2026 Annual Meeting

MMDC's Annual Meeting is now sold out. We look forward to celebrating the economic achievements of 2026 in Clare, Isabella, and Osceola counties! 

Our event will kick off with lunch, followed by a keynote presentation by John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. Additionally, we will also highlight this year's economic champions across the region. 

Middle Michigan Development Corporation Annual Awards 2026

Business Attraction Project of the Year:  City of Clare Industrial Development Corporation

The City of Clare Industrial Development Corporation is recognized for its leadership in advancing business attraction efforts that strengthen the local economy. Through strategic site development, partnerships, and proactive outreach, the organization has enhanced Clare’s competitiveness and positioned the community to successfully attract new industry, investment, and job creation opportunities. This is particularly true through its most recent project at the South Industrial Park, where in coordination with Middle Michigan Development Corporation, site preparation steps were taken that allowed for the site to be shovel ready and welcome an Amazon Last-Mile Distribution Center in 2025.

Business Expansion Project of the Year: Reed City Group

Reed City Group is honored for its significant business expansion, demonstrating a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and the local workforce. This investment has resulted in job creation, increased economic activity, and long-term stability for the Osceola County economy, reinforcing the importance of supporting existing industries. Reed City Group is a turn-key injection molding company based in Reed City, Michigan. With experience across various industries and product requirements, they are uniquely positioned to provide quality, competitive injection molding and manufacturing solutions. They also have a specialized division, Reed City Group Life Sciences, that was created to meet the unique needs of the Life Sciences and Medical device industries, offering a one-stop-shop for manufacturing resources and services. Currently well over 200 people are employed by Reed City group and this number continues to grow.

Partner of the Year: CMURC

The Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) is recognized for its outstanding partnership and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth. In 2025, Middle Michigan Development Corporation and the CMURC continued to work collaboratively to set the stage for development in the Mt. Pleasant SmartZone, working together to further reduce barriers while continuing to market the available properties. Additionally, CMURC served as an integral partner in the relaunch of the Harrison Hub and Kitchen Incubator Space in downtown Harrison, MI. Through the Small Business Hub Program, CMURC and MMDC were able to partner with the City of Harrison to re-envision a physical location for business start-ups.

James McBryde Community Champion Award: Marita Hattem-Schiffman 

Marita Hattem-Schiffman is honored for her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities throughout the region. As former President and CEO of MyMichigan Health Alma, Mt. Pleasant, and Clare, her commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare and community engagement has strengthened the quality of life for residents and set a standard for service-driven leadership. Additionally, Marita just happens to be one of those community members that you see everywhere! Truly caring for the communities she has lived and served in, Marita has continued to be a strong advocate and active community member. Serving for multiple years on the MMDC board, Marita was always a great sounding board for strategic initiatives.

Isabella County Small Business of the Year: Sleepy Dog Books 

Sleepy Dog Books is celebrated as a vibrant small business that contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Isabella County. Through its dedication to literacy, community engagement, and local partnerships, the business has created a welcoming space that supports education, connection, and downtown vibrancy. Located in downtown Mt. Pleasant, the owners of Sleepy Dog Books, have not only increased overall foot traffic in the City, but have also been actively engaged in Merchant Meetings and community event planning initiatives. Through their foundation, Sleepy Dog Books have also supported literacy initiatives throughout all of Middle Michigan by placing book vending machines local schools and partnering with MyMichigan Health on an innovative campaign by providing free books to kids who attend pediatrician visits.

Clare County Small Business of the Year: Ideal Theater

Ideal Theater is recognized for its role as a historic and cultural cornerstone in the City of Clare and in Clare County. By preserving a cherished community space while adapting to modern needs, the theater continues to provide entertainment, support local events, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the community. In 2025, the Ideal Theater was able to purchase the building next door and is renovating the space, continuing to invest into downtown Clare’s main street district.

Osceola County Small Business of the Year: Three Birds Coffee

Three Birds Coffee is honored for its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community connection in Marion, MI. As a locally owned business, it has supported the local economy through participation in various events, including our own Osceola County breakfast last year. Three Birds Coffee has also received a MMDC Facade Improvement Grant, which it will utilize to fully launch a brick and mortar location in downtown Marion.

40 Under 40 Awardee of the Year: Anita Yager

Anita Yager is recognized for her dynamic leadership and impact as Harrison Downtown Development Authority Director. Through her vision and dedication, she has advanced downtown revitalization efforts, supported local businesses, and fostered community pride, representing the next generation of transformative leadership in Clare County. Anita Yager has also played an integral role in the relaunch of the Harrison Hub and Kitchen Incubator in downtown Harrison, increasing the number of individuals utilizing the space as well as operating and hosting events on behalf of the City at the Venue co-located there.

Community Project of the Year: Reed City Celebration Park

Reed City Celebration Park is honored as a transformative community project that enhances public space, recreation, and community engagement. This investment has created a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike, supporting local events, economic activity, and overall quality of life in Osceola County. Through this award we honor the City of Reed City, the Reed City Recreation Group, Gerber Construction and Fleis and Vandenbrink for their work on making this project a reality. As downtown Reed City’s first official park, this project would not have been made possible with the MEDC’s RAP grant program.

Housing Project of the Year: Evart Housing Commission

The Evart Housing Commission is recognized for its commitment to expanding access to safe,
affordable housing. Through its housing initiatives, the Commission has addressed critical community
needs, supported workforce stability, and contributed to the long-term growth and sustainability of
Osceola County. In 2025, the Evart Housing Commission announced multiple projects that will result in
109 apartment units being renovated and the addition of over 40 new units being built in the City of
Evart over the next couple of years. More details can be found here: Housing for Evart

Childcare Project of the Year: Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is honored for its leadership in advancing childcare
solutions that support working families and economic growth. Not only did the Community Foundation
make this a key priority, they held a childcare provider appreciation night and worked to launch a
request for proposals, planning to give up to $40,000 in funding to support an innovative childcare
initiative that specifically benefits the families, businesses and providers right here in Isabella County.