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Traverse Connect | The Connection – December 3, 2025

Michigan Business Network: Traverse Connect

Alliance Announces Northern Michigan Policy Conference Speakers

This year’s policy Northern Michigan Policy Conference on January 23 will prioritize policy issues of primary concern to businesses in the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas and provide more opportunities for attendees to engage policy leaders. 

Confirmed panelists include U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, State Senators John Damoose, Michele Hoitenga, and Ed McBroom, House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri, and State Representatives Cam Cavitt, Parker Fairbairn, Mike Hoadley, Tom Kunse, and John Roth. Additional panelists include Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, and Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan.  

The Alliance is partnering with the Michigan Information and Research Service (MIRS) for northern Michigan’s first forum for the 2026 gubernatorial candidates. Confirmed candidates include Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and State Senator Aric Nesbitt, who will field questions from Kyle Melinn, news editor at MIRS. Additional participants will continue to be announced in the coming weeks. 

The 2025 Northern Michigan Policy Conference is presented by Diamond Sponsors, Consumers Energy and ITC Holdings, and Ruby Sponsor, Munson Healthcare. The Gubernatorial Forum is sponsored by DTE.

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News Roundup

→ Six years into Traverse Connect’s strategic plan, our regional talent attraction and retention programming is paying off and surpassing goals

→ TCBN takes a look at how local businesses are faring under the new rules of Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act and how the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance can help.

→ The fall 2025 update of the Regional Economic Ecosystem Report continues to show an upbeat mood for the region’s business sector.

→ Come out and celebrate the achievements of Traverse Connect’s member businesses with ribbon cuttings TODAY: Burdco Incorporated/French Manor LaFranier, & Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Child Development Center!

→ Amid uncertainty under Trump tariffs, one Michigan steel wire manufacturer is experiencing business growth.

→ “The Great Green Debate” series reports on the global shift to renewable energy, how green energy works, the ongoing conflict surrounding land development, and how we can use less energy.

→ The Mobility Integr8 Playbook examines how the transformation of transportation is reshaping the global industrial landscape from electric vehicles and connected infrastructure to autonomous systems and smart manufacturing.

What We're Reading

→ A housing development with a mix of 18 townhomes and 18 condos is being proposed for the former Traverse Bay United Methodist Church site.

→ TCBN asked seven local nonprofits to think about their needs in small (less than $100), bigger (less than $500), and biggest (sky’s the limit) categories.

→ Over and above leisure destinations, business travel is playing a bigger role in traffic through Cherry Capital Airport, with 53% of travelers being locals.

→ From quaint Munising in the U.P. to picturesque Tecumseh, these thirteen towns in Michigan are among some of the WorldAtlas favorites in the United States.

→ Grand Traverse County and Peninsula Township each received the results of extensive community surveys to gauge feedback on topics from public trust to the economy, housing, and more.

→ The Dennos Museum Center is in the middle of a comprehensive rebrand that will overhaul how the museum looks, feels, and connects with visitors.

EVENTS

December 8 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
December 10 from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.
January 23 from 9:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m.
January 23 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.
 
 
 

Join us our bi-monthly networking event, Coffee Connection, on December 10 to make new connections with your fellow members and learn how to best use your benefits. This event will take place in the Conference Center in Grandview 1 at the Park Place Hotel and will be a great opportunity to maximize your membership!

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