June 2025 Issue

Behind the Apron: Veteran servers discuss decades of work in northern Michigan

By Art Bukowski

Jess Ambrose, Trattoria StellaYears of industry service: 15

Andrew Hoadley, AmicalYears of industry service: 19

Debra Kirt, Mode's Bum SteerYears of industry service: 51

Laurie Thompson*, Brady's BarYears of industry service: 39

Dave Millar, Jolly PumpkinYears of industry service: 40

*Actual last name withheld at subject's request

Servers are the lifeblood of a restaurant.

After the quality of its food, there’s arguably nothing more important to a restaurant’s reputation than how its customers are taken care of. Part of eating out, after all, is the enjoyment of the overall experience.

And while serving can be handled by anyone, including …

The Summer Tourism Preview: Four headwinds – and two opportunities – that could shape the 2025 season

By Craig Manning

For us locals, every summer in Traverse City seems busy. Reliably, the area draws a whole slew of tourists between whenever the weather warms up in the springtime and whenever the leaves fall in the autumn.

But the summer tourism season in northern Michigan can see bigger fluctuations than most people realize, and national economic and political trends play big roles in deciding what those fluctuations look like from season to season.

In that case, …

Tariff Troubles: After surviving COVID, commercial property lenders face another threat

By Rick Haglund

After successfully navigating an economic meltdown caused by the COVID pandemic, commercial property lenders are facing a new financial threat: business uncertainty caused by the chaotic implementation of tariffs.

Bankers and credit union leaders say the Trump administration’s tariffs, which some economists say could lead to a recession later this year, have business owners skittish about taking on debt to expand operations.

Kempf

“It definitely hasn’t stopped, but there’s a lot of tension,” Andy Kempf, …

Pot of Gold: Apex Accelerator helps local businesses secure millions in government contracts

By Art Bukowski

Billions and billions and billions of dollars.

That’s how much federal, state and local governments spend on private sector contractors each and every year.

And it’s not just products or materials. It’s services, too. Someone has to cut the lawn over at the courthouse or fix the water heater down at the state park campground.

So, how does a local business get in on this massive pot of gold? It’s not easy. There are a …

Marketing at 15 MPH: What it’s like to build a brand on Mackinac Island

By Kierstin Gunsberg

Life in the Big City: Traverse City is officially a metro area

By Rick Haglund

Head- and Tailwinds in Regional Manufacturing: Tariffs are a concern, but AI and additive manufacturing are revolutionizing production

By Warren Call

Loose Change: A roundup of recent changes in Traverse City's wealth management sector

By Craig Manning

State of the (Credit) Union: Why member-owned banking alternatives are hugely popular in Michigan

By Craig Manning

'We Always Want to Do Better:' After 10 years, Hop Lot and Lake Ann Brewing reach higher

By Art Bukowski

Reaching the Top of the Shifting Sands: Financial planning and your life's purpose

By Rebecca Teahen

Back to the Motor Lodge: Family-owned motels lure guests with curated kitsch and charm

By Kierstin Gunsberg

Visa Vision: A Northern Michigan opportunity in the H-1B shake-up

By Josh Traeger

Baby Boomers Transition Into Retirement: Tax-savings strategies and tools business owners should know before selling

By Holly Gallagher

Carving Out a Legacy: Benzie artisans ship decoys around the world

By Art Bukowski

From The Desk of Nick Beadleston, Executive Director, Grove Community Incubator

By Art Bukowski

'Overly Generous'? Insight to the Social Security Fairness Act for government employees

By Sara Hornick

Building the Future: The rise of skilled trades in northern Michigan

By HBA staff

Running with a Purpose: How Brooks Outpaced Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack

By Chris Wendel

Newsmakers

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Mike Kebler, a financial advisor with the 45th Parallel Group in the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management office in Traverse City, has been named to the firm’s Pacesetter’s Club, a global recognition program for financial advisors early in their career. Kebler has been with the office since 2020.

Jackie …

By Lynn Geiger

Briefly

By Lynn Geiger

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