Traverse Connect
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2024-06 to 2024-11)
Reporting Period: 2024-06 to 2024-11
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Talent Attraction and Retention
- Business Attraction and Industry Cluster Development
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Growth
- Sustainable economic development
- Advanced Aerial Mobility
- BlueTech & Freshwater Innovation
Environmental Achievements
- Supported Arc Boat Company’s electric boat demos, showcasing AQUA superPower’s rapid e-boat chargers.
- Secured an Advanced Aerial Mobility grant to pilot medical cargo drone deliveries and test drone applications for water sampling and emergency response.
- Partnered with Munson Healthcare and other organizations on an aerial medical drone project to test drone deliveries of medical supplies.
- Supported Voltaic Marine, a recreational electric boat company, in establishing operations in Northern Michigan.
Social Achievements
- Hosted the Annual Economic Summit with over 600 attendees.
- Welcomed Northern Explorers for networking and community engagement.
- Launched professional development programs, including Let Her Speak, Leadership Roundtables, and the Women’s Leadership Cohort.
- Hosted a roundtable with Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan, Traverse City Young Professionals, and students to discuss workforce priorities.
- Initiated an MOU with the Traverse Area Human Resources Association for collaborative programs and events.
- Partnered with Global Detroit to connect Michigan companies with international students and graduates.
Governance Achievements
- Renewed economic development service contracts with Garfield Township and the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority.
- Continues service agreements with East Bay Township, TVC-Cherry Capital Airport, and Grand Traverse County, supporting ecosystem development and talent attraction.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Building a National Hub for Commercial Drone Innovation and Workforce Development by 2030
Short-term Goals:
- Phase 1 of the aerial medical drone project: test visual line of sight (VLOS) drone deliveries (Spring 2025)
- Phase 2 of the aerial medical drone project: test beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities (Summer 2025)
- Planning and pilot testing for drone takeoff and landing infrastructure at the future Freshwater Research & Innovation Center (Spring/Summer 2025)
Environmental Challenges
- Smaller staff facing challenges of responding to business needs as warm weather has continued through October.
- Talent deficits across the region and state.
- Population concerns.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developing a robust talent pipeline to ensure the region has a steady supply of talented workers.
- Nurturing homegrown talent and attracting newcomers to the region.
- Partnering with Global Detroit to connect Michigan companies with international students and graduates.
- Michigan’s Creative Coast job board for job seekers and employers.