In July, NASA released up-close images of Jupiter’s famous red spot taken by the Juno spacecraft. But these startling images were unrecognizable before they were translated from the special code used to transmit them. Data from a satellite, or “telemetry,” is designed so a lot of information can...
When the top choice for the Grand Traverse County administrator job recently emerged, it was an encouraging sign – one that underscored the importance of effective economic development strategies in moving the community forward. Among the curious and sometimes frustrating aspects of local government in northern...
As an employer, have you ever questioned whether an applicant’s educational degrees are authentic? If you discovered that a current employee had used a fake degree to obtain employment or advance his or her career with your company, what actions could you take? How would...
Hurricanes and earthquakes in northern Michigan are about as likely as sharks in Grand Traverse Bay, but state building codes cover both natural events. Current codes requires exterior walls to behurricane- and earthquake-resistant, a requirement that one local builder says adds days to the construction schedule. “There’s...
When Northwestern Michigan College begins its new associate degree in welding technology later this month, it’ll be thanks in part to something that transpired two and a half years prior: A major state grant for equipment toward skilled-trades training. The nearly $2.1 million grant, aimed at...
Joseph Gaylord has managed to assemble his own small-ish challenge to the big cable companies. It all started with his frustration over dialup. Remember dialup? (If not, then think annoying screeching sounds over your phone line, frequent downtime, and Model-T speeds.) And dialup could be expensive. In fact,...
Is Traverse City the next hub for game-changing startups and tech innovation? Based on what’s been happening here lately, the answer is pointing to yes. First, the Northern Michigan Angels set up shop, focusing on angel investing and private sector economic development in the area. Then,...
Some people know early on what their life’s work will be. Like Jon Laureto. “I was the only kid in high school watching "This Old House," said the co-owner of REI Construction Consultants. Laureto, his wife, Maggie, and their partner, David Moore, launched REI three years...
Summertime, and the lakefront living is easy. Well, if not easy, at least possible, as there are homes and cottages for sale on the water throughout the region. Whether you dream of a dock and a kayak on a small no-wake lake, zipping about on...
It’s not quite 50 shades, but Marathon Automotive’s general manager Dave Surowitz sees a bit too much gray in his field. “Our industry, like all of the skilled trades, is experiencing a graying of the workforce,” said Surowitz, a 20-year veteran at the South Airport Road...
