to a historic run, reaching the NCAA Division II National Semifinals (Final Four).
Her performance earned her significant accolades, including spots on both the All-GLIAC First Team and the GLIAC All-Defensive Team, highlighting her versatility as a two-way player.
The GLIAC Commissioner’s Award, first introduced in 2007, is reserved for juniors, seniors, and graduate students who set the standard for collegiate athletics. Chloe’s selection marks a continuation of excellence for the university, making her the 85th Bulldog in history to receive this distinguished honor.
Jo-Carole’s professional background is built on formal business school training and practical application. She began her career mastering financial administration as a bookkeeper and cashier for a national insurance company, developing strong organizational and accounting skills.
During her tenure in Arizona, Jo-Carole demonstrated a strong aptitude for technology and process improvement. While serving as secretary to the Directors of the Tucson Public Library System, she was a key player in a major infrastructure project: the migration of the library’s cataloging and checkout systems from manual to digital.
The hallmark of Jo-Carole’s career is her 20-year tenure at Ford Motor Company. Serving in various capacities for executive operations staff, she specialized in stakeholder management. She was responsible for the critical flow of information between the corporation and its supply chain vendors, ensuring that complex logistics and communications were handled with professionalism and accuracy.
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