"The region embodies a culture that honors military service," says Shannon Owen, director of the Northern Michigan region for GVSU.

Small business accelerator designed for military veterans coming to Traverse City

"The community partners we’ve met in Traverse City are eager to collaborate and ensure a successful cohort," says Shorouq Almallah, director of the DeVos CEI.

Attendees at the inaugural National Farm Stop Conference, held last year in Ann Arbor.
National farm stop conference returns to Ann Arbor for second year

Local food leaders from across the U.S. will gather at Washtenaw Community College from March 2-4 for a conference exploring the rapid growth and future of the innovative "farm stop" retail model.

The future Aster Brands headquarters at 8212 M-199 in Harbor Springs.
Vacant industrial site to be redeveloped as this company’s new Harbor Spring headquarters

"The family-owned company is known for their innovation, commitment to their employees, and dedication to the community,” says Payton Heins, president and CEO of Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.

Lori Weatherly (left) teaches an embroidery class at the Make Saint Clair makerspace.
New St. Clair makerspace fuels creativity, fosters community

Make Saint Clair recently opened in St. Clair as a community hub for creatives, freelancers, remote workers, and anyone who wants to learn something new and explore their creativity.

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Coalition members at the state capitol during a visit to lawmakers on Advocacy Day.
Community foundation leads coalition to improve life in Northwest Michigan

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has spearheaded a coalition of nonprofit organizations, businesses and governments to improve the quality of life in the region. The coalition's efforts include a Regional Community Scorecard to measure progress on economic, societal and environmental objectives.

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail includes 12 lakes and rivers interconnected throughout Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties, offering more than 100 miles of uninterrupted paddling in northwest Michigan.
Strategic vision for Chain of Lakes Water Trail links recreation with local economies, environment

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail includes 12 lakes and rivers interconnected throughout Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties, offering more than 100 miles of uninterrupted paddling in northwest Michigan.

Munson Medical Center in Traverse City
Unused newspaper boxes repurposed to distribute free Narcan at 25 sites in northern Michigan

“This partnership with Harm Reduction Michigan demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with communities across the region to save lives and support substance use recovery efforts,” says Susan Kramer, a representative from Munson Healthcare Outpatient Behavioral Health.

The race is on in Sault Ste. Marie to raise money for a permanent pavilion at the International 500

A permanent pavilion on the grounds of the International 500 in Sault Ste. Marie would provide a warm spot for fans to watch the popular winter race. Officials hope to raise $50,000 and receive a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Bay City powers ahead, exceeding state goals for green energy

Bay City Electric Light & Power offers free energy check-ups to customers who want to reduce their utility bills.  

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