Traverse Bay EDC Advisory Council - Traverse Bay EDC E-News

Exciting News from the Traverse Bay EDC!

As we roll into the final quarter of the year, economic development activity is definitely on the upswing. To date, our efforts have helped retain 152 jobs, received commitments to creating 30 new jobs and more than $3 million in new private investment.

Manufacturing project activity ranges from expansion projects by Clark Manufacturing, Grand Traverse Machine, AlcoTec Wire and Plascon.
OneUp Web has moved its headquarters from Lake Leelanau to the Howard Energy Building in Greilickville.
Progress continues with the City of Traverse City on the development of a possible parking deck project in Old Town.

On the attraction front, the Traverse Bay EDC is working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to attract several new potential projects to the Grand Traverse region. While our region is being considered, competition remains strong with other competing out-of-state sites. As we continue to improve our Web site features and finalize our new marketing materials, we are confident that companies will continue to evaluate our region for their expansion projects.

Other 2007 priorities have included the creation of an economic development strategic plan for the region.
Staff is participating in discussions regarding the potential creation of an Angel Investor Network and Young Professionals Group in the region.
The Traverse Bay EDC has received a grant from the Oleson Foundation to develop a guide to permitting and zoning in Grand Traverse County which will be completed in March of 2008.
Staff has been actively meeting with Township officials in Grand Traverse County and Department of Public Works officials to identify potential solutions to up-front water and sewer benefit charges that are hampering new development activities.

These are some of the major initiatives that your Traverse Bay EDC has been addressing during the year in its efforts to grow business and build community throughout our region. There is much more to accomplish as we continue to move the needle forward for development opportunities in the region and we hope that our continued efforts through the final quarter of 2007 will set the stage for a prosperous 2008.

Sincerely,

Tino Breithaupt
Senior Vice President of Economic Development
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

Forest Industry Conference - November 2

The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation Offers Opportunity for New Jobs with New Technology - Northwest Michigan Forest Industry Conference

Opportunities for new business investment and job creation in Northern Michigan based upon the area's sustainable forest resources will be highlighted at this conference and will be of strong interest to forest products companies, forest landowners, community leaders and interested citizens who are growing their businesses and building their communities.

Click here to register for this event!

This Event is Made Possible By:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

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Your Ideas & Opinions Needed - October 17

How will the Grand Traverse Region Look in 50 Years?
You will Decide!

Sign up for the first in a series of unique Grand Vision Scenario Planning Workshops for the Grand Traverse Region. World class experts in community values, visioning and planning will conduct this workshop.

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Free Seminar for Members - November 1

Future Trends in Health Care Coverage

The cost of health care coverage is the largest expense facing each and every business today. To get a better understanding on the future of health care surrounding business and our community your Chamber's Health Care Committee has developed a seminar to address this issue.

This Event Made Possible by:
Your Chamber and
Ford Insurance Agency, Inc.

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Knowledge Economy Reports Available

The Knowledge Economy Reports are now available on the MEDA website homepage.

Economic Development in a Global Knowledge Economy: A Guide for Local Practice contains information focused on stimulating new ideas to help reshape local economic development process, priorities and initiatives into new and more effective forms by showing you various practices and initiatives that have been successful and well as discussing trends, leadership and much more.

The Michigan Knowledge Economy Index: A County Level Assessment of Michigan's Knowledge Economy is a research report intended to assist communities in identifying their position in the knowledge economy and facilitate the development of effective state and local knowledge economic development strategies.

Go to www.medaweb.org now to read them!

Nominations Sought for "50 Companies to Watch"

The Edward Lowe Foundation would like you to nominate companies in your area for their annual "50 Companies to Watch" program.

"50 Companies to Watch" is an awards program honoring second-stage companies headquartered in the state of Michigan. These companies demonstrate high performance in the marketplace or exhibit innovative products or processes.

Nominations are being accepted until Friday, November 9, 2007.

Anyone can nominate! CLICK HERE for nomination information and instructions.

Go to Michigan.CompaniesToWatch.org to fill out a nomination form.

2008 Robotics Competition

Northern Michigan High School Teams kick off their 2008 Robotics Competition.

FIRST Team #1896, the Manufacturing Technology Academy of NW Michigan (MTA) and the TBAISD Career Tech Center cordially invite you to attend a new FIRST Kickoff venue, the 2008 Northwest Michigan FIRST Kickoff on January 5, 2008 at the Career Tech Center, 880 Parsons Rd on Traverse City.

For more information call Tim Wheatley at 231-995-1304.

Click here for more information on FIRST!

Builders Exchange to Host Candidate Forum

The Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan and the Home Builders Association will be hosting the City of Traverse City Commission Candidate Forum Event on Wednesday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m.at the Holiday Inn West Bay.

For more information, please contact Ruth Shane at (231) 946-5531

Benzie County EDC Update

BioTech Agronomics, a firm that land applies wastewater treatment plant solids, is experiencing significant growth, and is building a facility near the village of Beulah.

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Grand Traverse County EDC Update

A subcommittee met recently to discuss our current lending process. It was decided we first need to review and update our Reuse Agreement with the State of Michigan. This is the document which holds the ground rules for our lending.

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Leelanau County EDC Update

The Grand Traverse Band announced plans for a large-scale municipal marina in Peshawbestown.

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