A thriving community economy is much like a natural ecosystem, where businesses, skilled people, and local organizations all support one another.

In Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse region, success starts with industry clusters—groups of related companies in areas such as BlueTech, advanced drones for commercial use, and outdoor recreation technologies.

Attracting talent is vital, with programs like Northern Explorers drawing skilled professionals by showcasing both career opportunities and the area’s remarkable quality of life.

Partnership between governments, nonprofits like Traverse Connect, and private businesses forms a foundation that encourages growth and innovation.

Exciting projects—like drones aiding rescue missions and clean-energy boats—demonstrate regional innovation.

Entrepreneurs, supported by groups such as 20Fathoms, turn new ideas into thriving ventures.

Together, these strategies help create a vibrant and resilient local economy built for long-term opportunity and community wellbeing.

🥗 Roasted Delicata Squash & Pomegranate Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

Why it Works:
This salad brings together the sweetness of roasted delicata squash, the tart crunch of pomegranate seeds, and the richness of toasted pecans — all layered on a bed of peppery arugula. It's a celebration of fall textures and colors, light yet satisfying.

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 medium delicata squash, sliced into rings or half-moons (no need to peel)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper, to taste
  
  

• 4 cups fresh arugula
  
  

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  
  

• ⅓ cup toasted pecans (or walnuts)
  
  

• ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
  
  

• Optional: shaved parmesan or vegan cheese for garnish
  
  

🥄 Maple-Dijon Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  
  

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  
  

• Pinch of salt
  
  

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Roast the Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and tender.
   
   

2. Make the Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
   
   

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter, layer arugula, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, red onion, and toasted pecans.
   
   

4. Dress & Serve: Drizzle with dressing just before serving. Add optional cheese if desired.

Traverse City residents honor the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, reflecting on the day that deeply moved their community in 1963.

Back then, families gathered for comfort, local businesses paused, and churches opened doors, revealing a spirit of unity that still endures.

Today, Traverse City’s strength shines through ambitious planning and community focus.

A new Strategic Action Plan, shaped by broad local input, aims to guide growth and inclusivity through 2035.

Major infrastructure investments — over $9 million for water systems and $5 million for roads — ensure lasting improvements and safety.

Focused housing initiatives, with $730,000 for new projects and $360,000 for supportive homes at East Bay Flats, demonstrate care for all residents.

Traverse City’s commitment to unity and progress continues to define it as a resilient Northern Michigan community.

Quote Of The Day

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

WTCM began Traverse City’s radio legacy in 1941, launching with just 250 watts and quickly becoming a local touchstone for news and entertainment.

Founded by Les Biederman and his team, the station’s roots helped shape the area’s vibrant media scene.

The city’s radio landscape expanded in 1965 when WTCM-FM debuted with country music, deepening its cultural ties.

By 1971, the addition of WKLA-FM (now WJML) diversified the airwaves even further.

Community-focused stations like WNMC-FM have given local voices a powerful platform since 1967.

Major changes arrived recently: Midwestern Broadcasting acquired WKLT in 2019, and in 2023, WJZQ rebranded as "Z93" with a hot adult contemporary format.

Technological upgrades, such as WWTV’s enhanced studio in 2025, reflect the region’s commitment to growth and innovation.

Traverse City’s radio stations continue to connect, inform, and define northern Michigan’s unique identity.

Secret Little Hack

Include a personalized call-to-action or special offer in each newsletter to encourage readers to engage with your business.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, set a national example of purposeful leadership.

In Traverse City, this spirit thrives in the actions and values of its people.

Farmers tend the land with care, teachers guide students with dedication, and small businesses keep rich traditions alive.

Volunteers organize the National Cherry Festival, fueling local pride and unity.

The community’s shared purpose is visible from shoreline preservation to support for family-run stores and the local arts scene.

Events like the Traverse City Mural Festival and Grand Traverse Bay Arts and Crafts Show highlight this commitment to culture.

Lincoln’s legacy lives on here, where intention matters, promises stand firm, and decisions are made with a vision for collective strength.

Each season, Traverse City adapts and improves, proving that unity and clear purpose make lasting impacts.

Interesting Facts

The spirit of adventure once sparked by the first American roller coaster in 1884 lives on in Traverse City, where engineered joy and natural wonder seamlessly come together.

Residents and visitors alike find excitement strolling along the Boardman River or exploring Front Street, a lively stretch filled with local shops and eateries that embody the city’s distinct character.

Nearby orchards and wineries provide a scenic, agricultural backdrop that shapes the region’s celebrated flavors.

Each summer, the National Cherry Festival becomes the city’s heartbeat, filling June 28 to July 5, 2025, with parades, air shows, and cherry pit-spitting contests—all set beside the sparkling West Grand Traverse Bay.

Outdoor enthusiasts savor sailing, paddleboarding, and scenic walks along the waterfront, immersing themselves in a landscape that feels both vibrant and intentional.

Traverse City masterfully crafts joy, ensuring every day is a celebration of community, nature, and pure delight.

Secret Little Hack

Use personalized subject lines that grab the reader's attention and make them more likely to open the newsletter.

In the heart of Michigan, Traverse City stands out for its deep commitment to sustainability, weaving eco-conscious choices into everyday routines.

Locals are often seen with reusable mugs at their favorite cafés, minimizing waste and setting a standard for mindful living.

At area schools, students lead eco-friendly projects that spark creativity while building environmental responsibility.

Farmers transform composted coffee grounds into nutrient-rich soil, closing the loop between local businesses and agriculture.

The bay community blends cherished traditions with sustainable practices, underlining a shared respect for the land.

Reusable containers and locally sourced goods emphasize stewardship and Michigan pride.

On National Coffee Day, Traverse City’s everyday habits—including savoring coffee—embody a profound bond with nature and a vision for a greener tomorrow.

Tip of The Day

Explore the hidden gems of your community by asking locals for their favorite spots and sharing them in your newsletter!