Northern Lakes Economic Alliance • 231-582-6482 • info@northernlakes.net
Carly Bortz, Administrative/Communications Assistant
The current group of Leadership Charlevoix County (LCC) participants got an in-depth look into the role of economic development in their communities at Boyne City, City Hall last Thursday, December 5, 2019.
Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) kicked off the morning session with background on the organization’s services and project examples from recent years. In the afternoon, the class toured Boyne companies to get an inside look at how business is conducted in northern Michigan, and how economic development impacts the area.
As the NLEA model for economic development focuses on the collaboration of multiple entities to help businesses and communities thrive, so too does LCC help participants network and collaborate to make their communities a better place. NLEA shared several exciting projects with the class, including the featured priority sites for redevelopment marketing packages created by the 2019 NLEA summer interns.
“It’s important for us as an organization to engage the current and future leaders in how economic development works and the role that they can play in helping businesses and communities thrive,” said Andy Hayes, NLEA President.
“Even sharing the same office space with NLEA, I learned so much about the many projects NLEA is working on and has helped with,” said Tory Thrush of Char-Em ISD and current LCC participant.
LCC is a nine-month program designed for business professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills. The nine-month course, running from September through May, takes participants throughout the county to learn the inner workings and needs of the region.
In addition to the monthly sessions, the course kicks off with an orientation and then an overnight retreat to Beaver Island. Participants are matched with a mentor who helps open doors to personal and professional growth. The session culminates with a graduation ceremony in May and completion of a class project funded and organized by the class to benefit the county.
For more information on LCC and how to participate in the following class, visit www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com. For more information on area economic development, visit www.northernlakes.net or contact the NLEA office at 231-582-6482.
