Job Market Information Job Listings

Northwest Michigan is one of the fastest growing regions in the Midwest. The area is noted for its beautiful clean lakes, trout streams, forests, fresh air, wild life, and year round outdoor recreation. Its cities and towns also offer many cultural and educational amenities as well as a dynamic and robust business and economic base.

Because of the natural beauty of the area, people move here in search of a better quality of life. For some the transition is smooth. For those who do not plan ahead, the challenge of obtaining good paying work can be difficult.

The Grand Traverse area is made up of businesses that are generally small with a few exceptions. A few of the larger businesses include the Sara Lee Corporation, Munson Medical Center, the public school system, Northwestern Michigan College, and others. The cities of Traverse City, Cadillac, and Petoskey have the largest populations and concentration of businesses. Smaller towns such as Kalkaska, Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, and Mancelona also have thriving business communities.

Although area businesses are predominantly small (less than 50 employees), they are progressive and produce products and services sold around the world. The automotive industry has had a major impact in this area resulting in work for many small businesses that produce automotive components. The two largest area employers are Munson Medical Center (Munson Health Care) and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians who operate many businesses and services in the area. The largest number of employees can be found in retail, medical, and hospitality oriented businesses. Traverse City has developed into a retail shopping center with a market that extends as far north as Canada, east to Alpena, MI, and south to Grand Rapids, MI. Traverse City has a major, nationally ranked hospital and hundreds of private practices consisting of most specialties including major heart and cancer treatment centers. The hospitality industry caters to a wide range of visitors seeking the beautiful and clean waters of the Grand Traverse Bays, many surrounding lakes, streams, and forests. Traverse City has many of the amenities found in larger population areas with an active arts and entertainment centers that feature nationally known artists.

Other employment with a steady demand for employees includes construction trades, automotive service personnel, machinists, heating-ventilation and air conditioning technicians, and secretarial/clerical workers to name only a few.

Job seekers should be aware that even the "HOT" areas of employment often turn out to have a demand for as few as four to five employees due to the relative small size and number of businesses as compared to a major metropolitan area. Although the life style is relaxed and emphasizes quality of life, business activities can be as fast paced and current as any area in the world.

Because the Grand Traverse region is a fast growing area, the potential for entrepreneurial ventures is very good with many services and products found in other areas that have not yet been introduced into the local economy. State and local governmental units are in place to assist people who are pursuing new businesses or planning to move existing businesses to the area.

People contemplating a move to the Grand Traverse area should do extensive planning and investigation. Cost of living is considered higher than many "down state" locations. Housing is considered by many to be expensive and availability of moderate and low cost housing is very limited. Small business employers usually seek specific skills and experience. You should assess your present skills and abilities, research the demand for these skills in the area, and add any new skills that will enable you to find good employment.