Make It in Michigan success in Northern Michigan

• Cherry Republic expands operations in Empire Township, creating 20 jobs
• Emily Ree announces mixed-use revitalization project in Rogers City
• Blair Holdings announces revitalization project in Sault Ste. Marie

 

Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced three development projects in Empire Township, Rogers City and Sault Ste. Marie that will add jobs and create housing in Northern Michigan. Cherry Republic is announcing an expansion at their Empire Township facility in Leelanau County to increase production capacity, creating 20 well-paying jobs. Developer Emily Ree, LLC has committed to reimagining a functionally obsolete building in Rogers City into a new mixed-use facility. In Sault Ste. Marie, Blair Holdings has announced their plans to revitalize a functionally obsolete building into a new mixed-use building.

 

"Great things continue to happen in northern Michigan and today’s announcement is no different, as we are seeing in real-time, the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy taking shape in Empire Township, Rogers City and Sault Ste. Marie. From companies expanding their production capacity due to growing customer demand to helping redevelop dilapidated buildings in communities across the state, Team Michigan is on the move, and we are thrilled to be watching it in real time,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President for Regional Prosperity at the MEDC. "We are both grateful and appreciative to Cherry Republic, Emily Ree and Blair Holdings’ commitment to bettering Michigan communities."

 

Cherry Republic is announcing their plans to expand due to their currently limited production and distribution space. The project will add 16,000 square feet to their existing facility, along with the purchase of adjacent land, to meet both current and expected customer demand.

 

"Cherry Republic is deeply committed to the growth and sustainability of Michigan's cherry industry, and this expansion marks a significant step forward in our ability to increase our offerings and footprint. With the support from the MEDC, we will increase our operational capacity, which will create new opportunities for our workforce and provide growth for our suppliers and growers,” said Todd Ciolek, CEO of Cherry Republic. “In addition, we are excited to further our commitment to sustainability with added solar arrays that will power the entire facility. This project represents a major milestone for Cherry Republic as it will directly benefit our local communities, region and state.”

 

The company is expecting the project will result in at least $3,755,841 of capital investment and create 20 new jobs with starting wages and benefits above the regional median wage of $20.88 per hour. The expansion investment is being supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund through a $175,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

 

“I want to congratulate Cherry Republic and thank the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for awarding them this performance-based grant,” said State Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “This is a crucial investment in northern Michigan, which will support our community’s agribusiness economy while creating local jobs through Cherry Republic’s expansion in Empire.”

 

Cherry Republic has a long-standing reputation for supporting the areas in which they do business and further adds to Michigan’s leading role in the agribusiness sector. The company’s plans will have an immediate impact on the local region with job creation that will also solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state.

 

“Cherry Republic is a leader in Northwest Michigan’s manufacturing sector and a significant partner to the region’s farming and agriculture industry,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “This considerable investment and sustainable expansion in Leelanau County will bring new business opportunities to the region while creating local, family-sustaining job opportunities.”

 

The company began operations in 1990 and cultivates, processes and sells over 200 distinct products using Michigan’s Montmorency Tart Cherries. Their headquarters is in Glen Arbor and has grown to employ 181 people throughout Michigan and has an organization that invests in the people and places across the state. Cherry Republic has always maintained its presence in the Northern Lower Peninsula and lives by the core values of Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie.

 

"Northwest Michigan Works! is proud to support Cherry Republic in their $3.25 million expansion. Cherry Republic is a hallmark business in the region, known far and wide throughout the state and beyond for their cherry-inspired products,” said Jessica Willis, Director of Northwest Michigan Works! “Their growth means 20 new jobs for the community and ultimately, an overall positive economic impact for northwest Michigan."

 

Today’s announcement builds on Cherry Republic’s continued growth as a staple in northern Michigan’s economy as a sought-after destination. In addition to their northern Michigan location, the company has outlets in Holland, Frankenmuth and Ann Arbor that were supported by the MEDC. The company’s ongoing successes are outlined <HERE.>

 

For those that may be interested in pursuing a career at Cherry Republic, please click <HERE.>

 

Emily Ree, LLC is announcing their plans for the redevelopment of a two-story, functionally obsolete property totaling 6,312 square feet located in downtown Rogers City. The vacant building will be completely renovated to include 2,800 square feet of commercial space and four residential units. With this revitalization effort, the developer will be creating a dense, mixed-use property that supports small businesses and provides much-needed housing to the community.

