40U40: 40 of the region's best and brightest under 40 (20th anniversary edition)

By Ross Boissoneau

Twenty years ago, Twitter was brand new, the Nintendo Wii was flying off store shelves, and the average Traverse City home cost about $235,000. It was also the year the Traverse City Business News introduced its first 40Under40 list.

Much has changed since 2006. But the purpose of 40Under40 remains the same: to recognize young leaders shaping the future of northern Michigan.

This year, the TCBN is proud to present its 20th annual class. The honorees come from Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties and are being recognized for the impact of their professional achievements, civic involvement and leadership …

Where Are They Now?: Connecting with four former 40Under40 winners

By Art Bukowski

For 20 years, the TCBN’s 40Under40 has highlighted some of the best and brightest in the region. Here, we take a look at what four past winners are up to (and most proud of) in 2026.

Christie Perdue: Inaugural Class of 2006

Christie Perdue is a principal at The Solvent Group, a Traverse City-based firm that has provided a variety of capacity-building services to more than 100 nonprofits across the country.

“I’m just super proud …

'Adopt or Go Home': Local manufacturers grapple with the AI wave

By Rick Haglund

Strata Design took the plunge into the murky world of artificial intelligence in April, seeking to get a leg up on competitors and boost efficiencies.

Dreher

“We’re always challenged to do more with less in the environment we live in,” said Jon Dreher, Strata’s chief operating officer.

Strata, based in Traverse City, provides architectural millwork and custom fixtures for healthcare, education and hospitality businesses across North America. After being solicited by numerous vendors, Strata chose …

Canary in the Tool Shop: What America's tool and die decline means for efforts to reshore manufacturing

By Craig Manning

A canary in the coal mine.

That’s how some experts see the domestic tool and die industry, a quiet but crucial backbone to the American manufacturing economy. Conventional wisdom says the tool and die sector in the United States is dying, with businesses closing their doors, the workforce aging out, and too few young people coming in to take up the mantle. It’s a status quo that has some manufacturing leaders sounding the alarm bells, …

A Policy for Growth: Area insurance agencies on the move locally and nationally

By Bill O'Brien

Underwater: Most homeowners lack flood coverage; some pay dearly

By Art Bukowski

Charting Our Course: Are we ready for what’s next in the Grand Traverse region?

By Warren Call

Digital Detective: Interlochen businessman provides forensic services to clients across the country

By Art Bukowski

The Manufacturing 'Who Knew' List: Three local players quietly achieving greatness

By Craig Manning

'Absolutely Critical:' NMC launches industrial sewing program

By Art Bukowski

Planning for Inflation and Tougher Times: What business owners should be doing now

By Jon Sluis

Manufacturing's Next Chapter: How automation Is strengthening northern Michigan businesses

By Ryan Popa

The Strategic Enemy: How to Position & Hold a Brand Worth Fighting For

By Chris Wendel

How Small Employers Win Big Talent: The little black book of executive perks

By Andi Dolan

The Power of the Pause: What anniversaries teach us about building businesses that last

By Josh Traeger

BRIEFLY

By Lynn Geiger

NEWSMAKERS

By Lynn Geiger

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