Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation (A Division of The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Chamber's Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is to serve communities and private sector businesses through the retention, expansion and attraction of business to the region. The Traverse Bay EDC provides services, collaboration and facilitation that promote the economy; creates and retains jobs that add to the tax base; and works to preserve our unique natural resources, making this region a better place to live, work, invest, play and raise a family.

Brief History

Created by the Chamber in 1989 as a four-county regional economic development program, the Traverse Bay EDC works closely with businesses in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties to promote the region's economy. The organization's roster of programs has expanded over the years to feature a range of economic services, including site location assistance, low-interest financing, business counseling, job training grants, permitting and tax abatement assistance. In 2007 alone, the Traverse Bay EDC's assistance to regional companies--including 100+ retention visits and contracts with each county's EDC--led to the retention of 591 jobs, the proposed creation of another 174 jobs, and a commitment of more than $62.5 million in private and public investments.

Goals

The Traverse Bay EDC focuses on three key strategic objectives: to proactively assist in the retention and creation of jobs by helping companies grow and expand their business in the region; to recruit new businesses to locate their operations to the region; and to proactively nurture entrepreneurship by providing business counseling services that help small businesses to grow and thrive in our area.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Chamber and Traverse Bay EDC offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for those interested in serving the community and bettering the economic future of our region. For more information on volunteering, contact the Chamber at 231-947-5075.

Fundraising Events

Through private sector investments, the Traverse Bay EDC is able to host a number of events and programs throughout the year that fulfill the organization's objectives and help generate funding for key initiatives. Significant events include the Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast, Annual EDC Meeting, Economic Summit, and regular business development and economic strategy events.

Biggest Need in 2009

In 2009, the Traverse Bay EDC will undertake an extensive "economic gardening" campaign to help established entrepreneurs move their companies beyond survival to profitability, reaching the next level of successful growth. Economic gardening programs have a high success rate and are pivotal in retaining existing community businesses, ensuring their long-term presence and helping to reduce poverty in the region. To support economic gardening and other important Traverse Bay EDC initiatives, please contact Senior Vice President of Economic Development Tino Breithaupt at 231-995-7106 or tino@tcchamber.org for donation information. Donations are tax deductible under federal law.