Business Evolution

Growth and change are part of the uneven pathway of business. Most companies, large and small, face a number of uncertainties that shape their prospects and plans for the future. Some face technical, market and economic forces that shape their survival.

Through all of this, forward-looking companies are better prepared and more surely resolved to address their own evolution. And, they press forward with positive, impact-oriented thinking. As we look at Traverse Bay EDC interest, a couple of common themes emerge:

• Sucessfull companies in our region engage their people in the natural goals of the business - competitive edge, economic value, customer connections and stewardship. When employees are fully engaged in the company's plans for growth, performance and change - they are true stakeholders of progress.
  
• Sucessfull companies in our region approach their risks and practices with an adaptive mindset about the business. Sometimes that means making adjustments that are difficult and resource choices that are tough. Sometimes it means the very serious work of converting a business threat into a new opportunity.

Effective leadership and management are forged in the heat of experience. When our companies tackle tough challenges, and when they test themselves against market forces, new leadership and management assets are developed and brought into service. That enables growth and change.

Companies are dynamic entities. They are comprised of people, ideas, methods, plans and action. Forward-looking companies accept the risks and make the deals that power their growth and change. They appreciate the forces of business evolution, and they work very hard to adapt through innovation, focus, energy and entreship. Business evolution delivers value to society.

Dan Wolf
Chairman

The Traverse Bay EDC's September Advisory Council meeting will feature a presentation on the State's new Michigan Business Tax. Mark Morante, Vice President of Development Finance for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, along with Cindy Knoll from the Rehmann Group will discuss the details of the new MBT and its implications to companies doing business in Michigan.

Where: The Life Saving Station in Elberta Historic Waterfront Park

When: 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2007

Space for this event is limited to 50 people, and there is no cost to attend.

Click here to register on-line or contact Cristin Popelier at (231) 995-7101.

A directory of alternative energy compaines in Michigan is being compiled by the online Great Lakes IT Report and WWJ News Radio 950. It will include companies based in Michigan and those headquartered elsewhere with offices in Michigan. Companies wishing to be included in the directory should send contact information to Marisa Fusinski and enter "alternative energy directory" in the subject line.

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Traverse City SCORE has just launched its new Web site. The local chapter of the national organization has 35 experienced volunteers who regularly counsel individuals on topics relating to starting and operating a business.

Click here to view the new site!
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Web Sites and Web Marketing Ideas That Work!

Learn from the experts about how to effectively use the web in your business. From old school marketing methods to search engine optimization tips - you won't want to miss this!

Presented by: Jon Roth and Chris Girard, BrightBridge Studios

When: Wednesday, September 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

Cost: $25 per person, $15 for each additional person from the same company.

Click here to register, or contact Sarah Racine at (231) 995-7105.

SCORE Seminar Series brought to you by:

A Kick-Off to the 2007 Business & Technology Expo!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007
7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - Michigan Room, First Floor

You won't want to miss this informative presentation prior to the Business & Technology Expo. All attendees will receive a copy of the Forecast publication - a powerful planning tool for your business. This event is always a sell out so don't delay - reserve your seat today! You must pre-register to attend this event.

To register online - click here OR Download a registration form - click here.

This Event Made Possible By

Frankfort Dow Memorial Airport activities have been a point of controversy for over one year. The airport is managed by an Authority, which has received substantial state and federal funding assistance for airport upgrades.

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An Ad-hoc committee has been formed to work with the Traverse Bay EDC to develop Revolving Loan Fund marketing materials to further promote the program to companies located in Grand Traverse County. 

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The Kalkaska County EDC continues to interact with the various parties involved or potentially involved with the development of a bio-mass facility and various other alternative energy facilities.

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The major activities which the Leelanau County EDC has helped facilitate are in regards to county-wide Broadband capabilities and the starting of redevelopment efforts at Sugar Loaf Resort.

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DevelopMentor was part of a New Designs for Growth brownbag luncheon presentation that focused on affordable housing. TV 7 & 4 aired a lead news story on DevelopMentor.

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Greetings Advisory Council Members!

The last issue of the Traverse Bay E-News delivered to your in-box was sent with the wrong version of the Chairman's message due to staff error. Please accept this edition as the correct edition.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Advisory Council meeting on Thursday.

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Tino