The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) has released its inaugural “Economic Pulse Report,” offering a detailed snapshot of economic conditions in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties in Northern Michigan. Compiled as part of a joint effort between MSU Extension and NLEA, the report combines publicly available data with insights from community surveys, capturing responses from 235 local businesses. Key findings include significant economic impacts from the April ice storm, with businesses reporting $6.4 million in lost revenue and 66% forced to close for four or more days. Additionally, business leaders identified staffing (70%) and workforce housing (64%) as their top challenges, followed by regulatory hurdles (30%). Despite these challenges, 42% of respondents expressed plans for physical expansion within the region over the next four years. The report will now be published biannually to serve as a resource for local leaders.
— new from Michigan State University
