Brittney Primeau
Brittney (Buti) Primeau is thrilled to find a career that combines her love of the outdoors and storytelling as communications director for Crystal Mountain, one of Michigan’s largest four-season resorts.
She credits Ferris State University’s athletics and Television and Digital Media Production programs for getting her started.
Primeau was carefully considering her options for college after two years of academic All-State honors and a Division 2 state championship at Niles High School.
“I was making campus visits in my high school days, and that is when Ferris came on my radar,” Primeau said. “I was primarily interested in a television career, which Ferris had a program for. And when I realized I also had an opportunity to keep playing softball, it sealed the deal on my decision. It was easy to fall in love with the academic and athletic programs, as well as the campus in Big Rapids.”
It was Coach Keri Becker’s final season leading the Ferris Softball program. Primeau is grateful for the walk-on opportunity despite going to the emergency room.
“I had a ball go hard off my elbow during tryouts, and that’s when Coach Becker delivered the ‘good news, bad news’ of I made the team but needed to go to the ER,” Primeau said. “Coach Becker stuck with me throughout the first season, and it was Dawn Thompson who told me about the Jenny Jacobs Walk-On Scholarship.”
Historically a middle infielder, Primeau’s service primarily as a pinch-runner in 2011 helped her earn the Jacobs Scholarship Award, assisting her financially for the next two years.
“It was really a blessing,” Primeau said. “I could not imagine my college experience going any other way than to be a Bulldog, playing softball. It kept me focused academically, and then the team aspect was really important, too. I’m still in touch with several of my teammates, many who will be lifelong friends. It was all a bonus because Ferris’ class sizes and university makeup were also the perfect fit for me.”
Primeau also found her Television and Digital Media Production coursework with a minor in Communications to align with her intentions.
“I was the only one in the TDMP program who knew they wanted to work in the news, so having the opportunity to be on camera and learn the production and technology side of things through the program was really important,” Primeau said. “The hands-on experience the courses offered made a huge difference in being successful during my six-month internship at WOOD-TV8, which led to my first job at WPBN in Traverse City, now UpNorthLive News.”
Working at a local news station that covered various types of communities across 26 counties benefited Brittney, as she made a lot of connections over the next six or so years in producer and multimedia journalist roles.
“I grew to serve the station as a weekend news anchor and ‘dayside’ reporter, which led me to unforgettable scenes such as hurricane rescue training with the United States Coast Guard, live fire suppression training at Cherry Capital Airport, and Donald Trump’s visit to Traverse City the day before the 2020 presidential election. But I think some of my favorite stories were the personal ones that really connected me with different community members.”
Primeau fell in love with living in northwest lower Michigan, so when it was time to explore new career opportunities in 2021, she didn’t look too far.
“I was at the end of a contract with the television station and benefitted from networking while taking up my duties on the job,” Primeau said. “Diana Fairbanks was a former TV anchor who had gone on to communications with Northwestern Michigan College. She helped me navigate the career change initially and was ultimately the one who told me about the opening for a public relations manager at Crystal.”
Athletic abilities were an attribute Primeau found as a benefit in her bid to begin work with the resort.
“They were right up front, wanting to know whether I could ski and golf,” Primeau said with a chuckle. “Luckily, I was able to say yes then, and now, after more than two years at the resort, I can confidently say yes to both, thanks to learning from the pros at the resort. Once again, I am benefiting from an amazing opportunity. It’s a ‘practice what you preach’ state of mind, and I certainly love sharing the story of Crystal and exposing others to what this four-season resort has to offer – and it’s all fun!”
Having the perspective of working in local news has come in handy when working with local and regional news outlets. Now, her experience with connecting to the community is evident in her current role as director of communications at Crystal Mountain, a four-season resort near Thompsonville in Benzie County.
The resort has 59 downhill slopes, 36 holes of championship golf, 15 miles of cross-country skiing, and more than 250 guest rooms.
“Not only do I have the opportunity to talk about how and why people can create outdoor, memorable experiences here, but I have the privilege of shining a light on Crystal’s mission, vision and values, Brittney said. “Sure, most people know Crystal is a ski and golf resort, but there are many community connections with non-profit organizations such as Mrs. Mullen’s Closet, Crystal Community Ski Club and Michigan Legacy Art Park. I get to help spread awareness and support these organizations, too.”
While she tackles those roles for the resort, Primeau also volunteers for Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse. She collaborates with the Versiti Blood Center of Michigan in Traverse City as the chairperson for collection drives at Crystal Mountain.
“These are organizations I learned more about when covering them in the news,” Primeau said. “It’s fulfilling to give my time to these programs and sometimes connect my passion for helping others with my career. Crystal Mountain was hosting blood drives pre-COVID, and I am proud to say the community event is back, and even more thrilled employees fill the majority of the appointments.”
Primeau spoke with pride about Crystal Mountain’s learning opportunities for Ferris State students, which was certified through a comprehensive partnership agreement signed by resort and university leaders earlier this year.
“We have so much to offer regarding real-world experiences for students, during or after college. Of course, we’re a perfect placement for hospitality majors. Still, as a four-season resort, we could also be the place for those studying marketing, engineering and professional golf management – many of the programs Ferris is well known for. We are excited to be part of this effort to help students succeed and keep them as contributors to Michigan communities. We feel this agreement could serve as a model for other institutions to consider and replicate, as well.”