Cooperative Attitude
Helping businesses large and small to thrive in northern Michigan is top on the agendas of local agencies, state representatives, chambers of commerce, government officials, economic development experts and residents of the region alike.
In Emmet County, it’s a team approach to supporting entrepreneurs. “We have small-town quality of life that’s probably unparalleled anywhere in the world. We also have a lot of amenities of a larger city. You have the best of both worlds in Emmet County,” says Gary McDowell, Democrat, state House representative for the 107th district that includes Emmet County. McDowell said Michigan is a business-friendly state, with low taxes and the supportive Michigan Economic Development Corp., rated among the top in the country for working with businesses looking to relocate. Further, McDowell is working on legislation that would support micro-enterprises such as family and home business, offering them the same advantages as larger companies.
Northern Michigan is a core focal point of business retention and recruitment. “Right now we’re really promoting northern Michigan with our ‘Pure Michigan’ campaign,” McDowell notes. “It shows what a beautiful place this is to work, invest, raise your family and retire. Anything we can do to encourage and help any business come to Michigan, we are willing to help. Come to Michigan, we’ll have our hand out to help you in any way we can.”
State Senator Jason Allen, R-37th District, which includes Emmet County, said the vibrant cores of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Pellston will continue to attract the next generation of entrepreneurs. “The reason people come here is for the curb appeal. The first thing they do is drive through and say ‘Wow, this has the right feel,’” Allen says.
As chairman of the senate commerce committee, Allen said additional facilities like the hospital, arts center and infrastructure seal the deal for many who choose to do business in and from Emmet County. Help from the state level is available as well, and programs are under way by the Michigan Municipal League to target recent college graduates and those under 30, as well as those over age 65, and attract them to Michigan and specifically northern Michigan.
“There is literally a toolbox full of incentives and programs to help expand new business in Emmet County,” Allen says.
His colleagues in the Senate also comment on northern Michigan’s work-and-play lifestyle. “They look at this as a place that has worldwide accessibility, and that there’s a significantly higher quality of life,” Allen explains. “There’s a productive workforce. If you talk to members of the House and Senate, that’s what they think of us.”