what makes gratiot county unique?
Located in the middle of Michigan’s lower peninsular, Gratiot County is a perfect blend of Michigan’s commercial and industrial elements of the south and the rural and recreational features of the north. The County boasts a diversified economy with a strong presence from agriculture, manufacturing, and alternative energy. The community is also fortunate to have excellent healthcare systems and impressive educational opportunities. Finally, the area is rich with recreational opportunities including the Pine River, multiple county parks, non-motorized trails, and community events.
location
Located in the middle of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Gratiot County is a perfect blend of Michigan’s commercial and industrial elements of the south and the rural and recreational features of the north. The County is centered along the U.S. Highway 127 north and south corridor. Michigan Highway 46 runs east and west in the northern portion of Gratiot, while Michigan Highway 57 does the same in the southern portion. These main routes allow Gratiot to be accessed from many major highways and interstates. The County is also accessible by rail; Great Lakes Central Railroad, a regional railroad, provides a north-south line through Gratiot, and Mid-Michigan Railroad, a short line railroad, provides an east-west line. The County also has a municipal airport and is within a two-hour drive time of four major airports (MBS, Capital City, Gerald R. Ford, and DTW). Additionally, Gratiot County is within an hour of a marine port (Bay City) and airport (Lansing/Foreign Trade Zone 275).
collaboration
Gratiot County is known for its collaboration between and among local governmental units, private industry, state agencies, and many others to make large projects happen. Three cities, three villages, 16 townships, and the County work together on a regular basis and have even developed a Countywide Master Plan so that all units agree on and work toward common development goals. An example of this is the coordination of a Countywide Model Wind Energy Ordinance among the townships in Gratiot County, which facilitated the location of the state’s largest wind farm in Gratiot County. This involved coordination with several townships, the County, state agencies, and private developers.
diversification
Gratiot County boasts a diversified economy with a strong presence from agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and alternative energy. Additionally, necessary suppliers for these industries exist either within Gratiot County or within a short distance. Having a diversified economy has led to stability during economic downturns, which benefits the quality of life of those who reside in the County.
quality of life
Gratiot County offers small-town charm while providing the necessary amenities for daily life, making it an ideal location for employees to want to live. Gratiot County boasts a diversified economy for a variety of job opportunities in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, social services, and manufacturing. The area also boasts a full-service hospital, MidMichigan Medical Center-Gratiot, a private liberal arts college, Alma College, and a variety of recreational opportunities including the Pine River and several bike trails. Gratiot’s central location makes it an ideal location for day trips to other notable Michigan cities, such as Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Detroit.
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share in gratiot county’s successes
avalon & tahoe manufacturing
Alma, MI
Building and equipment expansions
Investment: $7.8 million since 2013
Employees: 372
www.avalonpontoons.com
integrity fab & machine, inc.
Breckenridge, MI
Location in Breckenridge Industrial Park, new building and recent building and equipment expansions.
Investment: $8,000,000 since 2012
Employees: 80
www.ifabm.com
zfs
Located in Ithaca.
To be complete by January 2020.
$129 million invested and 75 new employees.
Soybean processing and grain transloading facility that will process 40% of the state’s soybeans.
wind development
Estimated investment to date: Over $500 million
$42.8 million in additional tax revenue since 2012
Temporary construction employment: 350
Projected permanent full-time maintenance employment: 28
Projects constitute largest investment in Gratiot County history.
primary contact information
Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.
Name: Kasey Zehner
Address: 136 S. Main St.
City/State: Ithaca, Michigan
Phone: 989.875.2083
Email: kasey.zehner@gratiot.org
Website: www.gratiot.org
secondary contact information
Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.
Name: Jim Wheeler
Address: 136 S. Main St.
City/State: Ithaca, Michigan
Phone: 989.875.2083
Email: jim.wheeler@gratiot.org
Website: www.gratiot.org