Imagine buying a car without knowing what kind of gas mileage it gets. That, say brokers at one local mortgage company, is akin to buying a house without knowing its energy efficiency rating. "When people buy or refinance a home, of course they consider price,...
At 8.5 percent, Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But area educators say there are still plenty of good-paying jobs right here in northern Michigan, and you can land one if you pick the right...
Will the companies and businesses throughout northern Michigan be prepared for a new level of employee? The State of Michigan and the Department of Education recently enacted the new High School Content Expectations (HSCE) for graduation from high school in Michigan. These new standards, which...
TRAVERSE CITY - Ten years ago when Northwestern Michigan College began offering online classes, 96 students were enrolled in six online courses offered.Flash ahead 10 years. The number of students taking Internet-based classes has increased by more than ten-fold. During this past spring semester, NMC...
REGION - A few years back, Probate Judge David Stowe noticed more and more people in his Pro Se Divorce Court who could have greatly benefited from a little legal advice, if only they could have afforded it. Representing themselves, many of these individuals were...
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are quickly becoming another solution to the increasing cost of employer- sponsored group health plans. As health care premiums have continued to rise at double-digit rates, many employers have been forced to reduce benefits, shift more of the cost to their...
Dear Advisors:How can I save tax dollars by going green? The latest trend in the business sector has less to do with profitability and more to do with accountability. It is all about taking steps to protect the environment. Fortunately, there are a number of ways...
TRAVERSE CITY - Area insurance agencies looking to add to their pool of qualified job candidates have gone beyond placing a "Help Wanted" ad for their next hire. Instead, they went to school.The Bay Area Insurance Agents Association reached out to Northwestern Michigan College in...
Consumers, suppliers and product manufacturers, all stakeholders in the value and supply chains, need to take a closer look and understand the entire life cycle of products - what the products are made with, the inputs and outputs of the production process, and where the...
REGION - A perfect financial storm has reached all the way from Wall Street to Front Street, buffeting businesses and investors even as it loses some of its bluster. At first glance, it would be hard to find a region with more at stake in the...
