Early Bird Registration EXTENDED!

Early bird registration for the 2025 Economic Symposium has been EXTENDED to April 7th! This event will bring together over 300 Northern Lower Michigan business and community leaders alongside state and federal officials to participate in engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions. Panels and breakout sessions include:

Keynote Panel – The keynote panel will feature business leaders from across industries in a dynamic discussion on their economic outlooks – both macro and industry-specific. Leaders will touch on the most pressing issues facing our economy and their business – from changing policy to global market trends – and what they’re doing to best position their business for success, now and into the future.
Current and Future Demographic Trends – In recent years, there has been increasing discussion of the role population and demographics play in shaping our economy and communities. This session will examine current local and statewide demographic trends as well as future projections. The State Demographer will discuss total population, working age population, and in-migration/out-migration trends and their implications for the future of our state and region.
Securing the Future of Your Business – Approximately 53.3% of businesses in our region are owned by individuals 55 and older, suggesting a large wave of owner retirements in the years ahead. This percentage accounts for approximately 1,433 total businesses and more than 10,890 employees, $388 million in payroll, and $1.826 billion in revenue for the four-county region. This breakout session will highlight local businesses who have taken different paths for transitioning ownership.
Exploring the Future of Industry – From labor constraints to shifting global supply chains, the business landscape is always evolving. Businesses need to be equipped with effective tools and strategies to ensure future success. This session will explore how companies can leverage technology, robotics, AI, and Industry 4.0 to tee up their business for success in the future.
Development Projects Shaping Our Communities – What does it take to turn an empty lot or brownfield from an eyesore to a focal point of the community? This session will feature transformational development projects from across the region, both completed and currently under construction. Developers will share construction updates and insights on how their projects came to fruition, from complex capital stacks to garnering local support.
Closing Panel – The closing panel will take a step back from a focus on the next quarter or next year to address the long-term picture. Speakers will tackle questions on the trends and values that are shaping their organization or community’s vision for the next ten years and beyond as well as the strategies they have in place to guide them into the future.