Regions

Mecosta County

The diversified economy of Mecosta County is centered on agriculture, higher education, and a broad range of manufacturing specialties.

Mecosta County is home to a prospering rural economy, centered on agriculture, higher education, and a broad range of manufacturing specialties. There are also various festivals, recreational trails, events, dining, and small businesses to support. The county has many undeveloped and developed sites that are competitively priced for the region.

Recent Mecosta County News

$6.1M in Revitalization and Placemaking Program funds will support 17 West Michigan placemaking projects
RAP Grant Recipients 2023

$6.1M in Revitalization and Placemaking Program funds will support 17 West Michigan placemaking projects

The Right Place & MCDC assists Big Rapids Products, Inc. with expansion
Big Rapids Products 3

The Right Place & MCDC assists Big Rapids Products, Inc. with expansion

Metal stampings supplier to add 60 jobs, invest $3 million with Big Rapids expansion

The Right Place, Inc. & Vibrant Futures receive $150,000 grant to assist in expanding childcare options in region
RPI Vibrant Futures Header Image

The Right Place, Inc. & Vibrant Futures receive $150,000 grant to assist in expanding childcare options in region

The Right Place will partner with Vibrant Futures to provide leadership and support in expanding the childcare footprint in Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Barry and Ionia counties

Mecosta County Development Corporation

A collaborative effort between Mecosta County, the City of Big Rapids, Ferris State University, Big Rapids Township, Mecosta Township and other local private sector partners, the MCDC’s mission is:

To facilitate and initiate economic development that expands and diversifies the Mecosta County economy, thereby creating job opportunities for area residents.

In 2021, the Mecosta County Development Corporation partnered with The Right Place, West Michigan’s leading economic development organization, to provide economic development services for Mecosta County.

This partnership greatly enhanced the MCDC's capabilities, bringing new support and services to Mecosta companies. The county is now a regional player in West Michigan, with access to a wide variety of economic support.

Mecosta County Development Corporation's 2023 Board of Directors

Officers

  • Michele Graham, Mecosta Township - Chair*
  • Mark Gifford, City of Big Rapids - Vice Chair*
  • Robert Fisher, Lake-Osceola State Bank - Treasurer*
  • Dan Einchinger, Ferris State University - Secretary*

Board Members

  • Paul Bullock, Mecosta Co. Administrator*
  • John Currie, Mecosta County Road Commission
  • Fred Guenther, Mayor, City of Big Rapids
  • Dave Hamelund, Hamtech, Inc.*
  • Linda Howard, Mecosta County Commissioner
  • Shelly Keene, Director, MI Works West Central
  • Mark Klumpp, Morton Township Supervisor
  • