Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

10/29/2026

Our Regional Economic Outlook event is just 24 hours away! Before the speakers and panelists take the stage, we'd like to recognize our event sponsors who made this event possible. We're so grateful to have partners who share our vision of a Northern Michigan where communities and businesses can thrive.

Title Sponsor: Huntington National Bank
Refreshment Sponsor: Networks Northwest
Supporting Sponsors: Comfort Keepers Northern Lower Michigan, PNC, and ITC Holdings Corp.

Registration is open for the upcoming 2026 Regional Economic Outlook on October 30 at the Odawa Casino. Join regional business and community leaders for an

10/28/2026

Northern Michigan is a great place to take your career to the next level! Explore a few of the exciting roles available now. See something you like? Visit the employer’s website to find out more.

From healthcare and skilled trades to advanced manufacturing, your next rewarding opportunity could be waiting. Let’s go! 🎉

Charlevoix-Emmet ISD
McLaren Healthcare
W.B. Builders

10/27/2026

We're just a few days away from our Regional Economic Outlook event at the Odawa Casino in Petoskey! Join us for:

- a first look at survey responses from community and business leaders on the state of our regional economy in our Fall 2026 Economic Pulse Report
- in-depth insight from a nationally renowned economist to see what's ahead for the region
- quality networking with public and private leaders from across the state, as well as elected officials

We can't wait to see you there. Register today: thenlea.com/calendar/regional-economic-outlook-2026/

This event is made possible by the generous support of our community supporters.

Title Sponsor: Huntington National Bank
Refreshment Sponsor: Networks Northwest
Supporting Sponsors: ITC Holdings Corp. and PNC

10/26/2026

74% of local business leaders are planning a physical expansion in the next four years. The problem? Finding the space for these businesses to grow. We're thrilled to have received a grant from the EDA to map the current available industrial space and inform local units of government on what infrastructure gaps are holding up potential investment.

This report will be a long-term asset for communities and manufacturers as we work towards creating a more prosperous economy. The hope is that our manufacturers can find the space they need to expand right here in Northern Michigan, rather than investing outside the region.

Ask almost any manufacturer in Northern Michigan about growth, and you'll hear two things. First, they're ready to expand. Second, they're having a hard time

10/23/2026

We're just one week away from our Regional Economic Outlook event at Odawa Casino in Petoskey!

Meet our final speaker, Yulin Pair, Director of Finance and HR at Midwest International Standard Products. Yulin will discuss the region’s evolving manufacturing sector and the challenges and opportunities she sees for the region looking forward.

Interested in learning more? Visit https://thenlea.com/calendar/regional-economic-outlook-2026/. Registration is open through October 28th.

Thank you to our sponsors: Huntington National Bank, PNC, Comfort Keepers Northern Lower Michigan, and Networks Northwest.

10/22/2026

Join the NLEA for an insightful discussion on what lays aheads for our economy in 2027. We'll also unveil the 2026 Fall Economic Pulse Report, an inside look at what business and community leaders say are impacting our region right now, as well as in the months ahead.

Learn more and register here: https://rb.gy/1l4ow1

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.

Huntington National Bank
Odawa Casino
Comfort Keepers
PNC Bank
Networks Northwest

10/21/2026

What does the NLEA do?

Our work with LM Marine Services is an excellent example of what the NLEA is all about. From helping with site selection, working with a (wonderful!) local unit of government, to finding funding to speed up getting a shovel in the ground, this case study is what we do for our region.

We remove the barriers to economic opportunity. The NLEA is your nonprofit economic development organization. Need some help? We're here for you.

Goal

10/20/2026

A sincere thank you to NLEA's Supporter Investors for their commitment to advancing Northern Michigan.

Your investment fuels the work that supports business growth, talent retention and attraction, and community prosperity across our region. We are proud to have you as partners in this important work.

Thank you to Awakon Federal Credit Union, Beaver Island Boat Company, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD, Charlevoix State Bank, Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Honor Bank, Fishbeck, Michigan State University Extension, Munson Healthcare, Link Industries, and Northeast Michigan Council of Governments.

10/19/2026

Your next project should start with us!

Before a shovel goes in the ground. Before you reach out to your local municipality. Before you look for funding options on your own. Reach out to the NLEA first. Our expert team can save your business or community so much time and effort and greatly increase your chances of success by getting us involved at the start of the process.

Get started by heading to our website and reaching out to someone on our team. Let's get to work - together.

thenlea.com

10/16/2026

A sincere thank you to NLEA's Advocate Investors for their commitment to advancing Northern Michigan.

Your investment fuels the work that supports business growth, talent retention and attraction, and community prosperity across our region. We are proud to have you as partners in this important work.

Thank you to 4Front Foundation, Ambient Recruiting, Burdco Incorporated, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Miller Canfield, Straits Area Federal Credit Union, North Central Michigan College, and Comfort Keepers.