After honing his craft at northern Michigan's first craft brewery, John Niedermaier went out on his own, creating a sustainable brewing operation and farm outside Traverse City. Brewery Terra Firma has become a model for other brewers.

When Spring Lake Presbyterian Church decided to sell a parcel of vacant land, it found the perfect developer in Samaritas, a nonprofit committed to building affordable housing across Michigan. 

Over the past several years, Michigan's community mental health agencies have been stepping up with a number of initiatives to help fill the gap in mental health services for youth.

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising has evolved into a marquee event, drawing beginners and seasoned ice climbers from around the globe.  

“Kids ‘N’ Stuff is special because it’s something families can do in the winter inside. . .We want people to come to Kids ‘N’ Stuff and get cookies at the local bakery or a burger at Albion Malleable Brewing. There’s enough to do here that you could make it a day trip or an overnight staycation."

Gentex has long been a champion of community engagement, financially supporting educational, economic development, diversity, and philanthropic causes throughout the region.

A new report released by the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity provides a guide for rural communities across the state to thrive.