NLEA Staff Engage With Economic Developers Statewide

The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) hosted their annual meeting at Shanty Creek Resorts in Antrim County last week. As members of MEDA, NLEA staff engaged in programming on site readiness, infrastructure funding, local housing solutions, and other critical economic development topics. NLEA Strategic Initiatives Manager Sam Bailey served on the conference planning committee to help feature our region's businesses to a statewide audience. Bailey also moderated a plenary session discussing the state's population and labor force challenges that featured local business leader, Jake Manthei of Aster Brands, Dr. Michael Horrigan of W.E. Upjohn Institute, and Ava Attari of MEDC.

To deliver the most effective services and ensure an economically resilient region, the NLEA must continue finding ways as your economic development organization to improve, grow, and innovate. This is where we need your help. We're in the midst of a six-month strategic planning process that will result in a 3-Year Strategic Plan for the organization. We've conducted community feedback sessions, business roundtables with business leaders spanning industries, staff and board planning sessions, stakeholder interviews, and surveys. If you haven't had the chance yet to engage, but would like to, please fill out the stakeholder survey below!

The NLEA strategic planning efforts have been generously supported by the Fund for the Community of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and the Cheboygan County Community Foundation.

NLEA Helps Tuscarora Township Establish a New Economic Development Tool

The Tuscarora Township Board of Trustees and Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners recently approved the establishment of a Commercial Rehabilitation District (CRD) along the community’s primary commercial corridor.

A Commercial Rehabilitation District, pursuant to Public Act 210 of 2005 as amended encourages the rehabilitation of qualified commercial properties with an incentive of freezing the current real property taxes for up to 10 years.

By establishing the district, the Township is allowing new and existing building owners the opportunity to apply for an incentive for their investment and development within the CRD boundaries.

NLEA’s Jessica Lovay helped Tuscarora Township navigate the process for establishing the district and the receipt of applications in compliance with the legislation. Prior to beginning the establishment process NLEA staff also provided a training on tax abatements for the Township Board of Trustees and interested community members to learn more about the process and opportunities tax abatements provide to small businesses looking to locate or expand in the commercial district.

If you have any questions or would like more information on tax abatements or other potential incentives to support economic development please contact Jessica Lovay - Community Development & Grants Specialist at the NLEA, jess@northernlakes.net or 231-582-6482.

Re:Making Michigan Technology Showcase

Sept 19th at NCMC

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) is hosting an educational event on September 19th at North Central Michigan College for area manufacturers. The NLEA's Chris Bauer will be staffing a booth at the event to share how the NLEA can support local manufacturers investing in their staff, equipment, and facilities. Join the MMTC for this free event to learn how you can leverage technology to grow your company or career, including addressing workforce challenges. Learn more and register below.

The NLEA is a nonprofit economic development organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties and has been helping businesses and communities succeed and grow since 1984. Whether you are a community looking for assistance with property redevelopment and grant management or a business looking for assistance to secure funding for new equipment or expansion, the NLEA is here to help you. Learn more about these and additional services below.

CONNECT WITH US