Welcome to Traverse Connect

Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region, which supports area businesses through a combination of business attraction and retention strategies, talent development efforts, and strategic coordination among partner agencies. Traverse Connect now serves the region as one organization supporting business growth and development, alongside partner organization Venture North Funding and Development.

Mission – Why We’re Here

To advance the economic vitality of the Grand Traverse Region through the growth of family-sustaining careers.

Vision – What We Plan to Accomplish

By 2030 the Grand Traverse Region will be a diversified economic destination of choice powered by growth-oriented enterprises providing competitive total compensation to match our world-class quality of life.

How We’re Going to Get There

Together with our investor businesses, regional partners, board, staff, and community we are embarking on a new strategic direction.

At its core, Traverse Connect will provide clear and transparent leadership to guide the economic development activity in the Grand Traverse Region. To lay the foundation for that work, Traverse Connect serves as the leader in these four areas:

1. Regional Economic Development Strategy
2. Business Growth and Expansion
3. Talent Retention and Attraction
4. Attracting Businesses to the Grand Traverse Region

Traverse Connect supports partner organizations to help them move forward and achieve goals set in our region’s shared economic development strategy:

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
2. Community Development
3. Infrastructure

Traverse Connect does not discriminate against an individual because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, or marital status.

“No single business can marshal the information, connections, and advocacy for our regional economy to thrive. Every day as business leaders focus on the specific needs of our organizations, Traverse Connect is a lean and effective champion for the sustainable growth of our region.” – Trey Devey, President of Interlochen Center for the Arts

“The team at Traverse Connect have been great partners during my time in office. They have provided helpful insight and strong advocacy in key policy areas like child care, affordable housing and talent development.” – Representative John Roth, Michigan State Representative

“I am a strong believer in the celebration of big changes, whether they occur in the context of personal or business matters. Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC is the only all women’s law firm in Traverse City. When we expanded our business, moving to a new and highly-visible location, we wanted to celebrate the event. The Traverse Connect group of eight Ambassadors made that happen! In addition to the ribbon-cutting and shared goodwill, we made new friends and business connections. The Ambassadors’ excitement for our firm’s “rite of passage” was overwhelming and palpable, matching our own! We had a blast getting to know one another, drinking coffee and sharing yummy Third Coast Bakery snacks. I strongly encourage Traverse Connect Members to take advantage of the Ambassador program. You will not be disappointed. We still talk about the event and kept our ribbon cutting as a reminder of our celebration with this fabulous group! Celebration of rites of passage matter — do it “right” with the Traverse Connect Ambassadors!” – Janis Adams, Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC

Traverse Connect offers a diverse array of development opportunities for you and your staff.

Traverse Connect offers investors exclusive opportunities to make professional and B2B connections through a wide-range of events.

• Coffee Connection: Hosted quarterly to make new connections with fellow Traverse Connect members, hear about Traverse Connect’s efforts to help you grow your business, and learn how to best use your benefits and maintain your account.
• Signature events:
  • Annual Celebration Gala
  • Northern Michigan Startup Week
  • Distinguished Service Award Luncheon
  • Traverse Connect Golf Outing
  • Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance’s Bully Pulpit
  • Annual Economic Summit and Economic Outlook Luncheon
  • Economic Strategy Sessions

Another benefit of joining Traverse Connect is government advocacy by our Director of Government Relations to improve the business environment locally, and in Lansing. Traverse Connect amplifies the voice of business through our partnership in the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 16 chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. The Alliance partnership works from the premise that many legislative issues impact the U.P. and northern Lower Peninsula in similar ways. Our coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.

Help Traverse Connect grow our network of investor businesses and we’ll help you save money! By referring a company through our Investor Referral Program, you are contributing to the vitality of our business community and to the continued success of your colleague’s business.