The board of directors for Traverse Connect has named Michael Ascione as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award. Ascione, who passed away unexpectedly in November of 2020, will be honored posthumously at an award luncheon, scheduled for late May 2022. Ascione was perhaps best known locally as the president and CEO of American Waste.

The Distinguished Service Award is one of northern Michigan’s “oldest and most prestigious civic awards” according to Traverse Connect. The honor recognizes residents of the five-county region who have “left a permanent, positive impact” on the local community. It has been bestowed upon one local person each year dating back to 1929.

Ascione grew up in northern Michigan, graduating from both Kalkaska High School and Northwestern Michigan College. His father, Edward, founded American Waste in 1971 as Northern A-1 Environmental Services, with the two businesses eventually splitting apart as sister companies. Ascione started his career at Northern A-1 and went on to serve as co-president of American Waste, along with his brother, Edward, Jr., for nearly 20 years. The two sold American Waste to GFL Environmental for $380 million in early 2020.

In addition to his role with American Waste Ascione held positions on numerous local boards, including Traverse Connect, the Kalkaska Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority, Northern Michigan DeColores Ministries, Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources, the Father Fred Foundation, Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation, and Northwestern Michigan College Foundation. Ascione also served on multiple committees with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan – which honored him and his wife Jeanne with the “Big Defender” award in 2019 – and volunteered as co-chair for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools capital campaign that raised the money to build the new Immaculate Conception Elementary School.

“Mike wanted everyone to succeed,” said Constance Deneworth, former CEO of Traverse City State Bank, in a press release announcing Ascione’s posthumous award. “He believed that all boats rise together with a strong community. Mike was gifted with his own personal business savvy, and he generously shared his talents and his knowledge with virtually all who asked his advice.”

Ascione’s wife, Jeanne, as well as his two children, Marina and Alex, will accept the award on his behalf.