TRAVERSE CITY - If you've ever wondered who conjures up the 23 or so annual activities that attract after-hours shoppers and curious onlookers to the sidewalks beneath the business district's glowing street lamps, it is the Downtown Traverse City Association.Nearly 200 downtown retailers and restaurants...
TRAVERSE CITY - Toy manufacturers have recalled 61 toys so far this year compared to a total of 40 last year. The recalls mean huge financial losses for large companies such as Mattel and Baby Einstein. But for area toy shops that specialize in...
As investors become more sophisticated, a new asset class labeled "Alternative Investments" has become routine when diversifying portfolios. These include such assets as real estate, precious metals and oil and gas. Let's look at oil and gas "tax shelters." These are usually marketed...
Unlike the stock market, there hasn't been a downturn or wild rally in business among barber shops in the Traverse City area. It's a competitive and steady business, with many of the barbers we talked to in the business for more than 30 years. Their customer base...
Harvest 2007 is history but for a few acres being saved for ice wine. Both Chateau Chantal and Black Star Farms have saved grapes gambling that conditions will be right to make the super-sweet, super-expensive, timing-is-everything wine. Ice wine is made from grapes picked and...
REGION - If you've been in business for any length of time, you've probably had a few clients who have impacted your bottom line-but not in the good way. Customers who are slow to pay, or even don't pay, are a risk if you offer...
Financial executives must continuously balance the cost of doing business with the risk of doing business. Each time a dollar of revenue is produced, all costs of generating that dollar have been thoroughly analyzed in an effort to maximize the profit margin, including costs associated...
STATE - Legislators are back to work again to try to find an answer to Michigan's revenue crisis. Because the six percent tax on dozens of Michigan services ignited widespread opposition, debate still continues in the hopes of resolving the state deficit.However,...
TRAVERSE CITY - After some 15 months of construction, the new Bank of Northern Michigan building at the corner of Union and State streets is set to open its doors Dec. 10. The $4 million new banking facility includes three floors and 15,000 square feet...
REGION - While downtown Traverse City sidewalks are packed during the summer months, a recent survey by the Traverse City Business News shows strong support of the downtown area by people who make their living here year-round. In fact, downtown is capturing a significant chunk...
