September 2023 Issue

40U40: 40 of the region's best and brightest under 40

By Ross Boissoneau & Craig Manning

Following is TCBN's 17th annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40.This list recognizes individuals in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties under the age of 40 whose professional and community efforts this past year had the most impact on their community, the region and the economy.The 2023 class is comprised of 21 women and 19 men; more than half are new to the list. Below they describe their regional economic impact, what local person inspires them and their next big thing.A panel of seven judges reviewed the submissions and chose the 40 influencers out of …

TC Goes Global: Two local manufacturers export nearly everywhere

By Craig Manning

Traverse City is known for more than cherries and wine.

There is an increasingly robust manufacturing sector that exports products all over the world. Per Michigan’s Creative Coast, Grand Traverse companies exported $4.8 billion in goods and services in 2016 alone, $1.3 billion of it from the local manufacturing sector.

In a 2021 TCBN manufacturing survey of 10 local companies, Shoreline Fruit shared its list of export countries – a list that included Canada, Mexico, …

The Holdouts: Two insurance companies resist the M&A tide

By Craig Manning

Monthly, weekly ... sometimes even daily. That’s how frequently the owners of independent insurance agencies field phone calls about selling their businesses.

Insurance agency mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have compressed the field in recent years. So, what’s motivating the few holdouts to resist buyouts? The TCBN sat down with two independent stalwarts to find out what’s keeping them in the driver’s seat.

According to Insurance Business America, M&A activity in the global insurance industry hit …

Cracking the Code: Common tax mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them

By Christal Frost

Running a small business requires tenacity, creativity and strategic thinking. Among the myriad challenges small business owners face is navigating the difficult and often changing terrain of the tax landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, two Certified Public Accountants based in Traverse City offer their thoughts about the most common tax pitfalls and how best to avoid them.

Shift your mindset

According to Jon Sluis, president of Intrust CPA, the most common mistake small business owners …

Law of the Land: A growing economy and alluring lifestyle increases the local attorney labor pool

By Rick Haglund

Empire State: The Pujoses open their ninth retail business

By Kierstin Gunsberg

It Can Happen Here: Two cybersecurity experts talk evolving threats, best practices, and northern Michigan horror stories

By Craig Manning

From Good Ol' Boys to Inclusive Leaders: Gender, business and the path ahead

Housing was already hard to find the summer I moved here. After combing ads, I finally found and fell in love with a two-bedroom apartment downtown, especially its attached garage. Standing in the kitchen and ready to request a lease, my prospective landlord figuratively hooked his thumbs in imaginary …

By Jody Lundquist Trietch

Export-ise: International trade resources connect businesses to the world

By Rob Dickinson and Chris Bosio

Can You Afford It?: The art and science of forecasting future liquidity

"Can I really afford it?"

We ask ourselves this question all the time. Whether we’re responsible for the finances of a for-profit company or not-for-profit organization, we frequently face the challenge of how to pay expenses without breaking the bank.

From adding a new product line, to investing …

By Dave Seman

Diversity Helps Frankfort Manufacturing Weather Tough Times

By Clark Miller

Anatomy of a Breakthrough - How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most

By Chris Wendel

Balancing the Scales: Technology gives northern Michigan businesses a competitive edge

Labor leverage (or as I like to say it, doing more with less) is essential for businesses in northern Michigan to stay competitive and thrive in today's fast-paced market.

As the region evolves, the integration of technology becomes a key to optimizing labor leverage and performance. From automation and …

By Tim Cerny

Briefly

PRECISION PLUMBING PLANS NEW HQ

Bob and Leslie Roe, owners of Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems in Traverse City, have purchased the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Cass Road facility in Traverse City. According to BATA, the new owners plan to use the property for the future operations of the …

By Lynn Geiger

Newsmakers

HEALTH CARE

R. Eric Lilly, M.D., has joined Munson Healthcare as a cardiothoracic surgeon, practicing at Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse in Traverse City.

Kevin McDowell, Psy.D., has joined Munson Healthcare's Comprehensive Pain Management Program, located at 550 Munson Ave. in Traverse City.

Donald J. Scholten II, M.D., Ph.D., has …

By Lynn Geiger

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