The Traverse Bay region attracts more and more people and businesses every year. Our area is one of the fastest growing regions in Michigan (2007 Economic Forecast). Due to the beauty and high quality of life enjoyed here, people who have the means to live anywhere in the world choose to live here.
Why should you open your business here? What sets us apart from other areas of Michigan and the Midwest United States? Companies doing business in the Traverse Bay region can tap into numerous resources, the combination of which is not supplied in other areas.
Growing population – The population of the Traverse Bay region has grown impressively for a number of years. The population of individuals ages 20 – 29 is projected to grow by approximately 30% from 2002 to 2007. This age range is projected to increase even more in the coming years, showing that the Traverse Bay region is appealing to young, creative, and fresh minds.
Creativity – Northern Michigan is a great place for thinkers, with schools such as Northwestern Michigan College and the beauty of the bay to inspire some of the most creative minds in the world.
Business and Industrial Parks – The City of Traverse City boasts six business and industrial parks, some with brand new vacant buildings ready for your business.
Cherry Capital Airport – The six business parks in Traverse City are located within minutes of Cherry Capital Airport, making air shipping convenient and more affordable. The airline service into Traverse City make global connections effortless: your business will be one plane change away from China, Japan, and Europe.
Recreation – The Traverse Bay region offers recreational opportunities for all types of enthusiasts. From exceptional golf courses to water sports galore, first-rate festivals to a wide selection of shopping and dining, Northwest Michigan is unmatched in its recreational options.
Living – The growing population of Northwest Michigan is undoubtedly attracted to the high quality of life provided in this area. The Traverse Bay region offers small town appeal – friendly neighbors and close-knit communities – with many of the benefits found in metropolitan areas.
Beautiful ports and waterways are treasured by all who live here. The beauty of Lake Michigan and the numerous inland lakes in this area can only be described as breathtaking and can only be truly appreciated through personal experience. A visit to Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, or Benzie County is well worth the time. Sailing and tall ship tours provide additional enjoyment of the area waters.
Close proximity to urban centers and relatively low volume of traffic enhance the lifestyle of those who live and work in the region.
Northern Michigan boasts "Michigan's Golf Coast," an area selected as one of the top six golf destinations in the country by Golf Magazine. Nearby is Gaylord, Michigan, which is designated "The Golf Mecca of the Midwest". Click here for a list of local golf courses (www.mytraversecity.com/golf).
Of the more than 45 commercial wineries in Michigan, 25 are located in the Traverse Bay area. These wineries take advantage of an ideal growing climate in Northwest Michigan to produce critically acclaimed wines. The two peninsulas in our region – Leelanau and Old Mission – generate 51% of Michigan’s wine grapes (www.michiganwines.com/Fast_Facts/fastfacts.html). Wineries make for beautiful tourist destinations; tours of wine tasting rooms are quite popular throughout the year.
The National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival attract people from all over the world. Not just your average small town festivals, these world-renowned celebrations supply tens of millions of dollars in local revenue, and promote industries that are vital to the local economy.