 

“We are honored and excited to be working with the State and local government to invest in the redevelopment of downtown Rogers City. It is exciting to offer the community additional housing which is needed at this time as well as commercial space to be utilized to better serve this area's needs,” said Emily Gajewski, owner of Emily Ree. “We hope the addition of this revitalized space to the downtown is something that our entire community can take pride in.”

 

In total, the project is expected to result in $1,845,000 in capital investment with MSF approval of an Act 381 Work Plan, as requested by the Rogers City Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, valued at approximately $86,803. In addition to the Act 381 Work Plan, the project is also being supported by an MSF awarded Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Grant in the amount of $739,000.

 

“Rogers City is one of Northern Michigan’s hidden gems,” said State Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton). “I am thrilled to see state investments aimed at empowering this community, ensuring that it continues to flourish and meet the needs of the families who cherish it as their home.”

 

The commercial space includes a fully functioning pharmacy, vaccination and waiting areas, over-the-counter retail, and a full gift shop. A fully functioning pharmacy is a priority for the community, and this project enables the only local pharmacy to grow and expand, offering crucial services to the area. Two of the residential units will be located on the first floor at the rear of the building, providing ADA accessibility. In total, four residential units will be created to help address the housing shortage and increase density in the downtown area by activating a vacant second story.

 

“This pharmacy project is another great example of how strategic investment can breathe new life into our downtown while addressing critical community needs. Transforming this vacant property into a vibrant mixed-use space will expand community access to essential services as well as creating much needed housing opportunities,” said Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan. “This development reflects our ongoing commitment to revitalizing Rogers City, supporting businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for support from the Michigan Strategic Fund and for all partners who have helped to make this project possible.”

 

Along with MSF support, the project received a grant from the Presque Isle Land Bank Blight Elimination Program for $66,000 and a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, estimated to have a value of $98,797.

 

In Downtown Sault Ste. Marie, a vacant, two-story building on a prime corner will be renovated into a mixed-use space featuring a restaurant and event space on the lower level and six apartments on the upper level, supporting small businesses and offering much-needed housing to the community. The project, which is being supported by a $984,399 RAP grant, is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2,028,493 and create 30 new jobs with the restaurant and event venue.

Developer Blair Holdings, which has previous restaurant management and food service experience, will have the support of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation and a contractor with extensive experience in state and federal projects to complete the project.

 

“We are excited to invest in beautiful Sault Ste. Marie by adding a new restaurant, event space and six apartments to a vacant building in the heart of the downtown,” said Brent and Lynde Blair of Blair Holdings, LLC. “We would like to thank Nikki Radke and the Sault Ste. Marie EDC, Lindsey Clark and the MEDC and Nicolet Bank for assisting us in renovating this historic downtown building.”

 

Through revitalizing the functionally obsolete building at 229 Ashmun Street, the project will add vibrancy to the Sault Ste. Marie community with a restaurant and event venue while addressing the local housing shortage and increasing density to the downtown area.

 

“We are deeply grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their support of the redevelopment of 229 Ashmun Street,” said City Manager Brian Chapman. “Their generous support will significantly enhance the developers’ efforts to revitalize and improve our community by reactivating a vacant space and providing new amenities and housing in the Downtown area. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us turn it into reality.”

 

“The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is excited to support Blair Holdings, LLC as they commit to investing in downtown Saul Ste. Marie,” said Nikki Radke, interim director of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. “This project satisfies strategic needs within our community by diversifying housing and enhancing the tourism development ecosystem. This project will eliminate vacancy from a prominent historic downtown corner and increase traffic to the area.  We thank the Blairs for investing in Sault Ste. Marie as well as the MEDC for their commitment to the project.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.