Traverse Connect continues the legacy and the leadership of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, strengthening its focus on serving all businesses with a comprehensive suite of programs and services.

In December 2019, Traverse Connect and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce merged to serve as the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse Region.

Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region, which supports area businesses through a combination of business attraction and retention strategies, talent development efforts, and strategic coordination among partner agencies. Traverse Connect now serves the region as one organization supporting business growth and development, alongside partner organization Venture North Funding and Development.

Mission

To advance the economic vitality of the Grand Traverse Region through the growth of family-sustaining careers.

Vision

By 2030 the Grand Traverse Region will be a diversified economic destination of choice powered by growth-oriented enterprises providing competitive total compensation to match our world-class quality of life.

Together with our investor businesses, regional partners, board, staff, and community we are embarking on a new strategic direction.

At its core, Traverse Connect will provide clear and transparent leadership to guide the economic development activity in the Grand Traverse Region. To lay the foundation for that work, Traverse Connect serves as the leader in these four areas:

1. Regional Economic Development Strategy
2. Business Growth and Expansion
3. Talent Retention and Attraction
4. Attracting Businesses to the Grand Traverse Region

Traverse Connect supports partner organizations to help them move forward and achieve goals set in our region’s shared economic development strategy:

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
2. Community Development
3. Infrastructure

Traverse Connect does not discriminate against an individual because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, or marital status.

Spring 2024 Regional Economic Ecosystem Report

Traverse Connect published the spring Regional Economic Ecosystem Report to highlight the vibrant economy growing and flourishing in the Grand Traverse region. Traverse Connect’s public and private partnerships are highlighted within its pages, as well as regional economic trends noted in the results of its Business Growth Barometer Survey conducted on a quarterly basis. The report provides an update on target industry clusters and the work being done to attract new businesses and help existing businesses in the region grow and scale. Traverse Connect is also engaged in ensuring these industries and businesses have access to a talented workforce and can attract specialized and skilled professionals to engage in a fulfilling career.

Click the cover image below to access the full report.