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
Gladwin
Live hAPPLEy
Dan Vannest of The Fruitful Orchard
Inspired by a love for cider and donuts, Gladwin native Dan Vannest decided to change career paths when his hometown apple orchard went up for sale. Now, he’s creating a bushelful of memories for new families at The Fruitful Orchard.
Oceana
Apples of Her Eye
Amy Baker of Peterson Farms
As senior director of quality and regulatory compliance management for food processor Peterson Farms, Amy Baker is contributing to Michigan’s agribusiness industry with the largest employer in Oceana County – and knows how to spot a good apple.
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
Tuscola
True Blue
Amy Stocking of Turner’s Blueberry Farm
Amy Stocking and her husband Dan are growing their family and a superfood at Turner’s Blueberry Farm in Caro
VanBuren
Through the Grapevine
Nancie Oxley of St. Julian Winery
As Michigan’s first female winemaker, Nancie Oxley has stayed true to her Midwest roots and grown her career at St. Julian Winery
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
Lenawee
Born and Bread in Michigan
Arlo Brandl of Tecumseh Bread and Pastry
Artisan bread maker Arlo Brandl uses flour power to attract visitors to Tecumseh Bread and Pastry in downtown Tecumseh
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.