NoMiWoman @ Benjamin Twiggs

Five Generations, Sixty Years, and One Mother-Daughter Team
A NoMiWoman evening with Leisa Eckerle Hankins & Alison Hankins of Benjamin Twiggs

Wednesday, November 11 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Benjamin Twiggs in Downtown Traverse City

What happens when a 60-year-old Michigan cherry business, five generations of farming, and a mother-daughter team come together?

Join us at Benjamin Twiggs’ new downtown location as Leisa and Alison share the story behind Michigan’s Original Cherry Store. Leisa grew up in a Leelanau County cherry-farming family and bought Benjamin Twiggs in 2020 to bring it back to its farming roots. Alison later chose to join the business and help carry it into the next generation.

They’ll talk candidly about the challenges, changes, and unexpected opportunities of running a family business while Michigan cherry farmers face an uncertain future. It’s a story about family, resilience, and reinvention, and about making sure Northern Michigan agriculture keeps being told.

We’ll wrap up with a little holiday inspiration from Benjamin Twiggs, because every great Northern Michigan story deserves a few cherries.

Meet the Speakers

Leisa Eckerle Hankins is the owner of Benjamin Twiggs, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. She is a fourth-generation Leelanau County cherry farmer and the founder and coordinator of the Michigan Cherry Grower Alliance. She also serves on the Michigan Cherry Committee as the Governor’s appointee for Northern Michigan. A longtime downtown TC entrepreneur (My Favorite Things, Tiny Toes), she was 2025 President of Kiwanis of Traverse City. For more than 16 years, she has helped TC Central students learn how to start a business.

Alison Hankins is Business Development Manager at Benjamin Twiggs, where she leads sales, marketing, and community relationships. She graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2025 with a B.S. in Business and was an Academic All-American cross country runner. For five seasons she has managed Eckerle Receiving at the family farm. She coaches Willow Hill Elementary’s cross country team and is a Traverse Connect Young Professional.

Tickets $20 each
Includes featured speaker, beverages and appetizers.

Bring a Friend Pricing: 2+ tickets are $15 each

Coffee Chat members save 30%. Your code is in your inbox. Can’t find it? Email kerry@northernmichiganwoman.com. Not a member yet? Join here and save on every evening event.

This event is sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union, 20Fathoms, FS Roofing, Lite 96.3, STAR Country 106.7, 106KHQ, MI Caring Hands Massage, SCORE Traverse City and Rachel Straughen Photography. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting women in business!

Purchase your ticket today – limited capacity! Includes speaker, drinks & appetizers.

Location: Benjamin Twiggs, 305 W Front St Ste D, Traverse City, MI 49684

No returns. If you aren’t able to make it, please consider sending a friend in your place!