August 2017 Issue

REI Construction building its reputation with mixed-use projects

By Ross Boissoneau

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 ago with the goal of working in mixed-use developments in their adopted hometown of Traverse City. So far, so good: The company has overseen the construction of Washington Place and reconstruction at East Bay Plaza, among other endeavors, and is turning its sights toward its own development, The Lofts rental apartments on State Street. …

Waterfront Dreams? Possible but still pricey

By Ross Boissoneau

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 your jet ski on an all-sports lake, or just taking in the view across Lake Michigan, your slice of heaven awaits. But once again, it will likely cost you a …

Traverse City Startup Community: Online expert network for local startups is live and launching

By Craig Manning

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, TC New Tech launched, giving entrepreneurs a Shark Tank-style environment in which to pitch their business ideas, make connections, and cut their teeth. More recently, Traverse City got its …

Resume Ruse: The use of false academic credentials in employment

By Janis Adams

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 you know whether a degree was, in fact, fake?

DIPLOMA MILLS

As technology and industry advances, employers are increasingly requiring applicants and employees to possess college degrees in order to …

NMC’s $2.1 Million Grant: The impact of the largest program equipment grant in NMC’s history is opening up new world for students and vocational industries

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 helping prepare students for …

By Tcbn Staff

Hot Topic: Nine programs at the TBA-ISD Career Tech Center have waitlists for fall 2017

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 shop. “Much of the …

By Al Parker

Economic Development is Everyone’s Job

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 Michigan is its often …

By Doug Luciani

186networks: A small, stubborn (wireless) challenge to the big cable service Providers

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, back in …

By Clark Miller

'Screaming’ Real Estate Industry Slowed by Cumbersome Building Regs, Lack of Inspectors

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 a specific nailing …

By Rick Haglund

Masters of the Universe: TC-based Atlas Space Operations is redefining the future of space communications to the moon and beyond

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 be transmitted …

By Rick Haglund

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