Northern Michigan — The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is proud to announce that David Malpass, former President of the World Bank, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Economic Symposium, taking place May 15 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Boyne Mountain Resort. 

Tickets are now on sale for both individual attendees and full table reservations, offering businesses, organizations, and community leaders an opportunity to engage in one of Northern Michigan’s premier economic events. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss and influence economic growth, while networking with fellow private and public sector leaders from around the region.  

Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Malpass is excited to bring his global expertise home to support the region’s continued economic growth and resilience. 

A globally recognized leader in international finance and economic policy, Malpass brings decades of experience across government, global institutions, and the private sector. He currently serves as Distinguished Fellow in International Finance with Purdue University, based in Indiana and Washington, D.C. 

Malpass led the World Bank from 2019 to 2023, guiding the institution through unprecedented global challenges, including pandemic response and economic recovery efforts worldwide. Prior to that role, he served as U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for International Affairs from 2017 to 2019. His career also includes 24 years as a leading Wall Street economist and columnist with Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. 

“Having a leader of David’s caliber join us underscores the significance of this year’s Symposium,” said Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager. “His perspective on global markets, economic development, and long-term growth will provide valuable insight for businesses, policymakers, and community leaders across our region.” 

This year’s theme of the Economic Symposium is “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” highlighting the foundational industries that power the region’s prosperity while exploring strategies for sustainable growth in a changing global economy. 

To purchase tickets or reserve a full table, visit https://thenlea.com/calendar/2026-economic-symposium/ 

ELK RAPIDS, MI — February 18, 2026 — The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) hosted its first Catalyst Conversations event of 2026 on February 18 at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, bringing regional leaders together for a focused discussion on the evolving agricultural landscape in northern Michigan. 

Agriculture remains one of the region’s most significant economic drivers, with more than 1,200 farms producing over $78.9 million in agricultural products across the NLEA’s service area. Antrim County alone generates more than half of that value for the region, underscoring the importance of this industry to local communities and businesses. The event highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term planning. 

The program featured insights from a diverse panel of agricultural industry leaders. Greg Shooks, owner of Cellar 1914 and Shooks Farms in Central Lake, shared how his family’s operation has transformed over four generations and offered his outlook on the region’s agricultural future. Dr. Jaime Luke, Assistant Professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, examined statewide and national industry trends and the shifting agricultural business climate. Ted Sherman, Operations Manager at Burnette Foods in Elk Rapids and East Jordan, discussed developments in food processing and how his family’s 60-year-old business continues to adapt and grow. Patrick McGuire, owner of Royal Farm and a first-generation farmer in Ellsworth, spoke to the evolution of his business model and provided perspective from his role on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors. NLEA Strategic Initiatives Manager Sam Bailey framed the regional trends shaping the sector and moderated the panel discussion. 

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MSU Extension, Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, and Michigan Farm Bureau were also in attendance to connect with participants about resources available to support Michigan’s agricultural industry. 

“Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Northern Michigan, contributing through crop production, food processing, tourism and related industries. It helps stabilize rural communities where other industries are limited and gives identity to the region,” said Greg Shooks. 

Catalyst Conversations is an ongoing NLEA event series designed to convene industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders around key economic sectors shaping the future of northern Michigan. This event was made possible, in part, with support from Networks Northwest and the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce.   

Cheboygan, MI – January 28, 2026 — Local entrepreneurs and business leaders gathered in Cheboygan for a small business training and networking workshop designed to help owners access financing opportunities to support growth, expansion, and long-term sustainability.  

Hosted by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) with guest, Venture North, the event addressed the challenges business owners face when navigating funding options beyond earned revenue—particularly during periods of expansion or seasonal fluctuations. 

The workshop provided attendees with an overview of available financing tools and regional support resources, including alternative low-interest loan programs and business grant opportunities. Participants also learned how to identify and locate property for business ventures, explored tax abatement opportunities for commercial and industrial development, and were introduced to additional partner organizations that can support entrepreneurs at various stages of business growth. 

