Regional Economic Symposium On Tap

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the region for its annual Economic Symposium on May 15, 2026, at Boyne Mountain Resort. The event is designed to spotlight the industries driving Northern Michigan’s economy and foster collaboration around future growth. The NLEA is a Boyne City-based nonprofit regional economic development organization.

This year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” centers on three core sectors—manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Organizers say the symposium aims to connect leaders across industries and highlight the innovation and resilience that define the region’s economic landscape.

The keynote address will be delivered by David Malpass, former president of the World Bank and a current professor at Purdue University Mitch Daniels School of Business. Malpass is expected to share perspectives on global economic trends and how they influence regional economies like northern Michigan.

The program also includes four breakout sessions. A manufacturing panel will explore how regional production continues to strengthen the local economy, with speakers including Mandy Chmura of Temprel, Jim Dunn of Dayton Lamina, and Joy Korte of Moran Iron Works. An agriculture-focused session will feature Jimmy Spencer of Pond Hill Farm, Bob Sherman of Burnette Foods, and Todd Peterson of Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery discussing the state of farming and food production in the region.

A construction panel will examine workforce and development challenges, with participation from Rocky Beydoun of Power Construction, Dan Brown of Burdco Incorporated, Ben Brower of Stillwater Custom Cabinetry, and Travis Lake of Kokosing. A fourth session, focused on business and community investment, will include East Jordan Mayor Melyssa Lindenthal and Travis Alden of SME.

The symposium will conclude with a policy discussion featuring members of the Northern Michigan Caucus, including State Representatives Parker Fairbairn, Cam Cavitt, and John Roth, along with Senator John Damoose.