Little Ortonville goes big for small business
Home to 1,351 residents, village measuring one square mile has a thriving downtown.
Economic Development
Latest in Economic Development
New Life in Old Halls: Transforming Finlandia University’s former buildings for a vibrant future
Most of the university’s buildings have been sold. Some are being renovated into apartments and commercial space. Others will become event venues and a community hub.
Five mixed-used developments that could help revitalize the downtowns of these rural Michigan communities
Mixed-use developments in five communities have recently earned support from the state as part of an ongoing economic and community development program.
Beyond the Paycheck: How rural employers build legacies and save small towns
Many jobs in rural communities are filled through word-of-mouth rather than advertising or recruiting. That’s one reason it’s important for an employer to have a positive reputation throughout the region.
Site readiness program helps Blue Water Area prepare for future industrial opportunities
A new site readiness program is designed to give a competitive edge in the search for industrial parks and St. Clair County is already actively seeking industrial investment.
How these women-owned businesses strengthen St. Clair County communities
Port Huron Yoga, the Yale Bakery, and Dot’s Candy Store are three women-owned businesses whose work strengthens community connection, resilience, and local economic growth during the holiday season.
A Second Season: The story behind Norway Mountain’s big return
Founded in the early 1970s, Norway Mountain had been a longtime fixture with local skiers and others before its lengthy dormancy.
Crane family turns orchards into annual holiday light display
Offering holiday fun is among the latest trends in Michigan's agritourism industry.
Timber Products’ new Munising Components facility redefines manufacturing in the U.P.
Munising Components is one of the first operations in the country to connect a primary sawmill directly to a fully automated hardwood component line.
Volunteers of America Michigan’s mission made possible by social enterprise thrift stores; support from IFF
Sometimes nonprofits need help to fulfill their mission of helping others within their communities. For Volunteers of America Michigan, when costly necessary roof repairs and upgraded lighting arose, they found a supportive partner in IFF. The community development financial institution that has provided millions of dollars of loans to five of the VOA Michigan thrift stores.
New Life in Old Halls: Transforming Finlandia University’s former buildings for a vibrant future
Most of the university’s buildings have been sold. Some are being renovated into apartments and commercial space. Others will become event venues and a community hub.
Five mixed-used developments that could help revitalize the downtowns of these rural Michigan communities
Mixed-use developments in five communities have recently earned support from the state as part of an ongoing economic and community development program.
Beyond the Paycheck: How rural employers build legacies and save small towns
Many jobs in rural communities are filled through word-of-mouth rather than advertising or recruiting. That’s one reason it’s important for an employer to have a positive reputation throughout the region.
Site readiness program helps Blue Water Area prepare for future industrial opportunities
A new site readiness program is designed to give a competitive edge in the search for industrial parks and St. Clair County is already actively seeking industrial investment.
How these women-owned businesses strengthen St. Clair County communities
Port Huron Yoga, the Yale Bakery, and Dot’s Candy Store are three women-owned businesses whose work strengthens community connection, resilience, and local economic growth during the holiday season.
A Second Season: The story behind Norway Mountain’s big return
Founded in the early 1970s, Norway Mountain had been a longtime fixture with local skiers and others before its lengthy dormancy.
Crane family turns orchards into annual holiday light display
Offering holiday fun is among the latest trends in Michigan's agritourism industry.
Timber Products’ new Munising Components facility redefines manufacturing in the U.P.
Munising Components is one of the first operations in the country to connect a primary sawmill directly to a fully automated hardwood component line.
Volunteers of America Michigan’s mission made possible by social enterprise thrift stores; support from IFF
Sometimes nonprofits need help to fulfill their mission of helping others within their communities. For Volunteers of America Michigan, when costly necessary roof repairs and upgraded lighting arose, they found a supportive partner in IFF. The community development financial institution that has provided millions of dollars of loans to five of the VOA Michigan thrift stores.
