Construction by the Numbers: Northern Michigan building leaders break down the latest data

By Kierstin Gunsberg

Two years ago, we took an analytical look at the state of housing construction across northern Michigan with Lauren Tucker, executive officer of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Northwest Michigan, digging into data to get a clearer post-COVID snapshot of the industry. Now, as another construction season ramps up, Tucker and other leaders share updated numbers — from permits and job growth to timelines, lumber supply and what to expect heading into summer 2026.

Education and job landscape

12 percent: That’s how much job growth NMC’s Construction Technology Program Coordinator Carolyn Andrews estimates the NoMi region has seen since …

Getting Crushed: Small, independent grape growers are desperate for buyers

By Art Bukowski

The call came late in the season for Peter Rigan.

Rigan, who with his family grows 12 acres of wine grapes on Old Mission Peninsula, had for years sold them to a large peninsula winery. But in 2024, after his contract had lapsed, he had the rug pulled out from under him. The winery told him earlier in the season that they were still going to try to buy his fruit, but they couldn’t follow …

'We Don't Have the People': Region still struggling from lack of workers across many industries

By Art Bukowski

You want the good news or the bad news?

The good news is that from a job seeker’s perspective, jobs are there for the taking in the Grand Traverse region. Plenty of them. Across the board, in almost every industry, employers are looking to hire good workers to fill a variety of positions. This is especially true in manufacturing, retail, hospitality and other non-professional sectors.

The bad news is that for a variety of familiar …

Breaking Free: Program helps parolees start over again with skills, support and supplies

By Ross Boissoneau

It’s obvious that those being released from prison face many challenges. Becoming a productive member of the community means finding a place to live, securing a job and doing everything necessary to avoid the pitfalls that would mean a return to incarceration.

Enter Michigan’s Offender Success Reentry Services (OSRS), which provides those leaving prison with services and items they need. Bradley Mathis says the program and its team have been a lifesaver for him. …

Maritime Mecca: NMC, Traverse City figure heavily into first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy

By Craig Manning

The Farm Bill is Good for Business: Why northern Michigan’s business community should advocate for its passage

By Gabe Schneider

Potato Power: Massive regional production often flies under the radar

By Art Bukowski

Art and Science: Northern Michigan golf course designers on the nature of their work

By Ross Boissoneau

The Planning Pros: Mansfield Land Use Consultants has fingerprints all across the region

By Art Bukowski

Remote work survives, but trends to hybrid as employers seek more face time

By Rick Haglund

Hold the Alcohol: NA wines are finally making their mark in northern Michigan's viticulture scene

By Craig Manning

Construction Cleanup Catastrophes: Meet the businesswoman pushing to make home cleaning the newest skilled trade

By Craig Manning

More Than Brick and Mortar: A community banker’s perspective on construction in northern Michigan

By Lori VanAntwerp

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

By Chris Wendel

Arch Support: Farmers jump through hoops to extend the growing season

By Ross Boissoneau

Performance Reviews: The case for human candor in an age of AI flattery

By Gretchen Swanson

From the Desk of Alison Metiva, President and CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

By Art Bukowski

Spring Readiness: April is an opportunity to scrutinize operating procedures

By Josh Traeger

NEWSMAKERS

By Lynn Geiger

BRIEFLY

By Lynn Geiger

PAST ISSUES

View this Issue in Archives