1. Manufacturers, Expand Your Client Base!

February 5 from 8:30  – 11: 00 a.m. the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance will host international trade specialist Tom Maguire for a special presentation of  “Going Global - The Basics of Exporting".  Mr. Maguire, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service Grand Rapids Export Assistance Center, will provide insights on the complete export process: international research; locating international markets of opportunity; working with distributors; and using attorneys, bankers, and forwarders to complete export sales.  He will be joined by Foreign Service Officer Pat McRae.

“There has never been a better time to export,” according to Maguire. "The U.S. has cultivated better opportunities for American companies to sell their goods and services around the world. Together with free trade agreements, lowered barriers for American goods and services, and the Internet, American companies are working to increase their bottom line through exporting that support good jobs here at home.”  The U.S. Commercial Service is a U.S. Commerce Department agency that helps small and midsize U.S. businesses sell their products and services globally. For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit www.export.gov or call (616) 458-3562.  To register for this free program contact Sara at 231-582-6482 or sara@northernlakes.net.

2. Looking for Grant $ to Develop an Outdoor Recreation Facility?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that informational workshops for communities interested in applying for grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will take place around the state. The MNRTF provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.  The LWCF program also provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, but is limited to development only of outdoor recreation facilities.  The MNRTF and LWCF programs are directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources. Both local units of government and the DNR are eligible for MNRTF and LWCF assistance.  Click here for information on the workshop scheduled in Grayling on Wednesday, Feb. 10 or contact DNR Grants Management at  517-373-9125.

3. Changing Realities in Farming & Food

The 11th Annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference is coming up on Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30 at the Grayling High School.  Friday's hour long program titled Thinking Beyond our Plates: Critical Questions to Find Food Truth is aimed at all food consumers.  Saturday's day long program features keynote speaker Gary Zimmer who is a farmer, author, agri-businessman and educator.  Gary is world renowned for his commitment to improving farming through restoring soils.  Also on Saturday are multiple breakout sessions including special youth sessions and many exhibit/vendor booths.  Registration deadline is January 22, additional information can be found at www.msue.msu.edu/antrim or by calling 231-533-8818.

4. Create a Water Resource Improvement Authority (WRIA)

PA 94 of 2008 allows any city, village or township to create a WRIA around an inland lake. The WRIA may use its funds, including tax increment financing, to enhance water quality, water dependent natural resources, and access to an inland lake.  The tool can be used to eliminate aquatic nuisance species (no chemical treatment allowed), replace failing on-site disposal systems with sewer systems, provide storm water systems to service existing infrastructure, and provide a project that aids in access to an inland lake.

A WRIA may not be created or expanded after December 31, 2011. Get the MEDC’s Fact Sheet.  Contact Sheri at 231-582-6482 or sheri@northernlakes.net with questions.

5. Michigan Film Office Winter Locations Campaign

2009 was a rousing success for the Michigan Film Office with 50 productions wrapping during the calendar year.  Hoping to piggy back off that success and make 2010 a banner year for filmmaking in Michigan, they are launching a 2010 Winter Locations Campaign.  To help show filmmakers the splendor of Michigan during our chilly season, please share photos of everything you can think of that makes Michigan our own personal winter wonderland.  For more information on submitting your winter photos see below.

MFO Winter Locations CampaignClick here to Download 

6. Wojan Earns Top Ranking Once Again

For the third year in a row, Wojan Window & Door Corp. has earned a position in the Inc. 5000.  The company received a rank of 2346 by Inc. magazine – as part of the publication’s 2009 annual list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America.  “This is our third consecutive year to receive the Inc. 5000 honor, and it goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to keep growing the business,” said company President and CEO Dennis Wojan.  “Even in the face of a tough economy, we’ve persevered to continue development of new products.  We have a number of exciting things in the pipeline.”  Full story

7. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences

Click on each title for complete details.

January 21: Biomass Power Generation

February 2: Advance Market Research

February 5: Going Global - The Basics of Exporting

February 19: Energy - Demand Side Management