The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a Building & Site Committee meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. The board’s Executive Committee will meet Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in the same location. Both meeting notices are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
College’s economic impact includes supporting 3,106 regional jobs
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) has released the results of a comprehensive economic impact study, highlighting the college’s substantial contributions to the regional economy and community. The study, covering fiscal year 2021–2022, reveals that NMC added $204.5 million in income to the economy of its service area, which includes Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties.
Through its operations, student spending, and alumni influence, NMC’s activities supported 3,106 jobs across the region, demonstrating the college’s broad and vital impact on the local economy. It also showed that NMC generates more in tax revenue than it receives.
Key highlights:
NMC President Nick Nissley commented on the findings: “This study reaffirms what we’ve always known — NMC is a critical driver of economic prosperity in our region. The fact that our activities support one out of every 42 jobs in our service area illustrates the profound impact we have not only on our students but also on the broader community. We are proud to contribute to the vitality of Northern Michigan and remain committed to providing the education and training that propels our regional economy forward.”
The study found NMC generates more in tax revenue than it receives, providing a benefit-cost ratio of 1.4 for taxpayers. 5.2 for students and 7.4 for society. For every dollar invested in NMC:
The study was conducted in 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm with headquarters in Boston and Idaho. The study applies a conservative methodology and follows standard practice using only the most recognized indicators of economic impact and investment effectiveness, such as reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census.
Read more about the report here.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
A new economic era in the Grand Traverse area formally kicks off today in Greilickville, as NMC and the Discovery Pier (DP) formalize the structure of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center which will create high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.
NMC and DP will sign articles of incorporation for the nonprofit dedicated to managing and owning the Center, a 40,000 square foot facility and dockside learning lab situated on 17 acres of West Grand Traverse Bay frontage owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, center, and FRIC supporters gather at the project site last year.Set to break ground in a year, the Center has already attracted $22.7 million in funding, including $15 million from the state of Michigan. It is envisioned as a hub for the region’s blue economy, a sector that is poised to be as important as lumber, agriculture and tourism have been.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region.” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits.”
Discovery Pier CEO Matt McDonough said, “The Great Lakes face a myriad of challenges from PFAS, invasive species, climate impacts and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these challenges. The Freshwater Center will be a place where new technologies are developed and a skilled workforce is trained to do that.
NMC and DP have each committed $3 million to the Center. Other key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU), who will all have seats on a nine-member board of directors. This diverse board will ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will maintain necessary reserved powers over key financial and operational decisions.
Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, said, “The Freshwater Center is poised to establish Northern Michigan as a key player in the global blue economy, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to our region.”
Construction bids are scheduled to be awarded this December, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Join us for lunch with fellow travelers as you learn about our study abroad experiences for 2025. Destinations include Morocco, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, France and Japan!
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25 from Noon to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107.
Want to learn more? Register for lunch here. For more details on each destination visit our page often at nmc.edu/study-abroad.
Contact Marina Call at mcall@nmc.edu with questions.
Friday, September 6 at 6 p.m.; outdoor NMC basketball courts east of East Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus.
To sign up please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or use the flyer QR code.
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Welding: Try It Out
9 sessions; Thurs – Sat, Sept. 26-28, Oct 10-12 & 24-26; 5-8p (Th & Fri) & 8a-12p (Sat)
Employee Price: $169 (public price $899)
Perhaps welding is a future career path for you or your dependents, but you want to try it out before making an investment of time and money? Or, already in the field, but looking to upgrade and/or add new skills?
Confronting Racism: A Visit to the Jim Crow Museum
Friday, Nov. 11; 10a – 5:30p
Employee price: $75 (public price: $199)
Note: Employee participation on this trip does not require use of a vacation day.
Step into community and conversation with your fellow citizens here in Northern Michigan to explore the history of race relations in America through a unique lens at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University. Seats are limited – register early!
Homeowners 101
3 sessions; Fridays, October 11 – 25; 9a-12p
Employee Price: $75 (public price $249)
Master essential DIY skills to tackle everyday home improvement projects, such as installing light fixtures, replacing switches and outlets, installing baseboards, and more. Plus, learn essential maintenance tasks to safely handle everyday repairs.
