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X-WR-CALNAME:Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T080000
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CREATED:20251028
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512
PRIORITY:5
SEQUENCE:30
TRANSP:OPAQUE
SUMMARY:2026 Economic Symposium
DESCRIPTION:*The 2026 Economic Symposium is Sold Out*\nJoin us for the 2026 Economic Symposium on Friday, May 15th from 8 am – 2 pm at Boyne Mountain Resort. The theme for the 2026 Economic Symposium is “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” shining a spotlight on the industries that fuel our economy and shape our communities.\nSponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Wes Sovis ( wes@thenlea.com ) to learn more.\nREGISTER HERE →\n \nKeynote Speaker\n\nDavid Malpass ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrmalpass/ ) – President of World Bank 2019-2023, Distinguished Fellow at Purdue University’s School of Business, and graduate of East Jordan Elementary School  \n\nBreakout Sessions\n\nMade in Northern Michigan: How Regional Manufacturing Is Powering a Stronger Economy – This session brings together Northern Michigan manufacturers to share real-world insights on what’s working, where challenges persist, and what it will take to ensure long-term growth. Panelists will discuss workforce development, automation and technology adoption, supply chain dynamics, access to capital, infrastructure needs, and the realities of operating in a rural region.\n\nMandy Chmura – President, Temprel\nJim Dunn – General Manager, Dayton Lamina\nJoy Korte – Vice President of Operations, Moran Iron Works\nFred Powell – Veneer Department Manager, Manthei Wood Products\n\n\nGrown in Northern Michigan: State of the Agriculture Sector – Local farms provide more than scenic beauty; they generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue by selling their products globally as well as drawing customers locally. This session brings together regional agriculture leaders to share real-world insights on what’s working, where challenges persist, and what it will take to ensure long-term sustainability. Panelists will explore the trends in agricultural economics, tourism, labor force, and more to give attendees a deeper understanding of this integral sector.\n\nJimmy Spencer – Owner, Pond Hill Farm\nBob Sherman – Sales Manager, Burnette Foods\nTodd Peterson – Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery\nDr. Tim Boring – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development \n\n\nBuilt in Northern Michigan: Developing a Strong Construction Sector – Vibrant communities need a robust construction sector to support the residential, commercial, and industrial developments necessary for a healthy economy. This session brings together Northern Michigan construction leaders to share real-world insights on what’s working and where challenges persist. Panelists will discuss workforce development, chain dynamics, access to capital, infrastructure needs, and more.\n\nRocky Beydoun – Vice President, Power Construction\nDan Brown – Business Development Director, Burdco Incorporated\nBen Brower– President, Stillwater Custom Cabinetry\nTravis Lake – Project Manager at Kokosing\n\n\nOpen For Business: How Local Leaders Can Encourage Business and Community Investment – Across the region, local leaders are taking deliberate action to create a climate that welcomes investment, supports entrepreneurs, and removes barriers to growth. This panel of leaders will share practical examples of reforms they’ve implemented, lessons learned along the way, and how collaboration between government and the private sector can accelerate results.   \n\nMelyssa Lindenthal – Mayor, East Jordan\nTravis Alden – Client Relationships Leader, SME \nEmily Hackworth – City Manager, St. Joseph\nIsaac Hall – Development Associate at Great Lakes Capital\n\n\n\nClosing Panel: A Conversation with the Northern Michigan Caucus \nOur communities and businesses don’t operate in a vacuum; they operate within a policy environment that can either support or inhibit them. Join members of the Northern Michigan Caucus for a dynamic and candid conversation about the state decisions shaping the region’s economic future. This closing panel brings to you the legislators influencing policies around infrastructure, housing, taxes, regulatory reform, and other areas critical to economic resilience. Gain insight into what’s emerging from Lansing, how it impacts northern Michigan, and how regional leaders can work together to advance practical, forward-thinking solutions. \n\nRepresentative Parker Fairbairn ( https://gophouse.org/member/RepParkerFairbairn/about ), 107th District\nRepresentative Cam Cavitt ( https://gophouse.org/member/RepCamCavitt/about ), 106th District\nSenator John Damoose, 37th District\n\n \nThank You to Our Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor\n\nLunch Sponsor\n\nBreakfast Sponsor\n\nBeverage Sponsor\n\nAdditional Sponsors\n         \n       \n      \n\n\n
URL:https://thenlea.com/calendar/2026-economic-symposium/
LOCATION:1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thenlea.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Symposium-QGiv-Graphic-2.png
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