Description

2025 Annual Economic Summit 

 Each fall, Traverse Connect presents the Annual Economic Summit to highlight trends, speak to issues affecting the economy, and garner wisdom from economic experts to look ahead at the emerging business climate.This year, the conversation will be focused on growing and scaling diverse businesses across Northern Michigan and the outlook for our region. We are excited to expand this day to include networking, economic outlook discussions, and business showcase.
 

Quick Connect & Showcase Tables:
(9:30 AM - 11:00 AM)

Start the day connecting and networking with businesses across the Grand Traverse region! Quick Connect is incorporating intentional B2B networking, encouraging movement over the course of two hours. Make new connections with business and community leaders to help build your network. This event is free to attend with the purchase of an Economic Outlook Luncheon ticket.

We have a Business Showcase in the exhibition hall leading into the Economic Outlook Luncheon. Open exclusively to Economic Outlook Summit attendees, the Business Showcase will highlight 20 businesses. The Business Showcase will be a great opportunity for businesses within the Grand Traverse Region to highlight who they are and what they do. Booths for the Business Showcase are open to Traverse Connect Investors/Members only for $500. 

The showcase includes one six-foot table with black drape, two chairs, and two tickets to attend our Economic Outlook Luncheon. Please note, these tickets may not be applied to a table purchase.
 

Economic Outlook Luncheon:
(11:45 AM - 1:30 PM)

Our traditional longstanding program is back by popular demand, bigger and better than ever! We are very excited to welcome Jeff Guilfoyle, Senior Strategist with Public Sector Consultants, to provide economic insight from a national and state level.

We will also have a panel discussion to focus more specifically on the Grand Traverse region, featuring panelists from leading regional employers. 

Traverse Connect investors/members can purchase reserved tables of eight for $550 or individual tickets for $65 each. Non-investors/members can purchase individual tickets for $85.

We are also honored to have Fifth Third Bank back as our Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon. 


Lodging Accommodations:

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa will be offering a loading discount for attendees. Please check back at a later date for the code. 

Traverse Connect and Michigan's Creative Coast are pleased to invite 10 individuals from outside the Grand Traverse Region for a long weekend of creating personal and professional connections to help you make the move! 

If you or someone you know is hoping to make the move to northern Michigan, apply to be a Northern Explorer to meet with 550+ local business leaders, residents, and local northern Michiganders. Northern Explorers will receive a complimentary ticket and will be paired with one of our Michigan's Creative Coast ambassadors who will accompany them to the event. APPLY HERE by Friday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Jeff Guilfoyle is a senior strategist at Public Sector Consultants. With more than 25 years of experience, Jeff is a recognized expert in a wide range of policy areas, including tax policy, economic development, school finance, the state budget, and initiatives to improve outcomes for young children. Jeff is a leading voice and frequent presenter on the national and state economies. He has rejoined PSC after serving as chief deputy Treasurer for the Michigan Department of Treasury. 

Jeff has a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MA and PhD in Economics from Michigan State University. 
 

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Check out sponsorship opportunities HERE, or contact Molly MacGirr, Director of Events & Programs: molly.macgirr@traverseconnect.com