August 29, 2020
Risky Business: Insurance trends to watch in health, events, life and business
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused shake-ups in virtually every business sector ...
August 1, 2020
From Prison to Tech Hub: Plans for Grand Traverse Science and Technology Innovation Center unveiled
A former prison will have new life as a tech hub after its purchase by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) this past spring. Plans for the 180-acre site include state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, a technical education training center, a new railroad hub,...
August 1, 2020
Fighting Back: Technology’s role in pandemic gets businesses open again
As local businesses reopened in the wake of Michigan’s stay-at-home order, one thing is clear: Things may never be quite the same. In the current period of limbo waiting on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, businesses are turning to new – and not-so-new – technologies...
August 1, 2020
Remote Work Drives Surge in Telecommunications Business
Local telecommunications companies are busier than they’ve been in years, with investments in upgrades to handle remote worker demands. In March, Traverse City businesses like Anavon Technology Group and Ascomnorth saw a surge in calls and contracts that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic closures. [caption id="attachment_55144" align="alignleft"...
August 1, 2020
Numbers Game: NMC reduces budget, watches enrollment
With enrollment figures potentially down for the fall semester thanks to COVID-19, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is leaning on its flagship programs – and its safety-driven reopening plan – to remain an attractive option to prospective students. Nationwide, lagging enrollment figures plague virtually all higher education...
June 28, 2020
Northern Lights: Entrepreneurs making it happen in Emmet, Antrim and Charlevoix counties
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Antrim, Emmet, and Charlevoix counties. Five outstanding business innovators from these counties represent a dynamic cross-section: a farmer; a drone pilot; a sock manufacturer; a makeup artist and a hairstylist. We’ve captured their stories here, along with...
June 27, 2020
In Deep Water: Protecting shoreline property a double-edged sword
Rising waters are prompting property owners to invest in costly shoreline protection projects. But the flood of permit applications has alarmed some, who say that these projects can have a lasting impact on the environment. The uptick of shoreline protection applications tracked by the Michigan Department of...
June 27, 2020
Back to Health: While Munson ramps up operations, patient numbers remain low
Socially distanced waiting rooms, telehealth visits and detailed patient pre-screenings are just a few ways Munson Healthcare is keeping patients, staff and visitors safe. Despite the precautions, the healthcare system is in a sort of limbo at the moment, with many potential patients unwilling to come...
May 30, 2020
Loaded Questions: Local leaders mull over summer 2020 scenarios
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, the big issues facing Traverse City as the summer season approached were low unemployment rates and the resulting labor shortage at local hotels, the possible disruptions posed by road construction on Eighth Street, the rise...
May 29, 2020
Striking It Rich: Oil and vinegar tasting rooms were scarce, but Jim Milligan took the plunge
Looking back, it’s almost unbelievable that the idea worked: A specialty shop stocked with premium olive oils and vinegars, opening its doors in downtown Traverse City just as the global economy was cratering, founded by a guy with no culinary experience. Such is the origin story...