Entrepreneurship

Alliance helps bring back locally-produced beer hops--something everyone can drink to

Howard Lovy Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Something is growing in Northern Michigan that hasn't been seen in the fields since about the time the Civil War was taking place--hops. No, not the kind that bunnies do, but rather the kind that brewers do. Hops are an integral part of the beer-making process, and now they are being grown, processed and purchased right here in Northwest Michigan.

Family-owned farms go live thanks to Northwest Michigan webmaster

Victoria Mullen Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Traverse City's Jena Van Wagner is the executive director of Michigan Family Farms. Those who have joined her online community have focused on promoting those farms and getting the word out about great, local food that is grown and can be bought right in your town. Victoria Mullen reports.

Living the island life--Northern Michigan style

Valerie West Tuesday, July 26, 2011

We've all dreamed of living the island life, but for some Northern Michigan residents, it's a whole different meaning than what we picture in our heads. There are no coconuts, palm trees or tropical beaches. Instead, living the island life on Mackinac or Beaver islands is all about community.

Good Harbor Vineyards showcasing family traditions, quality wines

Michael Schafer Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Good Harbor Winery is making great wines. This family business has a wonderful legacy they're building on. Michael Schafer swirls, sniffs and sips the reds and whites produced at this Leelanau vineyard in this juicy report.

New wave media making a splash in Northwest Michigan

Kim North Shine Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Need some great local news? Well, you can skip the paper publications, if you'd like, and head right for the virtual publishing world on the Internet. Writer Kim North Shine browses the web and comes back with some links in this report.

Flowers and mushrooms and blossoms! Oh, my!--Spring brings tourism dollars

Sam Eggleston Tuesday, May 31, 2011

If you live in Northwest Michigan or have ever visited, it's easy to understand why people fall in love with the region. If you don't, or you haven't, then a simple trip to the area will be all the explanation you need as you're surrounded by the beauty that can only be created by Mother Nature.

Acoustic Mead has Northern Michigan all abuzz

Kim Hoyum Tuesday, May 17, 2011

It's a fairly new addition to the northern Michigan wine and beer scene, but Acoustic Mead is showing it's got some serious legs with steady growth over the last two years. Second Wave's Kim Hoyum sits down and talks with Acoustic Mead's lead man, Bruce Grossman.

Northwest Michigan golf is all aces

Jeff Barr Tuesday, May 03, 2011

The Northwest region's golf courses continue to be state's leader and earning the well-known name "Michigan's Golf Mecca." Second Wave's Jeff Barr looks into the area's leading golf courses and how the game benefits the area as a whole.

Old school social networking: TC's Gary Howe wants to build a truly connected city

Heidi Lovy Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Gary Howe isn't your typical social networker. Instead of looking to make connections via the high-speed lanes of Internet traffic, Howe has made a point of striving to help Traverse City make connections via the slow-speed lanes of community bike and foot paths.

Bellaire brewery makes a business out of making everyone family

Kim North Shine Tuesday, April 05, 2011

There's no doubt that Short's Brewing Company makes some darn good beer. Owner Joe Short knows the value of standing behind his product, and treating every customer like they're part of the family. Second Wave's Kim North Shine sat down and had a tasty talk with Short about his business and, of course, his beer.