Northern Lakes Economic Alliance and North Central Michigan College partnered to perform an initial mapping of the entrepreneurial ecosystems in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties. We

brought together key players in the community who

currently shape and influence our future ability to

encourage and grow entrepreneurial efforts. Georgia A. Abbott, MBA of Abbott & Associates, LLC led the

discussion and facilitated the framework.

"Our region has a deep history of entrepreneurship, family enterprise, and commercialization rooted in a culture of innovation with global reach," states NLEA President David Emmel.

Over a span of two sessions, nearly 40 entrepreneurs, government officials,

educational leaders, and other drivers of the entrepreneurial ecosystem discussed

barriers and opportunities to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and thrive.

The annual Northern Lakes Economic Symposium & Showcase will return in 2023 at Boyne Mountain Resort! Mark your calendar with these details:

Stay tuned for announcements on breakouts, speakers, and more in the coming months.

Daifuku Manufacturing opened their doors in Boyne City early October.

“I think it’s really exciting. You’re looking at a brand new manufacturing facility based here in Boyne City,” Senator Wayne Schmidt says.

The company has made a $26 million commitment.

“This is a great example of why northern Michigan is such a great place to do business. This is a very low cost environment for manufacturers. And so you see around this whole area a large concentration of industry and business in the metal working, fabrication and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It’s a competency we have here,” NLEA President David Emmel said.

And it multiplies. Emmel continues, "These investment is trickle down through our economy at levels that most people don’t recognize. So there’s something we call a multiplier effect, which is for every dollar invested in a company like this, this will support another $4.3 into the local economy through wages, direct wages and salaries for individuals."

Michigan Economic Development Corporation created this promotional video about our Northern Michigan Coast. See if you can spot your town!

Aster Brands (which includes Redi-Rock), exhibited at Bauma in Munich, Germany this week. Bauma is the biggest construction equipment show in the world. It's a testament to the power of our local economy to have a business from Northern Michigan represented across the world in the largest exhibit. Watch this fun video produced by Aster Brands.

Boyne Mountain opened its SkyBridge-Michigan on October 15th. NLEA staff attended the special grand opening. Sam Bailey and Jessica Lovay are pictured here.

The 1,200-foot long and 118-foot high pedestrian bridge is open to the public offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and extensive light displays. Constructed by Experimental Resources using lumber sourced from Matelski Lumber in Boyne Falls, the SkyBridge is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Open year-round, every season has a reason to take in the views from this architectural masterpiece.

As part of the outdoor recreation economy within the attraction segment, the SkyBridge provides the opportunity to leverage beautiful natural resources to support economic development. The first impact of the opening will be a boost in tourism. However with options for skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, and more, the bridge adds to Boyne Mountain Resort’s status as a premier facilitator of access to the outdoors in the region. By adding to the outdoor recreation ecosystem in the region, the SkyBridge supports the other outdoor recreation facilitators as well as manufacturers, retailers, and service providers. Furthermore, Northern Michigan’s culture of outdoor recreation serves to attract and retain both talent and businesses to the area.

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

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