Benzie County

One of Michigan's fastest-growing counties, Benzie County's natural beauty and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation are strong influences in attracting businesses and people. The County's 57 lakes and miles of scenic rivers provide individuals with access to canoeing, boating, and charter fishing. There are eight challenging golf courses, numerous biking and hiking trails, 135 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and breathtaking fall color.

Source: *STATS Indiana; 2007.

               **Traverse Area Association of Realtors, Nov. 2007.

Why do business here?

• Available commercial and industrial property                                                  
• Targeted growth industries include:
  • Agriculture
  • Value-added agriculture processing companies
  • Regional corporate service centers
  • Advanced manufacturing companies
  • Healthcare (ie, tendercare, elderly care, extended care) facilities
• Located 45 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport and downtown Traverse City
• Frankfort Airport accommodates private corporate jets
• Crystal Mountain is one of the Midwest's premier ski and golf destination resorts
• Non-traditional financing available through the Benzie County EDC Revolving Loan Fund

Key Employers

• Crystal Mountain
• Field Crafts, Inc.
• Food for Thought, Inc.
• Frankfort Manufacturing Company
• H.W. Jenks, Inc.
• Graceland Fruit, Inc.
• Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital
• Smeltzer Orchard Co.
• The Maples

Festivals and Cultural Highlights

• Michigan Legacy Art Park
• Point Betsie Lighthouse
• Benzie Area Historical Museum
• Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra
• Betsie Valley Trail
• Benzie County Players
• Garden Theatre
• National Coho Festival
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore