by Janie McNabb
Born and raised in Traverse City, I have seen interesting changes in the tourism industry and its impact on our town. Traditionally, our tourist economy has been dependent upon the seasons. A few tourists would come for color tours and skiing, but summer was the big draw. Even as recently as 20 years ago, many stores and restaurants and most hotels would close down for the winter. We locals would turn reclusive, staying home and playing euchre, and only frequenting stores when we had to. A lot of people lost their jobs for the winter, and accepted it as a part of living in a tourist town.
As the Grand Traverse region has grown, we have become creative in diversifying our economy, while maintaining tourism as one of the bases. This in turn, attracts more tourists. Recreation and entertainment options have increased throughout the year - skiing and snowshoeing events, the film festival, and the ever-popular wineries offer new and varied options to locals and tourists alike.
So when the weather fluctuates, our overall economy is more resilient than ever before. For instance, last winter was very mild and difficult for ski resorts. Several people lost their jobs, or never got hired in the first place. However, wineries and restaurants were busier - creating jobs and more opportunity in those businesses.
Manufacturing has also long been a staple of our economy. Traditionally, manufacturers will lay off workers temporarily, hiring them back when business picks up. Lately, we have seen several factories close shop permanently. Workers then have to pick up the pieces of their lives and figure out what to do next. But other aspects of manufacturing are growing and changing, creating new and different jobs.
Again, creativity and diversification help. My agency, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, administers the Michigan Works! program in ten counties, including Grand Traverse. Jane Sage is the manager of the Traverse City Michigan Works! center, and sees people from all industries looking for jobs right now. "When people are flexible and open-minded, they can start in a whole new career and find a good job in a business they may have never thought of before."
Like most people in my generation, I moved away for college, and came back when I wanted to start a family. My job search was initially hit and miss, but I found my niche and settled in. I have seen many of my peers return and create jobs that satisfy them, whether driving a cab, waiting tables, or designing web sites from home.
Traverse City is the kind of place where people choose to live. So regardless of seasonal and economic variations, we adapt. And we do it with creative flare, making our town a great place to live and work.
Janie McNabb is Community Relations Coordinator at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
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