Catalyst Conversations Event Tackles Pressing Topics
Earlier this month, NLEA hosted the first ever event in our Catalyst Conversations series in Indian River. The event included a panel o
f businesses representing northern Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry: Jeff Thompson, Co-Founder and Engineer at Shaggy’s Copper County Skis; Captain Jennifer Dowker, Owner and Operator at Nautical North Family Adventures; and Bob Murdock, Owner at Howe Marine. Panelists called attention to some of the most significant barriers to growing their business, including a limited workforce, lack of housing, and difficulties competing in a global market. Brad Garmon, Executive Director for the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, was also included in the panel where he spoke from both the statewide perspective as well as his experience working with industry leaders nationwide.
The Catalyst Conversations event series aims to provide solution-focused conversations on pressing regional economic development topics. Future 2025 events will take place in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. Further information and registration will be available soon!
2025 Economic Symposium Registration Open
Registration is live for the 2025 Economic Symposium! The annual event, taking place on May 9th at Boyne Mountain, will focus on how communities and employers can best plan for the future. This event brings together 300 leaders from across the region and state to tackle complex economic development challenges, make strategic connections, and celebrate the many successes of our communities and businesses in Northern Michigan.
This year’s theme, “Future Forward”, will dive into demographic trends, infrastructure and development, business succession planning, and more. Keynote speakers, breakout session panels, and more information will be available soon.
To register for this year’s Economic Symposium, click the button below.
Join Us For “Building a Valuable Company”
Are you looking to take your company to the next level? Look no further! We are closing in on our “Building a Valuable Company” events taking place in Petoskey and Elk Rapids.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Insights from business professionals
- A tailored Value Builders Assessment
- A copy of “Built to Sell by John Warrilow
- Access to a panel of industry experts in legal, financial, staffing, and consulting.
- An opportunity to network
- A lunch to fuel your learning and networking.
Dates:
- March 18th – Petoskey | 9:45am to 12:45pm
- April 15th – Elk Rapids | 9:45am to 12:45pm
NLEA Awarded ORP’s Rural Readiness Grant
Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) announced the recipients of $1.3M in Rural Readiness Grant Program Funding. This competitive statewide grant program is designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development, and improve quality of life for residents.
NLEA is proud to be one of seventeen organizations selected for funding. The ORP grant will help facilitate implementation of NLEA’s strategic plan goal focused on advancing critical infrastructure and transformational development projects across the region. We look forward to partnering with the ORP on this important work throughout 2025 and early 2026.
For more information, read the full press release here.
NLEA Releases Three-Year Strategic Plan
Earlier this month, we released our comprehensive three-year strategic plan. This plan was guided by insights from more than 250 community and business leaders and focuses on driving
economic resiliency and prosperity across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. Implementation of the plan has already begun, and will continue to guide the organization’s
structure, services, and development from 2025-2027. To view the full plan, click here.
