July 2025 Issue

'We're Always Pushing the Limit:' Petoskey Plastics drives innovation in recycled materials

By Art Bukowski

With more than $230 million in annual sales, nearly 600 employees and more than 6,000 customers in 45 countries, it’s clear that Petoskey Plastics is one of the most prominent companies in the Little Traverse Bay region.

And while those are indeed impressive figures, management is perhaps most proud of other stats. In 2024 alone, for instance, the company recycled nearly 40 million pounds of old plastic, diverting it from landfills and incorporating it into state-of-the-art new products that serve a wide variety of markets.

A recycling program that began years ago as a simple business opportunity for a young …

Jewel in the Crown: Bay Harbor at 30 years cements reputation as one of the Midwest's swankiest resorts

By Rick Haglund

In the 30 years since its first resident arrived, Bay Harbor has morphed into a $1 billion resort featuring hundreds of multimillion-dollar homes, a yacht-filled harbor, a luxury hotel, a shopping and dining village, and a 525-seat performing arts center.

Its 27-hole golf course, designed by the late, prolific course architect Arthur Hills, has been called “the Pebble Beach of the Midwest.”

The 2,400-acre resort, bordered by five miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, has …

Challenge or Opportunity?: New regional study aims to shine a light on scope, impact of remote work in NM

By Craig Manning

How big is remote work in northern Michigan? A new community survey is underway to determine the answer to that question.

Back in May, Networks Northwest – the workforce, community and economic development agency that serves the 10-county area around Grand Traverse County – officially kicked off the “Northwest Michigan Remote Worker Study.” Funded by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the project is intended “to gain insights into remote work trends …

Better Health Care For Less Money?: Local businesses tout benefits of direct primary care

By Art Bukowski

Employee healthcare that’s somehow both cheaper and better?

It exists, says those aligned with the surging direct primary care movement in northern Michigan. Irked by constant premium increases with their traditional insurance plans, employers of all sizes in search of a better way have landed on this relatively new model to provide baseline healthcare to their workers.

The TCBN takes a look at this growing trend from an employer perspective.

What is it?

With direct …

'Not Just a Roof Over Their Heads': Housing means everything in our region

By Chris MacInnes

Subscription Solution? Why a local mental health office is experimenting with a subscription model

By Craig Manning

Losses Still Being Tallied: Post March's ice storm, northern Michigan communities slowly recover

By Ross Boissoneau

Industrial Strength: Northern Michigan is home to a strong and diverse base of industries

By Payton Heins

The Big Picture: Total compensation statements boost employee retention, appreciation

By Art Bukowski

The Relocators, Three Years Later: Where are Traverse City's COVID-era transplants today?

By Craig Manning

From The Desk of Adam Inman, Co-owner, Francisco's Market & Deli

By Art Bukowski

Still Rolling: How northern Michigan’s community cinemas are surviving the streaming era – and why we need them to

By Kierstin Gunsberg

Five Decades of Healing: Addiction Treatment Services evolves to face new challenges

By Art Bukowski

Horse Sense: How equine assisted learning is making an impact on northern Michigan’s rural youth

By Kierstin Gunsberg

AI as Labor Fix?: Using new technology to ease staffing challenges

By Jennifer Ewing

The Oncoming Wealth Transfer: Women are poised to become stewards of unprecedented financial resources

Risk-Free Hiring: The legal side of finding that perfect match

By Josh Traeger

North vs. South: The construction cost divide in Michigan

By HBA staff

Briefly

By Lynn Geiger

Newsmakers

BANKING & FINANCE

Jimmy Chesnut recently joined West Shore Bank in Traverse City as an associate vice president commercial lender.

Jen Lee has joined State Savings Bank in Traverse City as manager of the bank’s Customer Care Center. Lee brings more than 30 years of banking experience to her new …

By Lynn Geiger

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