Voices
Voices
Dive into compelling stories from Michigan's 83 counties and hear from business owners, students, and community members as they describe their unique perspectives on living and working in Michigan.
Sometimes people ask me, ‘Why did you found a rocket company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?' And I tell them the U.P. is as close to space as anywhere on the planet.
All Stories
Roscommon
Off-Kilter
Jim Perialas of Irish Kilt Brewing Company
After teaching for 30 years, Jim Perialas moved into local economic development and unexpectedly found himself opening a brewery: “I thought with my wisdom, I'd be able to stay away from starting a business this late in life. But here we are.”
Branch
Full STEAM Ahead
Shana Grife of Children’s Museum of Branch County
Serving as executive director for the Children’s Museum of Branch County, Shana Grife is committed to providing residents and visitors of Coldwater with a child-centered space for learning and growing
St. Joseph
Community by Design
Jason Ballew of Three Rivers
As a board member of the Three Rivers DDA and chair of its Design Committee, Jason Ballew is using his love for nature and environmental sustainability to create a better community
Isabella
Fire Up Chips
Luke Sprague of Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
As Tribal Council Sub-Chief for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Luke Sprague is honoring tradition and serving his community
Ogemaw
Man of Many Hats
Jeremy Hickmott of West Branch Township
As township clerk, DDA administrator, zoning administrator, and more, Jeremy Hickmott is working to unite preservation and growth in West Branch Township.
Charlevoix
A Seat at the Table
Jozef Zebediah of My Grandmother’s Table
From Polish dishes and Thai chicken to a one-hundred-year-old cake recipe from New Orleans, diners can experience the flavors of the world at Jozef Zebediah’s restaurant, My Grandmother’s Table
Cass
All Cass, No Brakes
Emilie LaGrow of Cassopolis
Through the adage “if we invest in ourselves, others will invest in us,” Emilie LaGrow is helping to revive the village of Cassopolis from slowing to growing.
Kalkaska
DNA of the DDA
Gayenell Gentelia of Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority
As DDA Associate Director, Gayenell Gentelia is committed to building a stronger Kalkaska community for its residents
Montcalm
Keep Montcalm and Carry On
Duane Weed of Discover Montcalm Podcast
As host of the Discover Montcalm podcast and owner of DW Video & Multimedia, Duane Weed captures the sights and sounds of the Montcalm community
Lake
Recipe for Success
Dina Velocci of 876 Baldwin
Dina Velocci and her husband created a dining destination and inspired community revitalization in the small West Michigan village of Baldwin.
St. Clair
On the Market
Steve Fernandez of PH Country Style Market
As the owners of a full-service grocery store in downtown Port Huron – a former food desert – Steve Fernandez and his wife Michele Jones are serving and feeding their local community
Wayne
La Vida Detroit
Cristina Zamora of Xochi’s Gift Shop
Cristina Zamora is keeping her family’s gift shop and Mexican heritage alive in the heart of Mexicantown
Sanilac
Raise a Glass
Kristi Nichols-Shopbell of 3 North Vines
As a lifelong Michigander, Kristi Nichols-Shopbell grew up with a love for the state’s natural attributes, from its four seasons to the plentiful ways to enjoy the water. Kristi attended Michigan State University and met her husband Nate in a wine tasting elective class.
Clare
The Show Must Go On
Lisa Benic of the Ideal Theater
After learning that their childhood movie theater was closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Benic and her sisters breathed new life into the downtown Clare gem
Saginaw
Think Positive
Jeanne Conger of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw
As executive director of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw, Jeanne Conger oversees efforts to support the local community and bring positive attention to Saginaw’s downtown.
Chippewa
Culture and Community
Whitney Gravelle of Bay Mills Indian Community
As President of Bay Mills Indian Community, Whitney Gravelle is connecting with her past while leading her community into the future
Jackson
A Bright Idea
Clay McAndrews of Bright Walls
As a lifelong Michigander from Jackson, Clay McAndrews made his community more colorful with the Bright Walls Mural Festival
Shiawassee
Sweet Tooth
Melissa Wheeler of Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Melissa Wheeler has been sweetening up downtown Owosso since 2017 with her chocolate shop, Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Osceola
The Best Medicine
Michelle Ladd of Evart Pharmacy
Pharmacist Michelle Ladd embraces her small-town roots by serving the community where she grew up
Allegan
Heart and Sole
Alan Baugh of Baugh Shoe Repair
At 93 years old, Alan Baugh continues his family’s century-old legacy business in downtown Wayland
I’m glad I had the opportunity to make a good impression and do positive things while I was here in a professional capacity as Main Street director, now I’m really excited to get to do this in a new professional capacity.