Making It In Northern Michigan

This month, the TCBN, NMC and the regional office of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center are launching a new feature spotlighting manufacturing in northern Michigan – bringing them out of the shadows of our industrial parks and sharing their "Who knew?" stories here.

About a decade ago, when Imagineers at …

Gardening, With An Assist: MIdnight Harvest

Now that we’ve turned the corner toward spring, the proprietor of a new local business is hoping to turn locals’ thoughts to gardening. MIdnight Harvest is Matt Hall’s endeavor, a business that advocates for, installs and supports home gardening.

“I wanted to get people in touch with their food again …

Reclaimed, Salvaged, Repurposed, Pre-loved – Building "New" With Used

The folks on HGTV don’t have anything on Howard Vogel. Or Timothy and Kathy Young, Phill Orth and Linda Weeks, or numerous other roll-up-your-sleeves, do-it-yourself types. Like the hosts of shows such as Rehab Addict or Fixer Upper, builders and homeowners around northern Michigan are constructing and renovating with materials …

In The Pipeline: Developments, investments in the region's small towns

Will Elk Rapids get a hotel? Will Kingsley's industrial park attract new investors? The TCBN takes a tour of business and development in some of the small communities surrounding Traverse City.

Smaller may be better when entrepreneurs are choosing northern communities to begin or grow their businesses. Whether recent openings, …

Two Affordable Housing Projects In Traverse City

Roger Send is on top of the affordable housing need in the Grand Traverse region right now as owner of Cornerstone Affordable Homes in Traverse City. This spring he is busy with two multi-unit projects with an eye on dollar signs.

The first is Cedar Run Condos, a 10-unit project …

Construction Labor Shortage

The scene was a class on construction trades at Northwestern Michigan College with about 20 students in attendance.

A veteran construction company official addressed the students about local job opportunities in the trades, urging them to take advantage of the current boom in building. He was somewhat surprised – and …

Charting a New Course … Again

Communities are often like businesses in that they can go years – even generations – with many of the same people in leadership roles. In others, the door at the top can be revolving all the time.

Neither is an ideal scenario. Businesses, like communities, can grow stale and lethargic …

Tony Lentych: The New Leader of Traverse City's Housing Commission

Tony Lentych's first day on the job as the new executive director of the Traverse City Housing Commission (TCHC) was March 9. He replaces Ilah Honson, who headed the organization for more than nine years. The TCHC's mission is to provide quality, affordable housing options that enhance residents’ opportunities for …

Empire’s New Neighborhood: One Way To Build, Live Affordable

In a region where housing prices often act as a barrier to would-be residents, Empire’s New Neighborhood serves as a case study for affordable housing in a small town.

The design of the neighborhood, located near the intersection of M-22 and M-72, harkens back to a time before modern zoning …

Out Of The Rubbish: More Regional Waste Entering Recycling Stream

Increasingly, waste or garbage or trash – whatever one chooses it call it – is not ending up in the trash can or landfill. Recycling services and facilities are emerging as leaders of the region's waste removal industry – and the big business is only getting bigger.

“If you make …

DBAs

BENZIE COUNTY

ARMSTRONG ACRE WOODWORKING, 1603 Lamb Rd, Interlochen

BRUCE ELBEN CONSTRUCTION, 17845 Almira Rd, Lake Ann

CLIFTON CONSTRUCTION, 17700 Cinder Rd, Interlochen

CONLEY AND SON’S WHOLESALE SERVICE, 7830 Willis Rd, Benzonia

D.C.WHITMAN CUSTOM GUNSMITHING, 8455 Maple city Hwy, Lake Ann

F & R OUTDOOR SERVICES, 5530 Barney Road, TC

Book Review: Me, Inc., Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Business and Life

224 pages Faux Leather Cover $26.99, ebook $8.89

The Skim

In a Nutshell – If you are looking for politically incorrect but no-nonsense business advice, this book may be for you.

Who’s it for? – Teenage boys seeking a business-oriented career path? An aspiring entrepreneur looking for an alternative point …

Commentary: Like Food, Local Music Can Grow Economy

Joshua Davis is a gifted and hard-working guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, who can play the Delta Blues like Mississippi John Hurt and work a crowd into a dancing frenzy with his band Steppin’ In It. He’s been playing venues across Michigan for 20 years, so when Davis settled down in …