Traverse Connect conducted its second quarter Business Growth Barometer Survey of investor and member businesses, aimed at providing a snapshot of our regional business sentiment, outlook, and current challenges. Quarterly surveys inform the organization’s strategic priorities and help it respond to the needs of the business community.
Ninety-seven percent of respondents agree that the Grand Traverse region is a good place to grow their business, with 87% in agreement that the region is improving as a place to grow their business; both measurements remained virtually unchanged from the first quarter of 2025. As the summer tourism season ramped up in mid-June, 41% of respondents cited finding and hiring talent as their primary barrier to growth, a significant increase from the first quarter. Traverse Connect and other economic development partners in Northwest Michigan are working on talent attraction and retention strategies in 2025.
Traverse Connect’s accomplishments for the second quarter of 2025 are summarized on the second page, with advancement on a diverse set of strategic initiatives focused on economic development, employer benefits, and advocacy. The third page of the update offers a preview of Traverse Connect and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance events in the third quarter.
Read the full report by clicking the image below:
