Press Room
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) serves units of governments, businesses, non-profits, community organizations, and is the administrator of Northwest Michigan Works! programs including the five Service Centers in Northwest Lower Michigan.
Here are recent media releases issued by NWMCOG.
Mar 26
Cadillac Culvert Wins Best Small Business Award
Cadillac Culvert has been selected to receive the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Best Small Business Award. Cadillac Culvert was one 12 Best Small Business Award recipients selected from over 13,000 small businesses that received MI-SBTDC counseling and training in 2012.
Cadillac Culvert has been selected to receive the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Best Small Business Award. Cadillac Culvert was one 12 Best Small Business Award recipients selected from over 13,000 small businesses that received MI-SBTDC counseling and training in 2012.
Mar 25
Zonta Grant Helps Northwest Michigan Works! Provide Gas Cards to Job Seeking Moms
A $1500 grant from the Zonta Club of Traverse City is making it possible for Northwest Michigan Works! to provide gas cards to help low income moms get to interviews and new jobs.
A $1500 grant from the Zonta Club of Traverse City is making it possible for Northwest Michigan Works! to provide gas cards to help low income moms get to interviews and new jobs.
Mar 25
IT Career Fair - Northwest Michigan Works!
Northwest Michigan Works! is hosting an Information Technology (IT) Career Fair Tuesday, April 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The career fair will feature Information Technology positions with local employers along with information and resources for people considering IT careers.
Northwest Michigan Works! is hosting an Information Technology (IT) Career Fair Tuesday, April 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The career fair will feature Information Technology positions with local employers along with information and resources for people considering IT careers.
Mar 25
New Guidebook Helps Communities Support Farm and Food Businesses
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments is pleased to announce the release of a guidebook that communities statewide can use to recognize and support farm and food business collaboration and innovation.
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments is pleased to announce the release of a guidebook that communities statewide can use to recognize and support farm and food business collaboration and innovation.
Mar 06
Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed Orientation Session March 21 in Manistee
A special limited time program can help pay the job training costs for northern Michigan residents who have been out of work for an extended period of time. On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Manistee Michigan Works! Service Center.
A special limited time program can help pay the job training costs for northern Michigan residents who have been out of work for an extended period of time. On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Manistee Michigan Works! Service Center.
Mar 05
Machining Training Available to Help Workers Prepare for High-Demand Jobs
A "Just in Time" training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) will give people an opportunity to receive training in the fundamentals of machine operation, a technical skill in high demand by local employers.
A "Just in Time" training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) will give people an opportunity to receive training in the fundamentals of machine operation, a technical skill in high demand by local employers.
Mar 04
Employer Training Council Hosts Contractor and Worker Classification Workshop
The Employer Training Council (ETC) is hosting a Contractor and Worker Classifications workshop Tuesday, March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The workshop will focus on developing policies and best practices for classifications and exemptions for your contractors and workers.
The Employer Training Council (ETC) is hosting a Contractor and Worker Classifications workshop Tuesday, March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The workshop will focus on developing policies and best practices for classifications and exemptions for your contractors and workers.
Feb 28
Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed Orientation Session March 12 in Petoskey
On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG). An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held March 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Petoskey Michigan Works! Service Center located at 2225 Summit Park Drive.
On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG). An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held March 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Petoskey Michigan Works! Service Center located at 2225 Summit Park Drive.
Feb 21
YouthBuild Schedules Open House to Showcase Student Projects
The Petoskey site of YouthBuild Northwest is holding an open house to give the community an opportunity to meet the students and see some of the projects they have been working on. The open house will be held Tuesday, March 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the YouthBuild office located at 1601 Standish Avenue in Petoskey.
The Petoskey site of YouthBuild Northwest is holding an open house to give the community an opportunity to meet the students and see some of the projects they have been working on. The open house will be held Tuesday, March 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the YouthBuild office located at 1601 Standish Avenue in Petoskey.
Feb 19
Business Owners Complete Business Plan Training in Traverse City
Julie Hay, the owner of Red Fox Gardens flower farm in Elk Rapids, says it's both terrifying and exciting to start a small business. Hay says she learned a lot about starting a business by taking the "Venture Plan: Six Week Business Plan" class, offered by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.
