Description

 Each fall, Traverse Connect presents the Economic Outlook 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, we are excited to expand this day to include networking, economic outlook discussions, a business showcase, and talent recruiting workshop.  
 

Quick Connect:
9:00 - 11:00 AM (reg. opens at 8:30)

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 attend with the purchase of an Economic Outlook Luncheon ticket.

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 have Quentin Messer, Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, 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 manufacturing and construction industry experts in addition to the Office of Rural Development Deputy Director, Sarah Lucas. Traverse Connect investors/members have the option to purchase reserved tables of eight for $500 or individual tickets for $40 each. Non-Investors/members can purchase individual tickets for $65. We are also honored to have Fifth Third Bank back as our Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon. 

Become a Northern Explorer!

Traverse Connect and Michigan's Creative Coast are pleased to invite 10 individuals from outside the Grand Traverse Region to attend the Annual Economic Summit as our 'Northern Explorers.' If you or someone you know is hoping to make the move to northern Michigan, apply to be a Northern Explorer at our Annual Economic Summit to meet with 550+ local business leaders, residents, and local northern Michiganders during a morning of networking, economic forecasting, and business development. Northern Explorers will receive a complimentary ticket and will be paired with two of our Michigan's Creative Coast ambassadors who will accompany them to the event. Apply to be a Northern Explorer here.
 

As MEDC CEO and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, Quentin is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and enhancing Michigan’s image and brand with a focus on building a strong and equitable economy for all Michiganders. His responsibilities include managing the administration of all programs, funds, personnel, contracts and other administrative functions of MEDC.

Quentin is a member of Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer’s cabinet and serves on the boards of the American Center for Mobility, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) and is a member of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.

He was named by Financial Times as a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100, Crain’s Detroit Business, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021), Biz New Orleans CEO of the Year (2020), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), by Consultants Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2020, 2019) and by Ebony Magazine for its Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018).

Immediately prior to joining MEDC, Quentin was President & CEO at the New Orleans Business Alliance which, under his leadership, became one of fewer than 80 accredited economic development organizations worldwide (AEDO). Quentin also previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Economic Development, (LED) Louisiana’s department of economic development.

Quentin is an alumnus of the Boston Consulting Group and O’Melveny & Myers LLP and a degree recipient from Princeton and Columbia Universities.



Learn More about our Economic Outlook Luncheon Panelists here.
 

Business Showcase & Buying a Table
9:00 AM - 11:45 PM
(Set up from 8:00 - Available for purchase until November 4th) 

In addition to the luncheon, we will also be including 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 and will replace our traditional Business Expo. 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 $450. 

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.

Would your business like to sponsor this event? Check out sponsorship opportunities here, or contact Molly MacGirr, Director of Events & Programs: molly.macgirr@traverseconnect.com