September 2025 Issue

40U40: 40 of the region's best and brightest under 40

By Ross Boissoneau & Craig Manning

Following is the TCBN's 19th annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40.This list recognizes individuals in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties under the age of 40 whose professional and community efforts this past year had the most impact on their community, the region and the economy.The 2025 class is comprised of 22 women and 18 men; more than half are new to the list. Below they describe their regional economic impact, the person who inspires them the most, their biggest fan, and next big thing. A panel of six judges reviewed the submissions and …

Big, Beautiful ... and a Bit Confusing: How the new tax bill will help northern Michigan businesses

By Kierstin Gunsberg

As Americans prepped to hit the beaches and barbecues on July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, locking in some of the most popular provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) just as they were set to expire.

It’s been pitched as a lifeline for small businesses, but after reaching out to several employers and startup founders about how they expect these changes to …

'A Tremendous Responsibility': Inside a judge's life on the bench

By Art Bukowski

Above: 86th District Court Judge Robert Cooney

Charlie Hamlyn never wants to lose focus.

It might be the end of a back-breaking day, after hours of proceedings stacked one after another and mountains of prep work before them and in between. Perhaps it’s even the second or third day in a row at this pace, with no end in sight.

But Hamlyn, a 13th Circuit Court judge, is constantly aware that none of this matters …

The 2025 Manufacturing Report Card: Local manufacturers push through tariffs and labor issues

By Craig Manning

In a tricky labor market, a whirlwind of changing tariff policies and Traverse City’s own growth and evolution, how is the area’s robust manufacturing sector doing these days? To find out, we reached out to eight manufacturers from the Grand Traverse region and asked them about recent triumphs, pressing challenges and their letter grades for future outlook.

Ryan Kennedy, Britten

Products manufactured: Britten, Inc. is an event fabricator with eight manufacturing facilities on our creative …

Northern Michigan Takes Flight: A new era of advanced aerial mobility drives innovation, economic growth

By Warren Call

The Insurance Masters: Three long-time agents talk career roots, technology evolutions and Traverse City’s changing face

By Craig Manning

AI and Business: Local tech attorneys say AI isn't going away, so get on board but proceed with caution

By Art Bukowski

Hustle on Hastings: World Magnetics supplies multiple Fortune 500 companies from its Traverse City plant

By Art Bukowski

From Classroom to Paycheck: How northern Michigan educators are tackling the manufacturing workforce shortage

By Kierstin Gunsberg

From the Desk of Dr. John VanWagoner, Superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools

By Art Bukowski

Shoulder-Season Success: Community-building and legal tips for northern Michigan businesses

By Josh Traeger

Bold Changes for Benefits: Northern Michigan employers, benefits are now a business strategy

By Andi Dolan

Rough Trade: Skilled trades shortage now a call to action

By HBA staff

Briefly

By Lynn Geiger

Newsmakers

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Joel Crampton has joined the leadership team at Black Walnut Wealth Management in Traverse City to guide marketing strategy and execution. Crampton brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services marketing to his new role.

Ming Mays has been named chief innovation officer for TBA …

By Lynn Geiger

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More

By Chris Wendel

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