Regional leaders from business, government and nonprofit sectors gathered May 15 at Boyne Mountain Resort to examine workforce and development pressures shaping Northern Michigan’s economy.
According to a community announcement, the sold‑out 2026 Economic Symposium, hosted by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, drew about 340 participants from across the region to discuss workforce shortages, attainable housing, childcare access, industry growth and collaboration across counties.
Workforce challenges top business concerns
Regional leaders explored collaboration and growth strategies during the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance’s 2026 Economic Symposium on May 15 at Boyne Mountain.
The symposium coincided with the release of the Spring 2026 Economic Pulse Report, a biannual survey of regional employers and government leaders that measures current economic conditions.
According to the report, staffing shortages, access to attainable housing and childcare availability were identified as the three most significant barriers to business growth. Employers experiencing workforce gaps estimated they could add a combined 321 positions over the next two years if a larger talent pool were available, according to the announcement.
“The conversations taking place at the Economic Symposium reflect both the challenges and the tremendous opportunities facing Northern Michigan,” Payton Heins, president and CEO of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), said in a statement. “Leaders across the region are looking for collaborative solutions that support long‑term economic growth and vibrant communities.”
The event’s keynote address was delivered by David Malpass, former president of the World Bank from 2019 to 2023 and a distinguished fellow at Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business. Malpass, who was raised in East Jordan and Petoskey, shared perspectives on global economic trends and their local implications.
Awards recognize regional impact
Several organizations were also recognized for contributions to Northern Michigan’s economic development.
Precision Hardwoods received the Innovative Financing Award for its approach to funding growth initiatives. Aster Brands was named Project of the Year, while the Guts and Grit Award honored Victories Square, Lofts at Lumber Square and The Block at Petoskey for advancing housing development efforts.
More: ‘It’s really starting to happen’: The Block at Petoskey apartments open
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Legislative discussion and industry sessions
The symposium concluded with a discussion featuring state Rep. Parker Fairbairn, state Rep. Cam Cavitt and state Sen. John Damoose. The panel focused on infrastructure investment, housing and childcare barriers, and support for small businesses.
Attendees also took part in four industry‑specific breakout sessions highlighting manufacturing, agriculture, construction and community development.
Talent attraction initiative launched
In a related workforce initiative, the NLEA announced the release of a Talent Attraction and Retention Video, designed to help employers recruit workers by highlighting career opportunities and quality‑of‑life benefits in Northern Michigan.
The video is available for businesses and community partners to share as part of recruitment and hiring efforts. It can be viewed at youtu.be/mtrtxp-xWCQ .
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Workforce and housing concerns dominate NLEA 2026 economic symposium
