Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Releases 2025 Impact Report Highlighting Regional Economic Growth
Northern Michigan — The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of progress supporting business growth, workforce attraction, and economic opportunities across Northern Michigan.
The report outlines the organization’s work in aiding business growth, supporting workforce housing initiatives, strengthening regional infrastructure, and connecting leaders with the data and partnerships needed to make informed decisions about the region’s future.
“Economic growth doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Payton Heins, NLEA President and CEO. “It takes collaboration between businesses, communities, and regional partners to create the conditions for long-term success. This report reflects what we can accomplish together when we invest in Northern Michigan’s future.”
The 2025 Impact Report highlights the organization’s work across four key focus areas, all advancing priorities outlined in NLEA’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan:
- Business Growth: Supporting business leaders by reducing barriers to expansion and helping create family-supporting jobs across the region.
- Infrastructure & Development: Advancing efforts related to workforce housing, infrastructure expansion, and industrial site development to meet growing demand.
- Talent Retention & Attraction: Promoting career opportunities and regional quality of life to help attract and retain skilled workers and families.
- Education & Policy: Providing data, insights, and connections that support effective local, state, and federal policy decisions.
Through these efforts, NLEA continues to support the development of a strong, resilient year-round economy in Northern Michigan.
The organization’s work is made possible through the support of corporate investors, partners, and community stakeholders who collaborate to strengthen the region’s economic future.
The full 2025 Impact Report is now available and provides an inside look at the projects, partnerships, and progress shaping Northern Michigan’s economy.
To view the report, visit Reports | Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.
