Owner of Munising's Ramsey Companies honored

The MSHS Trauma Team. Back row, left to right are Tammy Lovitt, Kacey Wojan, Debbie Lull, and Megan Swain. Front row, left to right are Cindy Donajkowski, Jamie Menominee, Carol Elmblad, and Dr. Susan Strich. Not pictured, but valuable members of the Trauma Committee were Karen Yoder, Tobey Mitchell, Angie Amble, Sheryl Thayer, Chase Izzard, and Mark Wilk.

What's happening: Bill Ramsey, the leader of the Ramsey Companies, was recognized at the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership annual dinner on Monday, May 13 in Munising. Ramsey, who owns multiple restaurants, hotels, campgrounds and other service and tourism industry businesses in the Munising area, employs more than 115 year-round staff. Many local business leaders -- from employment specialists at Michigan Works! and from the building development like financiers, architects and contractors -- attended the event, showcasing the long-lasting economic impact of the Ramsey Companies.

Dedicated to the area:  An overarching theme of the night was the impact of Ramsey Companies on the Munising area. At one point, anybody in the room who had worked at one of the various Ramsey businesses was asked to raise their hand. Dozens of individuals, including retired law enforcement and judges, current city staff and other business owners, did so. Ramsey, however, turned the moment around to highlight the way individuals have stepped up for the betterment of the community.

What they're saying: “I’ve always had the best people around me and that makes a difference. There’s been a lot of long conversations to make all of this work,” Ramsey said. “It’s also nice to see that others are also able to bring business to the area. We can’t export Grand Island. We can’t export the rocks we all know about. So, to see so many others be able to do well in the community is great too.”

What's next: Ramsey and Chamber Director Kathy Reynolds, who emceed the event, both stressed the desire for a strong summer to help Alger County rebound from a challenging winter tourism season. The annual chamber dinner serves as the unofficial kickoff of the summer tourism season.