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
NMC’s Automotive Technology program will host the 18th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car & Truck Show this Saturday from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Check out hot rods and Tin Lizzies and support students at the same time.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Impact100 Traverse City announces 2024 grant finalists
TV 9 & 10, Sept. 2
Philanthropy News Digest, Sept. 2 (more…)
NMC will hold a Pickleball tournament Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the outdoor NMC basketball courts east of East Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus. The event is open to all current NMC students and employees.
Feel to reach out to Marcus Bennett (mbennett@nmc.edu) if you have any questions.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Labor Day – No Special
Open 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips and queso blanco & refried beans
Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Lasagna served with garlic bread & broccoli
Vegetable Lasagna (V) served with garlic bread & broccoli
Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Kudos to Dylan Schaub & Chris Hanna. Chris and Dylan successfully upgraded all classroom and conference room PCs to Windows 11 before the Fall semester. Despite the challenges posed by older equipment and software, they demonstrated exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities to ensure a smooth transition. Their efforts have significantly enhanced our campus computing resources’ functionality and security, benefiting students and faculty alike. Thank you, Chris and Dylan, for your dedication and hard work!
Kudos to Adyn McHugh. Adyn is an amazing student who returned to a busy advising office after a summer working in Marine Technology. He immediately jumped right back into a busy work week, helping all of our teams in the week-before-classes scramble. Adyn confidently answers student questions and takes the time to provide a full and in-depth explanation. His professionalism and expertise in the office are only overshadowed by his passion for Marine Tech and his fellow students. Adyn has helped us greatly this week, all while preparing for his Fall semester.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Board of Trustees today unanimously approved a resolution requesting that Benzie County elections officials withdraw two proposals from the Nov. 5 ballot that would have allowed the county to join the college’s district.
The action comes shortly after NMC learned it cannot expand its Board of Trustees to include two Benzie residents. That language was included in the two ballot questions, which sought to annex Benzie County into NMC’s community college district and approve a millage to support college operations.
Upon learning of the error on Aug. 21, NMC contacted Benzie officials in an effort to correct the ballot language. That effort was unsuccessful. NMC president Nick Nissley said the subsequent decision to suspend the annexation effort and request the withdrawal from the ballot was based on the college’s values of transparency and integrity and its commitment to provide Benzie County residents with accurate information.
“It’s disappointing to know that Benzie voters will not have the opportunity to access more affordable — even free in many cases — education and skills training by joining our district,” Nissley said. “However, I was proud to recommend this action to the Board based upon our shared NMC values of trust and integrity.”
“This effort began with a request by Benzie County residents to join our district to make higher education and training more affordable to its residents,” said Board Chair Laura Oblinger, also an NMC alumna. “That outreach and the relationships we’ve built in Benzie County make this an especially difficult decision for us. While we are withdrawing this specific proposal, we will be regrouping as a team to consider our next steps in our mission to make community college more affordable and accessible for northern Michigan residents.”
According to state elections officials, an elected body like the NMC Board of Trustees can request to remove a ballot question by taking the same action it did to place the question on the ballot. Benzie County will consider whether to grant the request.
NMC’s board originally approved pursuing annexation April 22. With “in-district” status, Benzie County residents would have paid the lowest tuition rates. Individuals who graduated high school in 2023 and 2024, as well as individuals 21 and older who don’t already have a college degree, would have been eligible for free tuition under the Michigan Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect programs, which cover in-district fully. NMC would have invested $2 million per year in facilities and programs to benefit Benzie County residents.
NMC intends to step back, regroup, and determine how to best move forward, in Benzie and beyond. Nissley and Oblinger thanked the leaders and supporters of Yes 4 Benzie, a group organized by those who supported joining the NMC district, many of whom had been involved with the effort for more than a year.
“Northern Michigan families deserve the same access to higher education as the rest of the state,” Nissley said. “Northwestern Michigan College is an oasis in a higher education desert, and remains committed to bringing affordable, accessible higher education and skilled training to our entire region.”
