Reports & Publications
Area Maps
Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation Reports & Publications
Pure Opportunity - The Traverse Bay Region
Here in the Traverse Bay Region, we are proud to offer vast opportunity for business growth. Few other areas in the state offer more in terms of quality of life and economic opportunity than the Traverse Bay Region.
2008 Activity & Project Report
While 2008 was a year that experienced substantial economic downturn in the State of Michigan, our region continued to see small business growth and a spirited attitude for expansion opportunities in Northern Michigan, as our EDC assisted in 22 economic development projects in its four-county region.
2010 Economic Forecast
The 2010 Economic Forecast was unveiled at the November 17, 2009 Economic Forecast Breakfast sponsored by AT&T The Real Yellow Pages. The Forecast was prepared by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. The 2010 Economic Forecast is a powerful planning tool for your business.
2006 Economic Summit
The most recent Economic Summit was held at the Hagerty Center on October 12, 2006. The intent of the Summit was to prepare a set of strategic guideposts for regional economic development. The Economic Summit addressed up-to-date information on economic structure and regional economic conditions, industry value nets or economic systems, employer and employee of choice concepts, economic impact of job groupings, and the macro and micro environmental issues that shape economic prospects and drivers of real and sustainable economic growth for our region.
2011 Guides to Permitting and Zoning
In the construction industry time is money and delays associated with permitting and approvals add to the cost of projects. The permitting and zoning process can be cumbersome, frustrating and time consuming for those not familiar with the road map and nuances of the processes for each municipality and governmental agency. The creation of the Guides to Permitting and Zoning (Guides) for Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties is the result and collaboration of stakeholders in Northwest Lower Michigan to assist individuals and businesses involved with construction and development projects.
2009 Guide to Permitting and Zoning for Grand Traverse County
The Guide was made possible through a grant from the Oleson Foundation and was produced in response to both developers and local units of governments that cited numerous reasons as to the difficulties in obtaining appropriate permits throughout the development process. The Guide is meant to serve as a road map to companies, builders and developers who are seeking to develop properties in Grand Traverse County. Production and distribution of the Guide to Permitting and Zoning for Grand Traverse County is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge.
2009 Industrial Guide
The primary purpose of the Industrial Guide is to help area businesses identify potential suppliers and customers within our region. The Guide illustrates the diversity of our region’s manufacturing base and its significant impact on our area economy. The 2009 Industrial Guide provides detailed information on more than 500 manufacturing companies in our region and lists companies by alphabetical order, product classification, and county.
Partner Reports & Publications
Creating the 21st Century Workforce
This comprehensive plan, commissioned by Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Bureau of Workforce Programs, stresses collaboration among the many stakeholders of economic success in a community. Northwest Michigan Council of Governments convened several subregional and two regional focus groups to learn how workforce development, business development, and business retention and lay-off prevention services could be best integrated into their communities and practices. The plan was produced and submitted for review by all parties.
NWMCOG Quality of Life Index
Benchmarks Northwest is a community planning and monitoring tool, created by the Northwest Council of Governments, which assesses quality of life conditions in Northwest Michigan communities. The Benchmarks Northwest product is organized by broad categories or “indicator” topic reports. These indicator topics include Culture and Recreation, Economy and Employment, Education, Government and Politics, Growth and Change, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment, Public Safety, and Social Environment. Each of these indicator reports provides information for the northwest Michigan region comprised of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties.
NWMCOG / EDA Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Michigan is the result of a local planning process designed to guide the economic growth of the region. It is produced yearly by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The Grand Vision
A citizen led land use and transportation study that outlines a framework for the next 50+ years of development in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford counties.
Traverse City Downtown Development Authority Study
The Traverse City DDA completed a downtown market analysis in 2007. This analysis looked at retail, office and residential in downtown and offered core strategy recommendations addressing DDA operational focus, downtown infrastructure improvements, and marketing opportunities and positioning.
Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Impact Study