Julie Hay, the owner of Red Fox Gardens flower farm in Elk Rapids, says it's both terrifying and exciting to start a small business. Hay says she learned a lot about starting a business by taking the "Venture Plan: Six Week Business Plan" class, offered by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.
Feb 19
Class in Petoskey Teaches Business Owners How to Develop a Business Plan
The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), a program of Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, is offering a class in Petoskey to teach business owners how to develop a business plan.
The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), a program of Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, is offering a class in Petoskey to teach business owners how to develop a business plan.
Feb 11
Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed Orientation Session February 26 in Cadillac
On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG). An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Cadillac Michigan Works! Service Center.
On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG). An informational orientation session about the On-the-Job Training program will be held February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Cadillac Michigan Works! Service Center.
Jan 28
Poverty Reduction Initiative Super Saturday Special
Aiming for Financial Security will be the focus of a Super Saturday Special hosted by theTraverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) February 9 in Traverse City.
Aiming for Financial Security will be the focus of a Super Saturday Special hosted by theTraverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) February 9 in Traverse City.
Jan 18
Auto and Diesel Technicians Night in Traverse City
Auto and diesel technicians and people interested in entering that field will have an opportunity to talk shop with other techs and see the latest technologies at an Auto and Diesel Technicians Night in Traverse City.
Auto and diesel technicians and people interested in entering that field will have an opportunity to talk shop with other techs and see the latest technologies at an Auto and Diesel Technicians Night in Traverse City.
Jan 07
Public Input Session: Updating the Kalkaska County Recreation Plan
The Kalkaska County Parks and Recreation Committee invites all community members to attend a public input session to help with the updating of the county’s Recreation Plan.
The Kalkaska County Parks and Recreation Committee invites all community members to attend a public input session to help with the updating of the county’s Recreation Plan.
Dec 12
YouthBuild Program Receives $4,000 Grant to Build Shed for Fundraising Project
A shed built by students at the Petoskey site of YouthBuild Northwest is being sold to raise money for the YouthBuild program. The shed is the first of two building projects funded by a $4,000 grant from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
A shed built by students at the Petoskey site of YouthBuild Northwest is being sold to raise money for the YouthBuild program. The shed is the first of two building projects funded by a $4,000 grant from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
Dec 11
State Trade Missions Helping Northern Michigan Companies Expand Globally
The owners of Baabaazuzu in Lake Leelanau were part of a group of six Michigan businesses to join Governor Rick Snyder on a trade mission to Canada. Sue and Kevin Burns say they're already selling some of their unique wool clothing and accessories in Canada and hope the trade mission will help them expand their business there.
The owners of Baabaazuzu in Lake Leelanau were part of a group of six Michigan businesses to join Governor Rick Snyder on a trade mission to Canada. Sue and Kevin Burns say they're already selling some of their unique wool clothing and accessories in Canada and hope the trade mission will help them expand their business there.
Dec 06
Regional Data Updated in Benchmarks Northwest
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has updated a citizen and policy makers' guide to assess and monitor issues in the region. Benchmarks Northwest provides easy access to nearly four hundred indicators related to quality of life in northwest lower Michigan.
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has updated a citizen and policy makers' guide to assess and monitor issues in the region. Benchmarks Northwest provides easy access to nearly four hundred indicators related to quality of life in northwest lower Michigan.
Dec 06
Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed
A special limited time program will help pay the job training costs for some northern Michigan residents who have been out of work for an extended period of time. On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
A special limited time program will help pay the job training costs for some northern Michigan residents who have been out of work for an extended period of time. On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
Nov 29
Machining Students Available for Hire After Completing New "Just In Time" Training
Thirteen adult students will graduate on December 6 from a "Just in Time" Basic Machining Training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and delivered by North Central Michigan College.
Thirteen adult students will graduate on December 6 from a "Just in Time" Basic Machining Training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and delivered by North Central Michigan College.
Nov 29
Council of Governments Receives $200,000 Grant for Regional Food Hub
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has received a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to support the development of a regional food hub in Traverse City.
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has received a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to support the development of a regional food hub in Traverse City.