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Associate Vice President for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (Call or text)
Dear NMC community,
With a mixture of disappointment and pride, I am writing to inform you that on Thursday, NMC’s Board of Trustees will consider a resolution requesting that the Benzie County Clerk withdraw the annexation questions previously approved for the Nov. 5 ballot.
I am disappointed that Benzie voters will not have the opportunity to access more affordable — even free in many cases — education and skills training via annexation. However, I am proud to recommend this action to the Board based upon our shared NMC values of integrity and respect.
Last Wednesday, Aug. 21, NMC learned we cannot expand our Board of Trustees to include two Benzie residents, which was stated in the ballot language. This language had undergone review at multiple points at the state and local levels. Upon learning of the error, we attempted to correct the language in collaboration with the Benzie County Clerk so voters could make the best decision for themselves based on accurate information. We were not successful.
For the entire 73 years of our history, NMC has built a reputation of trust and honesty. I am not willing to risk that reputation by continuing an annexation effort that included inaccurate information. Therefore I am recommending to the Board that we suspend our effort and withdraw the proposals. Tomorrow, they will consider a resolution to do so formally.
Following that decision, NMC intends to step back, regroup, and determine how to best move forward, in Benzie and beyond, since northern Michigan families deserve the same access to higher education as the rest of the state. We extend our thanks to the leaders and supporters of Yes 4 Benzie, many of whom have been involved with the effort for more than a year. Northwestern Michigan College is an oasis in a higher education desert, and remains committed to bringing affordable, accessible higher education and skills training to our entire region.
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
TRAVERSE CITY — See cool cars and trucks and support students at NMC’s 18th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car and Truck Show Saturday, September 7.
Car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NMC’s Automotive Services Building, 2510 Aero Park Drive on NMC’s Aero Park Campus.
Admission is free for spectators. There is a $20 entry fee per vehicle for contestants. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Trophies are awarded for best of show in each class. Enjoy food, music, prizes and a silent auction. Student projects and vehicles will also be on display. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Technology Program and scholarships.
The show is named for the late NMC Automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive Program in 2004. Learn more here.
Wayne Moody
NMC Automotive Chair
(231) 995-1316
wmoody@nmc.edu
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in rooms 106-107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Building Bigger, Better, and Brighter Community Colleges
Northern Express, Aug. 24 (more…)
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Discovery Pier (DP) will finalize the articles of incorporation for The Freshwater Center, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to managing and owning the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, at a ceremony set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Discovery Pier in Greilickville.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in realizing the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, which aims to catalyze growth in the blue economy sector, creating high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.
The Freshwater Center will manage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a 40,000 square ft research and innovation facility situated on 17 acres owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The partnership’s key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU). Together, these partners are committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic development in the region. The State of Michigan has allocated $15 million towards the project, and total secured funding stands at $22.7 million. Scheduled to break ground in fall 2025, the total investment required for the dockside learning center and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is estimated at $31.5 million.
The newly-formed nonprofit corporation will have a nine-seat board of directors, comprising representatives from NMC, DP, Traverse Connect, MTU, 20Fathoms, and two at-large members. This diverse board will ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will maintain necessary reserved powers over key financial and operational decisions.
The center’s activities will also enhance NMC’s water-related educational programs, reinforcing its role as a national leader in freshwater education. NMC’s Board of Trustees has authorized a $3 million commitment to the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, matching DP’s $3 million commitment. This investment will be funded through NMC’s housing reserves, strategic fund reserves, and Hagerty Center reserves.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region. The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits,” said Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley.
Discovery Pier CEO Matt McDonough said, “The Great Lakes face a myriad of challenges from PFAS, invasive species, climate impacts and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these challenges. The Freshwater Center will be a place where new technologies are developed and a skilled workforce is trained to do that.
Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, added, “The Freshwater Center is poised to establish Northern Michigan as a key player in the global blue economy, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to our region.”
With the articles of incorporation finalized, the focus now shifts to completing the Discovery Pier renovations and preparing for construction of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Construction bids will be awarded in December 2024, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Jason Slade
NMC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
jslade@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1995 (office ) || (248) 318 3038 (cell)
Matt McDonough
Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Pier
Matt@discoverypier.org
(231) 409-4285