September 2016 Issue

Should You Outsource Your HR? Red tape, finding talent drive human resource outsourcing

By Rick Haglund

When the human resources director at Boride Engineered Abrasives retired about a decade ago, manufacturing vice president Ken Osborne took over the duties of administering benefits, hiring new workers and performing a myriad of other HR functions.

But as the company grew, Osborne found the job becoming too time-consuming and complex. He joined the Traverse City Human Resource Association where he met Human Resource Partners President Kate Greene and outsourced the work to her firm.

“As I got further involved in human resources, I found it wasn’t an area of expertise for me,” Osborne said. “Kate handles all of our …

B-Corps and Benefit Corporations: Organizations for the 21st Century?

By Kate Redman

The concept of social enterprise is popular these days, with frequent talk of “for profits” seeking social good and “non profits” pursuing revenue generation. In accord with these trends, more than half of states now allow “benefit corporations,” or a hybrid for-profit legal entity whose purposes include providing public benefit.

Since the first state adopted enabling legislation in 2010, more than 30,000 businesses of varying sizes, shapes, and ages have formed as, or converted into, …

Manufacturing Day Aims to Change Students' Perceptions

By Tcbn Staff

Last year, Traverse City East Middle School assistant principal Marcus Mead took a group of eighth graders out of classrooms and into the plants of local manufacturers.

It was an eye-opening experience for the students, Mead said, and one he expects will draw even greater participation this year.

“I think we had about 40 or 50 kids participate, and I would expect that number to go up for sure this year,” Mead said. “The kids …

Direct Primary Care, Self-Insured Businesses Merge in Post-Reform World

By Ryan Liabenow

Direct primary care is a disruptive concept in which payments for basic healthcare remain entirely outside the health insurance networks. But the efficiency of this delivery model makes it an appealing choice for self-funded health plans, while also yielding improvements in treatment outcomes and provider experience.

How health plans benefit

Self-insured businesses need to take advantage of every avenue for cost-savings, and statistics repeatedly demonstrate that the best return on health spending comes from increased …

Leadership BS: Fixing Workplaces and Careers One Truth at a Time

By Jeffrey PfefferHarper Business, September 2015Hardcover $29.99, Ebook edition $14.99, 272 pages

In a Nutshell: The dirty secret is that leaders of many U.S. companies are poor managers and the hype surrounding our leadership industry is mostly bunk.

Who’s it for? Managers who need to improve their game, employees that …

By Chris Wendel

Support Group Attendance on the Rise at Michael's Place: All programs still offered free of charge

Those grieving the loss of a loved one often turn to family members, friends, and their church. For the past several years, they could also turn to Michael’s Place. Started by Chris Dennos in 2001 in honor of her cousin Michael Dendrinos, who died at the age of 14, it …

By Ross Boissoneau

Local Manufacturers Wary of Trump, Clinton Trade Talk

Local manufacturers generally are prospering in a national economy that has been expanding, albeit more slowly than many would like, for nearly seven years.

Bank loans are easier to get, while demand for the region’s durable goods and agricultural products is rising. And manufacturing employment is up nearly 30 percent …

By Rick Haglund

Newton's Road to Expand Under Networks Northwest

Two years ago, advanced manufacturer RJG Inc., in partnership with local nonprofit Newton’s Road, announced plans to supply a few 3D printers to Traverse City Area Public Schools.

The project – enabling students to create and produce solid objects from virtual computer designs, using problem-solving and critical-thinking skills – gained …

By Tcbn Staff

2016 40Under40 - The region's most influential professionals under age of 40

This issue marks an incredibly special milestone for the Traverse City Business News: It is the 10th anniversary of our annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40.

The 2016 class is as exceptional as the first, from the winners’ drive and ideas to the time …

By Lynn Geiger

40Under40 - Where Are They Now?

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 40Under40 recognition program, the TCBN checked in with a few past winners to see what they are up to now. Here are some updates:

Linda Stephan 40 Under 40 honoree: 2010 Then: Reporter for Interlochen Public Radio Now: Seminary student

A familiar …

By Lynn Geiger

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