Development Spotlight: Petoskey Showcased Development Opportunities and Community Growth
More than 45 developers, community leaders, investors, business professionals, and economic development stakeholders gathered in Petoskey for Development Spotlight: Petoskey, a day-long event highlighting current and future development opportunities across the community.
Hosted by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), the event was designed to connect development professionals with local leaders, showcase investment opportunities, and provide firsthand insight into the projects helping shape Petoskey’s future. The program focused on housing, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial development opportunities, while highlighting the partnerships and community priorities driving growth throughout the region.
The morning program featured presentations from regional and local leaders who shared updates on economic trends, community development priorities, workforce challenges, and investment opportunities. Speakers included Dan Leonard of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Shane Horn of the City of Petoskey, Nikki Devitt of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Josh Manthei and Bryan Burns of Manthei Construction, Chelsea Platte of North Central Michigan College, and Jessica Lovay and Sam Bailey of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.
Presentations provided attendees with a deeper understanding of Petoskey’s economic landscape, available development resources, and the collaborative efforts underway to support redevelopment and strategic investment in Northern Michigan.
The afternoon portion of the event gave attendees an opportunity to experience those opportunities firsthand through a guided bus and walking tour of development sites throughout the community. Stops included Pine Pond Homes, Lofts at Lumber Square, Leo’s Tavern redevelopment, and several additional sites representing future redevelopment, housing, and commercial investment opportunities.
The tour highlighted both recent successes and potential future projects, demonstrating how strategic investments can help address housing needs, revitalize underutilized properties, strengthen downtown districts, and support long-term economic growth.
“Development Spotlight is about helping people see the possibilities behind the projects and properties that are shaping our communities,” said Jessica Lovay, Senior Program Manager for Community Investment at the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “When developers, local leaders, and community partners come together to share ideas and build relationships, it creates momentum for projects that strengthen our economy, expand housing opportunities, and enhance quality of life. We were excited to showcase the progress happening in Petoskey and the opportunities that still lie ahead.”
Development Spotlight is part of the NLEA’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth, encourage investment, and connect communities with the resources and partnerships needed to advance transformational development projects across Northern Michigan.
Event Sponsors
Development Spotlight: Petoskey was made possible through the support of Consumers Energy, Networks Northwest, the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, Miller Canfield, and Honor Bank.
