BNI Michigan
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Benzie Area Information
About Benzie County
Benzie County is Michigan's smallest county in terms of acreage, but has become one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
Two principle industries make up the economic base for the area, Agriculture and Tourism making for a very seasonally oriented economy.
The base year-round population in Benzie is 20,000, however, during the summer months this population grows to over 50,000 residents. Benzie County is a year-round recreational community.
Bordering on Lake Michigan, Benzie County offers miles of Lake Michigan frontage.
Benzie Grows Businesses
"If only I could find a way to make a living Up North, I would relocate there!" More and more, enterprising individuals and small companies are finding ways to plant and grow their businesses in Benzie County. Driven by the county's economic support and the energy of those who value the Up North lifestyle, a diverse group of businesses are flourishing.
Benzie's major industries are tourism and agriculture, the latter with a growing emphasis on fruit processing. In recent years 
manufacturing has expanded and small high-tech firms have located in the area. Business parks are being planned and high speed Internet services are being developed.
Several Benzie businesses have been recognized for award-winning entrepreneurial spirit.
In its October 23, 2003 issue Smart Money recognized Crystal Mountain, Benzie's premier resort and conference center, as an ideal location for investment.
Graceland Fruit also demonstrates this award-winning spirit. In May of 2003 Donald W. Nugent, founder, president and chief executive of the company, received the Edward R Madigan U. S. Agricultural Export Excellence Award for his entrepreneurial efforts in foreign markets. Recently Graceland Fruit broke ground on a $13 million, 30,000 square-foot expansion, which is expected to add 45 jobs to Graceland's payroll.
Throughout the county there are many family-owned small business involved in tourism. In recent years the Benzie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was created to increase tourism, especially during the spring and fall seasons. At a time when much of the state of Michigan is experiencing a decline in tourism, Benzie County's tourism has increased steadily in each of the last three years.
A 31 percent growth in population between 1990 and 2000 moved Benzie County into the first rank in population growth in northwest Lower Michigan. The population grew from 12,200 in 1990 to over 16,000 in 2004. This continuing growth trend offers opportunities to existing local businesses as well as to new investors in the area.
For more information on a business in Benzie County, phone the Benzie Chamber of Commerce at 800-882-5801 or visit other sections on this web site by using the menus above.
David Neiger of the Benzie County Planning Department can provide direction and guidance regarding zoning and other business incentives. Contact him at 231-882-9674.
Opportunities available to new and expanding business can also be explored through the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation. Phone Charles Blankenship at 231-946-1596 or visit www.tcchamber.org/economic .
Other Benzie County Organizations
Chamber and Member Information
Frankfort-Elberta
Chamber of Commerce
Village of Elberta
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