MEDC uplifts voices of Michiganders across 83 counties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) celebrates the culmination of the Voices project, a storytelling initiative that features stories of Michiganders from each of the state’s 83 counties.

First launched in 2024, Voices profiles the lives of small business owners, farmers, CEOs, community champions and more, and demonstrates the diverse range of communities, industries and experiences that can be found in the state, from the northernmost tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the U.P. to the heart of Mexicantown in Detroit.

“Every Michigander has a story to tell, and our friends and neighbors are what makes the Great Lakes State the best place to live, work, play, and stay,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “The Voices storytelling initiative presents the myriad ways in which people can ‘Make It in Michigan’ across all kinds of industries, through a variety of avenues, and how the state’s Make it in Michigan economic development strategy focused on People, Places, and Projects positively benefits Michiganders in their daily lives. We are grateful to all the Michiganders who participated in this initiative and look forward to uplifting more Voices in the future.”

Among the 83 stories are several small business owners who are helping to make Michigan a safer, craftier and more delicious place, including: 

• Sean Hilbert, president of Cobra AERO and its sister company Cobra MOTO in Hillsdale County, contributing to the state’s mobility and aerospace industries and gaining global exposure at trade shows through MEDC-supported MI-STEP grants. 
• Jill Zielinski, owner of yarn shop North Bay Fiber in Bay County, who turned her knitting hobby into a business and passion with support from the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
• Aiye Akhigbe, owner of Sticky Spoons Jam in Berrien County, who took the path from Navy veteran to entrepreneurship with assistance from the MEDC, Michigan Small Business Development Center, MSU Product Center and more.

“From Match on Main grants to international trade resources, we are proud that the MEDC’s small business services unit has played a role in supporting the success of Michiganders across the state, including many featured in the Voices storytelling series,” said Amy Rencher, SVP of Small Business & Talent at the MEDC. “Small businesses are at the heart of the state’s economy and innovation. Uplifting the stories of small business owners helps bring attention to the work they do to strengthen our communities, create resiliency, and generates local and state revenue that sustains our economy.”

The Voices series also features stories from Michiganders who are passionate about their communities and the state’s cultural and travel assets, from Josh Holliday of the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland County and Matt Smith of Thunder Bay Resort in Montmorency County to Sammie Lukaskiewicz of Manistee Tourism in Manistee County.

“The tourism leaders featured in the Voices series exemplify the passion and talent that define our industry and our communities,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. “Michigan’s tourism industry is a key economic driver, generating $54.8 billion in economic impact in 2024, and these stories reflect the dedication of more than 350,000 tourism and hospitality professionals statewide who create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”

Follow MEDC’s social channels and www.michiganbusiness.org/voices as the MEDC continues to highlight the stories of Michiganders across the state.

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.