News

Northwest Michigan Works! partners with Manthei to Register first Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in the Region

NORTHWEST LOWER, MI– Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Manthei Construction, has officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for skilled trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.  This innovative program will provide apprentices with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to meet industry needs and strengthen the skilled trades pipeline

Planning for a Greener Tomorrow: Counties Request Resident Insights

Networks Northwest, in partnership with counties across Northwest Lower Michigan, is developing comprehensive Materials Management Plans (MMPs) and is seeking resident input to help shape future policies and programs.  Antrim, Charlevoix, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties are currently engaged in planning processes designed to identify opportunities to reduce the amount of solid waste entering landfills. These efforts follow 2022 amendments to Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental

Munson Medical Center Granted $2.5 million by HRSA for Street Medicine Residency Expansion Project

Munson Medical Center Granted $2.5 million by HRSA for Street Medicine Residency Expansion ProjectFunding will help support medical outreach to the unhoused across four counties  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded a $2.5 million grant supporting a five-year project to enhance street medicine training to medical students enrolled in Munson Healthcare’s (MHC) Family Medicine Residency Program.One of only 24 such grants awarded nationwide, the funds will be used to launch the

Early Education Wage Initiative Aims to Strengthen Region’s Early Childhood Workforce

Hundreds of early educators in Northwest Michigan will soon get a bump in wages thanks to the Early Education Wage Initiative, which was launched Thursday, November 20th by the Northwest Regional Child Care Coalition, convened by Networks Northwest.  Beginning in January 2026, eligible early childhood educators will receive monthly stipends of $200 (part-time) or $300 (full-time) through August 2027. Based on current projections, Networks Northwest estimates being able to issue stipends to 189 full-time

CRYSTAL NEWS: New development, indoor golf, new mascot, and flex passes top the list of highlights for what’s new this winter at Crystal Mountain

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (October 30, 2025) – An exciting season of changes is in store at Crystal Mountain this winter. The resort is putting the next phase of development in motion, offering more flexible options for lift tickets, introducing winter golf, welcoming a new mascot, and overall, continuing to invest in winter. This season, guests will notice construction underway as the resort begins the initial stage of its North Village Project with a new Mountain Operations building. Expected to be completed

How Small Businesses Can Maintain Healthy Cash Flow for Long-Term Stability and Growth

Keeping your business’s cash flow steady is like keeping the heart of your company beating. When cash consistently flows in and out with control, owners can make decisions confidently, plan for expansion, and avoid unnecessary debt.    TL;DR Cash flow management is about timing — ensuring your business always has enough on hand to cover expenses while funding future opportunities. Focus on forecasting income, tracking expenses, invoicing consistently, and reinvesting wisely.    Why Cash Flow

Get rebates on past projects

Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour Coming to Crystal Mountain

Michigan Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour: July 17-24, 2025 Discover sustainable living practices on Michigan's first "Ecovillages and Intentional Communities Tour," running July 17-24, 2025. This free, eight-day event offers a unique opportunity to explore existing and developing ecovillages and intentional communities across Michigan, highlighting successful community-building and ecological innovations. Organized by Tom Stanton of Community Energy Solutions, LLC, the tour aims to showcase

Traverse City, MI Businesses: FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline is 01/01/2025! File Now to Avoid Possible Fines!

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote financial transparency and prevent illicit activities. As of today, November 27, 2024, Traverse City, Michigan, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face fines of $500 per day!    What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses