September 2018 Issue

Recruiting? Make Your First Offer Your Best One

By Kate Greene

Several years ago, I was recruiting for a professional-level position. This was a search that took several months. The job market was becoming tighter, and finding the correct skill set and fit was challenging. The great news was that we had a candidate the search committee agreed on. We had made it through the final stage of the interview process and were ready to make an offer.

Using all the information I had gleaned from the interview process, I put together a reasonable salary. It was under budget, which I was sure would make my client happy.

My philosophy was, …

'We have some exciting times ahead of us': Two experts on the state of manufacturing in Northwest Michigan

By Amy Lane

In northwest Michigan and around the state, manufacturing is strong. Manufacturers in Northwest Michigan Works! 10-county region added more than 2,400 jobs over the last five years – a 17 percent gain that eclipsed the state’s 14 percent manufacturing job increase – and the sector ranks in the upper range of growth among regional industries.

But manufacturers are facing both challenges and evolution, and for some perspectives on issues affecting the industry, the TCBN caught …

Tariff Scare: How the U.S.-Chinese tariff war is affecting local manufacturing

By Al Parker

The fallout from U.S. tariffs – and China’s counter tariffs – have already impacted northern Michigan companies, say regional business leaders.

“The impact to many local companies to the steel and aluminum tariffs has been significant and swift,” said Kent Wood, director of government relations at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. “The tariffs have absolutely raised prices on steel and aluminum products across the board, but the bigger issue is that most of …

What to Expect From the New Tax Code: New QBI deduction expected to have 'major impact' on business owners

By Craig Manning

Passed in a 51-48 Senate vote last December, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the biggest change in United States tax administration in decades. From deduction tweaks to a controversial repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, the law will change tax planning strategies for individuals and businesses alike.

To get some insight on how taxpayers and businesses should be preparing for the new tax law, the Traverse City Business News consulted five …

The impact of Europe and California's new data protection laws on northern Michigan

In the course of business, no matter the size or type, companies acquire and store personal customer data. Recently enacted laws in the U.S. and the European Union will have an impact on the storage and use of these data. These new laws have a global reach and the penalties …

By Michael Naughton

From American Flags to Plastic Bags: Grand Traverse manufacturers make it all

Life's not just a bowl of cherries in Grand Traverse.

Manufacturing plays a major role in the area’s economy, employing more than 10,000 people and representing about 13 percent of the workforce in Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Antrim counties, according to the Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council.

The …

By Rick Haglund

Wanted: More Business Voices in Local Governance

This month Traverse City’s elected officials will conduct interviews to fill a vacancy on the city commission. Our region is fortunate to have so many individuals willing to step up and serve their community by taking on the duties of elected and appointed officials.

But from the perspective of the …

By Doug Luciani

Youth Is NOT Wasted on the Young

There is hope. In a society where labels are assigned to dismiss a person’s perspective, where rhetoric is habit, respectful debate is a challenge and the divide appears to be growing, there is still hope.

I know this because I have experienced it. The younger generation is living more and …

By Tonya Wildfong

Common Ground: Food for Thought anchors new culinary campus

For 23 years, Food for Thought’s founder Tim Young commuted just 100 feet from his Honor home to work next door. That commute got a few miles longer last March when the company became the first resident at the new Long Lake Culinary Campus in Traverse City.

The move marks …

By Mary Bevans Gillett

2018 40Under40: The Region’s Most Influential Professionals Under Age 40

Here it is … our annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40!

Now in its 12th year, this celebration recognizes individuals in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties – under the age of 40 – whose professional and community efforts during this past year …

By Tcbn Staff

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