TentCraft President and CEO Matt Bulloch likes to jokingly take credit for the roughly 40 babies that have been born to TentCraft employees since he founded the company in 2006. That’s more than two babies each year on average — a partial testament to the reliable and rewarding culture at TentCraft.
Still, good pay and benefits don’t change the fact that child care, especially in Northern Michigan, is an expensive line item that leaves many employees questioning whether it’s worth going to work or if it’s financially smarter to stay home and care for their child full-time instead.
That’s why TentCraft is one of the first employers in the state to pilot a new child care cost-sharing program through the state called Tri-Share.
Under the program, participating employers contribute one-third of an employee’s total child care cost, the state covers another third, and the employee-parent covers the remaining third. Eligible employees must have household incomes between 150% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. A three-person household, for example, would need an annual income between $40,626 and $62,586.
“At TentCraft, we’re constantly looking to improve our employee benefits package and the Tri-Share program was a no-brainer,” said Rob Hanel, TentCraft human resources manager. “We recognize the challenge parents in our region face in terms of childcare and believe this program will not only alleviate a good portion of the cost, but also open the door to higher-quality care options for their children.”
Other Grand Traverse-area employers joining TentCraft in the pilot program include Cherry Republic, Traverse City tourism, Munson Healthcare, Skilled Manufacturing Inc., and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
The Tri-Share program is an additional component of TentCraft’s existing parental benefits, which include paid leave for mothers and fathers, a gradual return-to-work program (four days per week) at 100% of regular pay, and an infants-in-the-workplace program that allows the bond between baby and parent to grow even stronger.
TentCraft is Hiring
If you’re looking for a new career, TentCraft is currently hiring for a number of positions across all departments. Explore our careers page and submit an application today.