The session combined educational presentations with networking opportunities, allowing business owners to connect directly with resource providers and fellow entrepreneurs while gaining practical insights tailored to real-world business needs. 

“By bringing together trusted regional partners and financial experts, this event reinforced that business owners don’t have to navigate funding challenges alone. Access to capital, technical assistance, and community support is essential to building strong local businesses and a resilient regional economy,” said Dave Kronberg, Director of Business Growth for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.  

By bringing together regional expertise and financing resources in one setting, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to funding access and empower business owners with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. 

Bay Harbor, MI – November 7, 2025 – The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted community and business leaders from across Northern Michigan for the Regional Business Outlook on Thursday, November 6, exploring key economic trends impacting the region. 

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders representing a cross-section of industries, including manufacturing, construction, finance, landscaping design and service, and agriculture. Panelists shared their perspectives on barriers to growth ranging from local lack of workforce housing to state policy. They also shared the outlook for their industry and strategies they see to drive more sustainable business growth in the year ahead. 

Panelists included Scott Philp, President & CEO of Landscape Logic; Juliette King-McAvoy, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at King Orchards; Jake Manthei, President of Aster Brands; Bill Marshall, Commercial Relationships Manager at Huntington Bank; and Serenity Dankert, Managing Principal of Ironwood Construction Company. The discussion was moderated by Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager for the NLEA. 

“Doing business here, despite significant state and local regulatory and demographic headwinds, is an act of purpose. It shapes the trajectory of families for generations,” Jake Manthei stated, “That’s why the NLEA matters. Every dollar invested, every entrepreneur supported, every company grown becomes a lasting force for good in Northern Michigan.” 

At the event, the NLEA also released its latest Economic Pulse Report and shared key insights from the regional survey effort with business and community leaders. The bi-annual report from NLEA provides a snapshot of the regional economy, major development projects, and key indicators shaping business confidence. 

Survey respondents represented more than 3,450 employees across diverse industries as well as local governments across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. When identifying barriers to growth, 81% of business leaders and 56% of government leaders pointed to lack of attainable housing. Staffing shortages were also pointed to as a persistent challenge, with 63% of business leaders indicating it as a top barrier to growth. Responding businesses estimated they could hire 330 additional workers and generate $185 million in additional revenue within two years without existing workforce limitations. 

“The Economic Pulse Report provides a critical, up-to-date snapshot of the regional economy. The NLEA generates this insightful data to inform business and community leaders and better equip the NLEA and our partners to deliver effective strategies and solutions,” Sam Bailey. To read the full report, visit https://thenlea.com/reports/. 

EAST JORDAN, MI — Friday, October 24th, 2025 – The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) hosted its Development Spotlight: East Jordan event, bringing together community leaders, developers, and other industry experts to learn about East Jordan’s community and economic development efforts.  

The event featured presentations from Jessica Lovay, Sr. Program Manager for Community Investment, and Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager, both with NLEA; Tom Cannon, City Manager for East Jordan; Mary Faculak, President and CEO of the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce; and Josh Manthei, Managing Member and Bryan Burns, Vice President from Manthei Construction, who shared insights on development and construction activity in northern Michigan.   

Attendees learned about recent investments in downtown East Jordan and the East Jordan Air Industrial Park, funding opportunities for development, and local and regional demographic and development trends. Charlevoix County has seen recent growth in its prime-age population, 1.6%, a positive shift in population trends for the area. Participants also joined a guided bus tour showcasing housing, commercial, and industrial development opportunities across the area. The event concluded with a walking tour of East Jordan’s commercial district, where participants viewed recent and upcoming redevelopment projects—including the Joining Jordan project. 

“This event showcased the forward-thinking efforts by community leaders in East Jordan and the opportunity that exists to redevelop vacant, underutilized sites for an even more vibrant future,” said Payton Heins, President and CEO of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “The NLEA is proud to support our local partners and help facilitate conversations that move northern Michigan forward.” 

Development Spotlight was designed to connect industry experts and community leaders around development opportunities that respond to community priorities and foster long-term prosperity.