1. Classic Instruments Ranked One of The Fastest Growing Companies In America

Inc. Magazine ranked Classic Instruments as one of the top 5000 fastest growing companies in their annual business survey for 2008. Classic's President, John McLeod, credits the entire employee team for their dedication to the goals of the company. ³Our slogan is 'The Simple Goal Of Perfection' but any business owner knows that achieving that is neither simple nor easy."  The Classic Instruments brand is over 30 years old, but the company was literally reinvented after being purchase from the founders in 2001. Building on Classic¹s established reputation for quality, McLeod and his team have incorporated OEM engineering and production practices and installed additional state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to assure the finest possible products for their customers. All product manufacturing is done in their Michigan plant for world wide markets. www.classicinstruments.com

2. Ellsworth Farmers Exchange Ribbon Cutting

The Ellsworth Farmers Exchange invested nearly $700,000 in new machinery and building improvements at their Ellsworth facility.  The NLEA helped the company apply for a 12-year tax abatement, approved by the Village of Ellsworth. In addition to selling propane, the company is a milling operation that manufactures animal feed. They employ 30 people.

3. Cool Websites & Links

Michigan Electronic Library

Looking for local Competitive Wage Information?

4. Great Lakes Revolving Loan Fund

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance has partnered with Great Lakes Energy to provide supplemental economic development loans to businesses located in GLE’s 26-county service area.  These loans are available to qualified applicants through one or both of the programs up to a cumulative maximum of $600,000, with interest rates of ½ of prime or 0%, with a ten year maximum term.  As with any lending programs, certain criteria must be met in order to qualify.  For additional information, contact Lisa Fought at 231.582.6482.

5. Business Incubator Program Launched

The new regional business incubator, managed and administered through the Entrepreneurial Division of NLEA, officially launched on October 1.  An incubator is a support system that accelerates the successful development of start up and existing companies. The program’s goal is to connect for profit entities that have a strong desire and potential to grow and expand their business, with a targeted set of resources tailored to the individual needs of that particular client.  These resources and services could include access to capital, business mentors, technical and professional advice, business related workshops and training.  The premise is that, with the help of a strong set of advisors, the business can make a significant impact on the region’s economy.   For more information, contact Lori Meeder at 231-582-6482.

6. Upcoming Training & Workshops

November 5:  Michigan Film Discussion
November 12: Sales to the Government Workshop
November 13: Sustainable Business Conference of Michigan
November 17 & 18: Connecting MI Innovators with the Defense Industry
November 19: Creating Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
December 2:  Wind Energy Workshop

Click here for a complete listing of events.

7. Michigan's New Film Incentives

Earlier this year, the Michigan legislature passed a package of bills aimed at attracting the production of movies into Michigan. These incentives are the best in the U.S. They are mostly tax credits and/or rebates on the “qualified” expenditures made by production companies making movies (or other qualified digital media) in Michigan. The tax credits are for pre-production, production and post-production costs, for investing in media “infrastructure” and/or for the costs of training crews. The State can also help production companies with the  financing of movies in certain instances, including allowing the company to borrow ahead on their tax credits/rebates. For more information: www.michigan.gov/filmoffice

Join a discussion at Stafford's Weathervane Restaurant in Charlevoix on November 5.  More info.

8. Nominate a Great Entrepreneur or Visionary Leader

Do you know a great entrepreneur or visionary community leader  that is helping to drive Michigan’s Economy? You can nominate them for the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards. These prestigious awards are given in a variety of categories that include five different business owner awards, business champion awards, as well as Mainstreet USA, Innovation and Government Contract awards. Nominees and the public gather each April for the prestigious Awards event that highlights the best and brightest that Michigan has to offer in business excellence.

Nominations are due November 14, 2008. For more information see www.michigancelebrates.biz