Putting The "Grow" In Grow Benzie

Josh Stoltz has a lot he wants to do.

Seven months on the job as the first full-time paid executive director of Benzonia nonprofit Grow Benzie, the 39-year-old Stoltz is immersed in everything from examining ways to provide a broader outlet for farmers’ produce, to promoting Grow Benzie’s farmers market …

Talking Cherry

The push to spread the story of the tart cherry – both nationally and globally – is stronger than ever. The TC Business News (TCBN) checked in with the Dewitt-based Cherry Marketing Institute for a report on the latest target markets and the biggest challenge to telling the story.

TCBN: …

Big 3 In TC

Office furniture has long been big business in west Michigan. But now new faces and a construction and development boom here in northern Michigan has our region’s interiors industry reaching new levels of competition.

First Autos, Then Furniture

West Michigan’s manufacturers have dominated the global market for decades, led by …

Newsmakers: People On The Move

ACCOLADES/ APPOINTMENTS

Leslie Falconer, owner of Mother Goose Time Publishing in Interlochen, was recently recognized as an emerging leader in the May 2015 issue of Exchange magazine, a publication of the Childcare Exchange. Emerging leaders in early childhood education were selected from around the world based on the following criteria: …

Briefly: Big News In A Small Format

40 UNDER 40 NOMINATION PERIOD NOW OPEN

It’s that time of year again: Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 NMC Traverse City Business News’ 40Under40!

Now in its ninth year, this celebration recognizes individuals in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties – under the age of 40 …

Agribusiness On The Grow

Before buzz words such as “agribusiness” and “agritourism,” or even the ever-popular refrain “buy local” were even thought of or really considered cool in northern Michigan, there were people in the business of farming and producing goods locals could enjoy. Yet, they were largely invisible to the general public.

Take …

Book Review: The Road to Character

Random House 321 pages April 2015

Hardcover $28, eBook version $12

In a Nutshell – Nationally known writer and political pundit explores the subject of character along with profiles of others who have demonstrated tremendous virtue.

Who’s it for? – The overworked and overachieving who are seeking meaning from life.

Venture North – Find Money For Starting, Expanding, Improving

There’s a new name in town for businesses looking for loans – whether for start-up assistance, gap financing for expansion or funding to improve energy efficiency. Meet Venture North – created from the merger of the Traverse City Area Chamber Foundation and the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

This …

Local Investing - Creating A Sustainable Local Economy

Much like the slow food movement that focuses on food quality and nurturing a sustainable and resilient food system, there is also a “slow money” movement focused on creating a community that is healthy, sustainable and equitable – based on a local economy that is strong and resilient. And much …

Commentary: What's In A Name?

Last month the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) changed its name to the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. We wanted a name that better reflects the spirit and substance of our work – and, ultimately, to build a stronger base of support.

After two decades as MLUI, we simply outgrew …

Investing In Growth Companies

The scenario may go something like this: Your business has made it through the start-up years, you have a core group of good employees and growth is happening. All good, right? Maybe. While the basic operational structure seems “fine,” this growth may be starting to strain day-to-day operations with related …