CTA Spotlight: Tracey Tucker, CTA
Flint Township Economic Enhancement Director
CTA Spotlight focuses a light on the work of the Flint & Genesee Certified Tourism Ambassadors, who represent the region and help spread the good news about the area.
A lifelong resident of Flint Township, Tracey Tucker has been community-driven since childhood. Taking her parents' inspiration, she says, “My parents were really involved in the community, so I was always involved.”
Tracey has not just lived in the area but has also spent her entire professional life here as well. Before working for Flint Township in 2007, she worked for the Builders Association of Metro Flint.
What is something other CTAs may not know about you?
My husband and I used to crew hot air balloons in Genesee County. (Crewing consists of a team on the ground that sets things up, tracks the flight, helps with the landing, and packs things up.) We had such a blast! We used to crew for a company in the community, but then slowed down and just crewed our friends for fun.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I don’t have a lot of spare time anymore, but I’d have to say that hot air ballooning is still on my top list of things to do. My husband and I are also fans of antique tractors. We have four 1939 Farmall tractors right now and are about to purchase a fifth one, a 1946 Farmall Tractor. We also host rural education days, which I co-chair, through the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association. We normally have about 600 to 650 4th graders from several surrounding counties who attend. They spend the day learning about how people lived in rural areas and used tractors and steam to power tools and equipment. We basically put on a mini show just for the kids, and they get to drive a tractor, see a blacksmith, make apple cider and make a candle and more. The whole day is so much fun.
What is your favorite part of being a CTA in Flint & Genesee?
I would have to say being involved and aware of what’s happening in the community. I also love being able to spread the word about everything that is going on to others.
What is your favorite hidden gem in the area?
I know when I have guests visit from out of town, a lot of them are not aware that Genesee County is home to Applewood Estates or the Flint Cultural Center. So usually, my husband and I will try to set aside a day to take them to Applewood, Sloan Museum of Discovery, or Longway Planetarium. I don’t know if these attractions would be considered hidden, but I just think people from outside the community are not aware of these great local places we have, and I love their reaction when they experience them. They are really surprised when they find out about all of the programs that the Flint Cultural Center offers, and that many of them are free.
To learn more about the CTA program in Flint & Genesee, head to the Explore Flint & Genesee CTA website.
