October 2017 Issue

In 1970, Mom Said, 'Get a Job,' So She Did: Rosie Woods celebrates 48 years at Munson Medical Center

By Al Parker

The year was 1970: Gasoline was 36 cents a gallon, the Dow Jones Average ended the year at 838 and the Beatles released their final album “Let it Be.”

That same year, Rosie Woods went to work at Munson Medical Center (MMC), the flagship of Munson Healthcare, which now includes eight hospitals and employs more than 7,000 people.

All those highlights are now history, but Woods is still rolling along, marking almost 48 years at the hospital.

“I’m trying to shoot for the 50-year mark,” the Interlochen resident said. “If my health holds out, that would be nice.”

Talking about …

In Debt and Not Really Saving, Either: Millennials prioritize lifestyle over building wealth

By Craig Manning

When it comes to love or money, millennials choose love.

Financial advisor Robert Fenton says the scenario is more complicated than just being careless with cash.

“I believe millennials today are a bit more balanced than maybe were,” said Fenton, an advisor for Raymond James Financial in Traverse City. “The thought is, ‘Maybe I don’t have to work 70 hours a week, seven days a week, 51 weeks a year to be successful.’ I think …

Hagerty on the Move: Innovative strategies spark insurer's growth, expansion

By Ross Boissoneau

Protecting $30 billion of classic motorcycles, cars, and boats worldwide takes a lot of innovation. And space.

Fortunately, Hagerty has both.

Seven hundred employees of the classic vehicles insurer in Traverse City work either at the River's Edge campus on Cass Street or 130 S. Union, in the former Bank of Northern Michigan/Chemical Bank building.

This January, Hagerty will gain an additional 25,000 square feet of office space at its new 250 E. Front Street …

Older workers jump back into jobs with state, local assistance

By Tcbn Staff

Kelly Dunham has seen many older job seekers join the ranks of drivers at the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA).

And she’s interested in adding more to a BATA workforce that has an average age of 54 and reaches as high as 77, with a variety of backgrounds.

“We see a little bit of everything, really,” said Dunham, BATA’s executive director. “We certainly have a population that comes to us that is looking for part …

Not slowing down anytime soon: 7(Over70) Inspiring Business people

Sensational, spirited, inspiring, impressive … these are just a few adjectives to describe TCBN’s 2017 slate of 7Over70. The one thing they definitely are not? Retiring.

Our honorees come from all corners of the Grand Traverse community, representing decades as business heavyweights and as volunteer leaders. All have helped weave …

By Mary Bevans Gillett

CloudLaw Lands American Bar Association: More than 400,000 lawyers added to its searchable database

By Clark Miller

Making It In Northern Michigan: Big Dipper Dough Co.

In two short years, something sweet on Cass Road has exploded throughout the Midwest.

Big Dipper Dough Co., which produces egg-free cookie dough that can be eaten uncooked, is now available in 655 stores located in 13 states.

So far, there are two flavors: Rocket Chip, which is chocolate chip, …

By Clark Miller

Amazon's Second Headquarters: Why Not TC?

Amazon has decided it has outgrown Seattle and wants to establish a $5 billion second headquarters to house 50,000 employees in a new city, and this month CEO Jeff Bezos will review dozens of bids from eager cities across the country.

I've formed a committee of local leaders to lead …

By Hans Voss

Growing the Economy in Our Own Backyard (or Garage)

There are many ways to grow a region’s economy. Venture North is one critical piece of the economic development puzzle. But there is no one silver bullet. All of these need to work together to develop and advance our economy.

All of us aim to see more well-paying jobs created …

By Laura Galbraith

'Insulated' Local Auto Market Drives Ahead: Dealers confident, expanding

Auto sales have softened a bit from the record pace of the past two years, but local auto dealers remain upbeat about their business prospects.

Some say sales are up from a year ago, while others are backing up their confidence by spending millions of dollars to upgrade facilities and …

By Rick Haglund

American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road Drugs Empire

By Nick Bilton, May 2, 2017, Portfolio / Portfolio Books, 352 pages. Hardcover, $27. E-read edit-on, $14.

The tale of the small startup business that grows into a major company is a part of our American psyche. In the early 1900s, it took several years for companies like Ford, General …

By Chris Wendel

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