Providing resources for communities and entrepreneurs to create and retain jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan & Emmet Counties.

How Much Does Tourism Really Impact the Local Economy?

June 19, 2023

Examining the economic impact of tourism through PureMichigan data and seasonal population estimates.


By Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager The short answer, a lot. Now that it is June, seasonal residents and visitors are… read more

The Outdoor Recreation Industry: Northern Michigan’s Natural Asset

August 17, 2022

Using Dun & Bradstreet data, this article examines the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry and its subsectors.


By: Abigail Kendziorski, NLEA/DTE Energy Foundation Intern ‘22 With various trails and bodies of water,… read more

The Proving Grounds

August 13, 2022

This article highlights outdoor recreation businesses using Northern Lower Michigan as a proving ground for new products.


By: Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager and Abigail Kendziorski, NLEA/DTE Energy Foundation Summerread more

The Craft Beverage Industry: Riding the Wave

April 13, 2022

Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that the local craft beverage industry is outpacing national growth. 


By: Sam Bailey, NLEA Strategic Initiatives Manager Locals and visitors alike are familiar with the wave of breweries, wineries,… read more

The Outdoor Recreation Industry: More Than the Last Dollar

March 17, 2022

Explore the evolving definition of the outdoor recreation industry and how the producers of outdoor recreation products can postively impact the region.


By: Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager A driving force in the Northern Lowerread more

The Blue Economy: The Past, Present, and a Potential Future

January 19, 2022

Freshwater is central to the culture, history, and economy of the region. Explore state and local data that quantifies its economic impact.


By: Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager

What is a Blue Economy?

The lakes and rivers of Antrim,… read more

Location Quotient Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Local Economy

November 3, 2021

manufacturing workers

Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, discover how industry clusters are growing or shrinking in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet County.


By: Sam Bailey, NLEA/DTE Energy Foundation Graduate Intern ‘21

What Makes up the Economy?

read more

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