A "To-Do" List For Attracting Top Notch Workers

There’s an increased focus in recent months on an issue that’s been a concern of business leaders for some time – the challenge of developing and drawing workforce talent to the state of Michigan.

As more and more companies come forward publicly to lament their inability to fill key positions …

Newsmakers: People On The Move

APPOINTMENTS

Russ Knopp, co-owner of Comfort Keepers of Northern Lower Michigan, has been elected treasurer of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Knopp has been an association member since 2009 and on the board of directors for three years.

Michele Shane, head of school at The Children’s House in Traverse …

Talking Manufacturing In Michigan

Michigan Manufacturers Association President and CEO Chuck Hadden has one word to describe the state of manufacturing in Michigan: Vibrant.

In northwest Michigan’s 10-county region, manufacturing was the top growth industry between 2009 and 2012, adding 1,700 jobs for a growth rate of 14.4 percent, according to data supplied by …

Pipelines and the Great Lakes: What's the Problem?

The Michigan Land Use Institute wants it removed. The National Wildlife Federation and Mark Schauer, democratic candidate for governor, want it replaced. Yet, there’s nothing wrong with it. As Andy Griffith might say, “What it is, is a pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac.”

Why all the alarm? In 2012, …

Flying With The Pure Michigan Seasons

While the summer season is winding down our TVC regional air service message continues. The autumn season is one of harvest; and our Pure Michigan region will celebrate by way of our regional bounty, including wine. In fact, our TVC region has made an impact on our airlines with not …

GTI Snags Magna Assembly Jobs

Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) in Traverse City has seen an uptick in new auto assembly work, thanks to Magna Interior Trim Components (MITC), a rapidly-growing plant in Benzonia and subsidiary of global automotive supplier Magna International Inc.

“Magna just contracted with us for two different parts assembly jobs,” said Steve …

Manufacturing A Workforce

Everything from car and tank and appliance parts are manufactured in Traverse City, as well as boxes, banners, and biotech products. But regardless of what they make, ask any local manufacturer about the biggest challenge facing their companies and the answer will likely be the same: workforce development and training.

From Concept To Product

Traverse City-based Silikids – a few short years ago just an idea among friends – has become a viable manufacturer of children’s accessories, and Co-Founder Stacey Feeley has the scars to prove it.

In 2007, after growing discouraged by the toxic chemicals prevalent in baby products, Feeley founded Silikids (silikids.com) …

Briefly: Big News In A Small Format

NEW DIRECTOR FOR LIAA

The Land Information Access Association (LIAA) in Traverse City has a new executive director - only the second in the nonprofit's 21-year history. Whitney Waara has been hired to lead the organization after LIAA co-founder Joe VanderMeulen stepped down in July to pursue writing and consulting …