Nov 05
New Comprehensive Permitting and Zoning Guides Now Available for Northwest Michigan
Volume 2 of the Northwest Michigan County Permitting and Zoning Guides are now available to the public online at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments online.
Volume 2 of the Northwest Michigan County Permitting and Zoning Guides are now available to the public online at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments online.
Oct 29
Kalkaska County Asking For Input on Recreation Plan
Kalkaska County is looking for public input to help update the county's Parks and Recreation Plan. The new Recreation Plan will review existing recreation facilities, discuss community-identified recreation needs, and make recommendations for future recreation improvements and activities.
Kalkaska County is looking for public input to help update the county's Parks and Recreation Plan. The new Recreation Plan will review existing recreation facilities, discuss community-identified recreation needs, and make recommendations for future recreation improvements and activities.
Oct 15
Grants Awarded to Communities Supporting The Grand Vision
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments announced this year’s recipients of New Designs for Growth: Community Growth Grants at a series of Grand Vision Community Action Updates held in each of the six Grand Vision counties during the first two weeks of October.
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments announced this year’s recipients of New Designs for Growth: Community Growth Grants at a series of Grand Vision Community Action Updates held in each of the six Grand Vision counties during the first two weeks of October.
Oct 10
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Receives National Award for Placemaking Guidebook
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation for the Northern Michigan Community Placemaking Guidebook.
The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation for the Northern Michigan Community Placemaking Guidebook.
Oct 05
Mesick Master Plan and Recreation Plan Available for Public Comment
A draft Master Plan for the Village of Mesick is now available for public comment. The new master plan will serve as a guide for local land use, economic development, and other community decisions.
A draft Master Plan for the Village of Mesick is now available for public comment. The new master plan will serve as a guide for local land use, economic development, and other community decisions.
Oct 04
TC-TALUS Supports Proposal to Use Park Property for Division Street Improvements
The Traverse City Area Transportation And Land Use Study (TC-TALUS) Board of Directors has voted to support a Traverse City ballot proposal that would allow city park property to be used for improvements to Division Street.
The Traverse City Area Transportation And Land Use Study (TC-TALUS) Board of Directors has voted to support a Traverse City ballot proposal that would allow city park property to be used for improvements to Division Street.
Sep 04
Machining Training Available to Help Workers Prepare for High-Demand Jobs
A "just-in-time" training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) will give people an opportunity to receive training in the fundamentals of machine operation, a technical skill in high demand by local employers.
A "just-in-time" training program organized by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) will give people an opportunity to receive training in the fundamentals of machine operation, a technical skill in high demand by local employers.
Aug 20
Business Training for Entrepreneurs Available at a Reduced Rate, Orientations September 6 or 13
Entrepreneurs can evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning their own business at a special 10-week training program in Traverse City. The FastTrac® NewVenture™ training is being offered by the Northwest Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Entrepreneurs can evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning their own business at a special 10-week training program in Traverse City. The FastTrac® NewVenture™ training is being offered by the Northwest Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Aug 01
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Receives $1.62 Million
The Federal Department of Transportation 2012 Public Lands Highway Discretionary (PLHD) program has awarded $1.62 million for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT). The PLHD funds will be used to construct 3.17 miles of the trail starting at Port Oneida Road and ending at Leelanau County Road 669/Bohemian Road.
The Federal Department of Transportation 2012 Public Lands Highway Discretionary (PLHD) program has awarded $1.62 million for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT). The PLHD funds will be used to construct 3.17 miles of the trail starting at Port Oneida Road and ending at Leelanau County Road 669/Bohemian Road.
Jul 23
Micro-Grants Available to Help Communities With Their Placemaking Efforts
Grants available through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments will give local units of government in four northwest lower Michigan counties an opportunity to support their communities' Placemaking goals.
Grants available through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments will give local units of government in four northwest lower Michigan counties an opportunity to support their communities' Placemaking goals.
Jul 23
Community Growth Grants Available to Support Grand Vision Principles
Grants available through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments will give local units of government in northwest lower Michigan an opportunity to support the principles of The Grand Vision.
