June 2023 Issue

Spartan Strong: The special bonds between the Cherry Capital and Michigan's biggest university

By Craig Manning

One hundred and eighty miles stretch between downtown Traverse City and the main campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Increasingly, MSU’s presence and investment in northern Michigan is shrinking that distance for students, alumni and community members alike.

Today, MSU has numerous ties to Traverse City, ranging from the well-known MSU Extension program to an increasingly robust bridge between northern Michigan and the MSU medical school.

The MSU Extension dates back more than 100 years. It was 1907 when MSU – then Michigan State College – hired its first livestock field agent. That staff member was technically …

TC manufacturer Promethient eyes deals with stadiums, boats and electric vehicles

By Clark Miller

The Greek god Prometheus tamed fire and gave it to humanity. Traverse City manufacturer Promethient, named after him, does even more than that. It keeps individuals as warm – but also as cool – as they like.

As company CEO Bill Myers puts it, “We bring climate control to a human scale.”

Promethient’s personal heating and cooling system, marketed under the trademark Thermavance, has hundreds of potential applications, including clothing and office seating.

Myers says …

Retail Legends Talk Shop: Long-time store owners weigh in on the ups and downs of generational retail

By Ross Boissoneau

Making it in retail is tough. Surviving and thriving for decades is a testament to persistence and changing with the times.

Long-time store owners and managers share their history, their challenges, what the future may hold and why they do what they do. Whether purveyors of clothing, appliances, sporting goods or a little bit of everything, they are all looking forward, while taking a fond backward glance.

Max’s Service, Traverse City

Jeff Owens' grandfather opened …

From Flooring to Pets...Naturally: Kathy and Tim Hyland broaden their entrepreneurial scope

By Ross Boissoneau

What do flooring, metalsmithing/design and pet food have in common?

If you answered Kathy and Tim Hyland, you’re right. They are the owners and moving forces behind Bayview Flooring, Bayview Displays and Pets Naturally.

It all started 40 years ago when a young Tim Hyland got his start in the flooring business. Ever the entrepreneur, he struck out on his own just two years later, at age 26.

“I found a building and went to …

Taking Care of Business: Female banking and finance leaders weigh in on their careers and the local economy

By Rick Haglund

Alone at Work: Tips for encouraging employee retention

By Anders Gillis

SBA Expands Funding: Loans support under-served communities and fractional business purchases

By Megan Kelto

'Less Housing for Your Money': Why mortgage rates aren’t likely to dip any time soon

By Mike Nagy

Vegan – With a Shot of Tequila: Four local food/bev trends

By Craig Manning

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making

By Chris Wendel

Small but Mighty: Diverse small businesses and startups set TC apart

By Jody Lundquist Trietch

Remote Control: Tax implications of a remote workforce

By Jon Sluis

PAST ISSUES

View this Issue in Archives