Hundreds were nominated, 40 won. And last night, they – the region’s 40 most influential people under age 40 for 2012 – were honored at an exclusive fete hosted by Northwestern Michigan College inside its Dennos Museum Center.

For the first time in the seven-year history of the Traverse City Business News’ annual 40Under40 celebration, each winner was selected not only by the TCBN editorial team but also by a committee that included past 40Under40 winners and other civic leaders. The winners and their guest gathered inside the Museum last night and were toasted for the diverse and massive contributions to the collective economy and culture of the region. Winners were selected among hundreds of nominees, and were chosen across any and all segments, from business and government to nonprofit, retirees, teachers, and more.

So who are these young phenoms? Community leaders whose work and connections most impact the Traverse City area’s way of life, bottom line and other decision makers. The winners (alphabetically):

1. Leah Bagdon-McCallum
2. Derek Bailey
3. Allison Beers
4. Mitchell Blue
5. Colleen Brzozowski
6. Matt Case
7. Mike Coco
8. Kandace Chapple
9. Julie Clark
10. Nate Elkins
11. Kevin Endres
12. Laura Galbraith
13. Holly Hack
14. Chris Hale
15. Jason Jones
16. Megan Kelto
17. Kristen Lynne
18. Benjamin Marentette
19. Peter Marinoff
20. Matt McCauley
21. Janie McNabb
22. Brian Mitchell
23. Brooke Nettz
24. Megan Olds
25. Colleen Paveglio
26. Jon Plummer
27. Norm Plumstead
28. Alexandra Rheinheimer
29. Mike Schmidt
30. Jen Seman
31. Joe Short
32. Carmen Stevens
33. Rebecca Teahen
34. Trevor Tkach
35. Chris Treter
36. Ryan Wells
37. Katy Wiesen
38. Matt Wiesen
39. Tonya Wildfong
40. Kerry Winkler 

See 'em in Print
The September issue of the Traverse City Business News – which profiles each of the 40Under40 winners and their bios, accomplisments, who they admire most and what they'd like to see changed around here – is on newstands now. Find the paper at northern Michigan outlets like these: Anderson's IGA, BAM, Cherry Capital Airport Gift Shop, Francisco's Market & Deli, Grand Traverse Pie Co., Hansen's Food Market, Holiday Shopper, Horizon Books, Maxbauers Market, Peninsula Market, local Shell gas stations, Terrace Shopper, all Tom's Market locations, and more. Call 231-929-7919 for more locations.

Congrats to the winners!