Grants available through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments will give local units of government in northwest lower Michigan an opportunity to support the principles of The Grand Vision.
Jul 17
Free Business Start-up Workshops Available in Cadillac
Business Start-up Workshops in Cadillac will help people decide if they are ready to open and operate a business. The same workshop will be offered twice, July 26 and August 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Michigan Works! Service Center located at 401 North Lake Street. The workshops are provided by the Northwest Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), which recently merged with the Business Training Alliance.
Business Start-up Workshops in Cadillac will help people decide if they are ready to open and operate a business. The same workshop will be offered twice, July 26 and August 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Michigan Works! Service Center located at 401 North Lake Street. The workshops are provided by the Northwest Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), which recently merged with the Business Training Alliance.
Jul 16
YouthBuild Program Recruiting New Participants in Petoskey Area
YouthBuild Northwest is recruiting for its next class in Petoskey, which is planned to begin in early September. Anyone interested in learning more about YouthBuild can attend any of three information sessions scheduled for July 30 at 10 a.m., August 7 at 6 p.m., or August 9 at 1 p.m. All of the information sessions will be held at the Petoskey YouthBuild office located at 1601 Standish Avenue.
YouthBuild Northwest is recruiting for its next class in Petoskey, which is planned to begin in early September. Anyone interested in learning more about YouthBuild can attend any of three information sessions scheduled for July 30 at 10 a.m., August 7 at 6 p.m., or August 9 at 1 p.m. All of the information sessions will be held at the Petoskey YouthBuild office located at 1601 Standish Avenue.
Jun 25
New Partnership Provides Assistance for Agriculture Businesses in Northwest Michigan
The Regional Agriculture Business Partnership was formed by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG), Michigan State University Extension, the MSU Product Center, and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC).
The Regional Agriculture Business Partnership was formed by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG), Michigan State University Extension, the MSU Product Center, and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC).
Jun 19
Media Advisory: New Partnership Established to Assist Agriculture Businesses in Northwest Michigan
A new partnership has been established to assist agriculture businesses in northwest Michigan. The partnership details to be announced at a press conference June 25 at Black Star Farms.
A new partnership has been established to assist agriculture businesses in northwest Michigan. The partnership details to be announced at a press conference June 25 at Black Star Farms.
Jun 18
Petoskey YouthBuild Program Recognizes its First Graduating Class
Nine young adults will receive certificates of completion when the Petoskey YouthBuild program holds a ceremony to recognize its first graduating class June 29, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey.
Nine young adults will receive certificates of completion when the Petoskey YouthBuild program holds a ceremony to recognize its first graduating class June 29, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey.
Jun 14
Business Training Alliance Merges With Regional Business Network
The Business Training Alliance launched in April of 2011 as an entrepreneurial development program for Wexford and Missaukee counties. After a successful first year of the program, it has merged with the northwest regional office of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), bringing even more resources to support small businesses in the region.
The Business Training Alliance launched in April of 2011 as an entrepreneurial development program for Wexford and Missaukee counties. After a successful first year of the program, it has merged with the northwest regional office of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), bringing even more resources to support small businesses in the region.
Jun 08
New Website Highlights Placemaking Efforts in Northern Michigan
A new website highlighting placemaking efforts in northern Michigan is available from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. CreateMiPlace.org is designed to give communities a better understanding of what placemaking is and how it can be implemented.
A new website highlighting placemaking efforts in northern Michigan is available from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. CreateMiPlace.org is designed to give communities a better understanding of what placemaking is and how it can be implemented.
Jun 06
Adult Education Graduates to be Honored at Commencement Ceremony
Eighty-four adult students will receive high school diplomas or GEDs as part of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District's (TBAISD) Adult Education Class of 2012.
Eighty-four adult students will receive high school diplomas or GEDs as part of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District's (TBAISD) Adult Education Class of 2012.
Jun 05
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Opens; Ribbon Cutting June 20
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 1:30pm. The ribbon cutting celebrates the completion of nearly five miles of hard-surfaced, non-motorized trail between Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 1:30pm. The ribbon cutting celebrates the completion of nearly five miles of hard-surfaced, non-motorized trail between Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb.
