BOYNE FALLS, Mich. — The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) will host its annual Economic Symposium on May 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Boyne Mountain Resort, bringing together regional leaders, industry experts, and policymakers for a focused conversation on the economic drivers shaping Northern Michigan.This year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” will highlight the key industries powering the region’s economy—manufacturing, agriculture, and construction—while also exploring strategies to support future business growth and investment.
The event will feature keynote speaker David Malpass, former President of the World Bank and current professor at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business. Malpass will share insights on global economic trends and their implications for regional economies like Northern Michigan.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in four industry-focused breakout sessions:
- Made in Northern Michigan: How Regional Manufacturing Is Powering a Stronger Economy
Featuring Mandy Chmura (Temprel), Jim Dunn (Dayton Lamina), and Joy Korte (Moran Iron Works) - Grown in Northern Michigan: State of the Agriculture Sector
Featuring Jimmy Spencer (Pond Hill Farm), Bob Sherman (Burnette Foods), and Todd Peterson (Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery) - Built in Northern Michigan: Developing a Strong Construction Sector
Featuring Rocky Beydoun (Power Construction), Dan Brown (Burdco Incorporated), Ben Brower (Stillwater Custom Cabinetry), and Travis Lake (Kokosing) - Open for Business: How Local Leaders Can Encourage Business and Community Investment
Featuring Melyssa Lindenthal (Mayor, East Jordan) and Travis Alden (SME)
The symposium will conclude with a featured policy discussion, “A Conversation with the Northern Michigan Caucus,” bringing together state lawmakers including Representative Parker Fairbairn (107th District), Representative Cam Cavitt (106th District), Representative John Roth (104th District), and Senator John Damoose (37th District). This closing panel will provide attendees with direct insight into legislative priorities and policies impacting Northern Michigan’s economic future.
“The Economic Symposium brings together the region’s business and community leaders in one place and sparks the kinds of conversations that shape Northern Michigan’s economic future,” said Payton Heins, President and CEO of the NLEA. “It’s an opportunity to connect across industries, share perspectives, and build momentum around the work being done here every day.”
The NLEA Economic Symposium is designed to foster collaboration across industries, connect business and community leaders, and highlight the innovation and resilience that define Northern Michigan’s economy.
Registration information and additional event details are available at 2026 Economic Symposium | Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
For more details, watch this recent interview with NLEA’s Payton Heins:
Event Sponsors
The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2026 Economic Symposium: Consumers Energy, ITC Holdings Corp, Enbridge, Great Lakes Energy, Baker College, Artemis Companies, Networks Northwest, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Munson Healthcare of Charlevoix, Kilwins, Cunningham-Limp, Hartleb Insurance Agency, Burdco Incorporated, and Enhance.
About the NLEA
The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance is a nonprofit regional economic development organization. NLEA’s mission is to drive economic resiliency by ensuring the resources, infrastructure, and policies exist to fuel business growth and community prosperity in Northern Michigan.
For more information about the NLEA, visit www.thenlea.com
