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
Montmorency
Ready to Sleigh
Matt Smith of Thunder Bay Resort
As the latest owner of one of Northern Michigan’s most unique travel destinations, Matt Smith is helping to usher in a new era at Thunder Bay Resort
Mecosta
Happy Trails
Paul Griffith of Mecosta County
As an advocate for Michigan’s longest paved trail and the historic depot alongside it in Big Rapids, Paul Griffith brings the wisdom of 50 years’ experience in Mecosta County.
Keweenaw
Superior Flavor
Wi Mueller of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
You’ll find one of Michigan’s most intimate meals at the table of Chef Wi Mueller at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge perched on the remote northern tip of the U.P.
Manistee
Sun, Sand and Ski
Sammie Lukaskiewicz of Manistee Tourism
With the Pure Award-winning “Origins” and USA Today's “No. 1 beach in Michigan,” Sammie Lukaskiewicz has a lot to celebrate in Manistee.
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
Huron
Saving Life-Saving History
Mimi Herrington of Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum
After a career that spanned environmental law, public school teaching and library administration, Mimi Herrington is now dedicated to preserving the history of Pointe aux Barques, including one of the few remaining stations from the precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Alcona
Love of the Land
Kristine Ranger of Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative
Kristine Ranger has used her consulting and coaching skills to provide services to Northeast Michigan’s small farms and farms across the Midwest for over 25 years
Kent
Eyes on the Prize
Catlin Whitington of ArtPrize
Austin, Texas, transplant Catlin Whitington moved with his family to Grand Rapids to be at the helm of ArtPrize, the world’s most attended public art event
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
Presque Isle
State of the Art
Tim Pritchard of Domaci Gallery
Tim Pritchard is creating a home for art and community at Domaci Gallery in Rogers City
Marquette
Rise UP
Bugsy Sailor of the Upper Peninsula Supply Company
As a prolific photographer of Michigan sunrises, co-founder of the Fresh Coast Film Festival and creator of 906 Day and Plaidurday, Bugsy Sailor is spreading his love of the U.P. across the state and the globe
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
Grand Traverse
Finding The Right Temperature
Bill Myers of Promethient
Bill Myers, CEO of Promethient, shares why Traverse City’s Northern Michigan lifestyle is the cherry on top of its legacy of innovation
Houghton
Rocket Man
Brad King of Orbion Space Technology
Brad King, founder of Orbion Space Technology, shares how he became one of the U.P.’s leading rocket scientists
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.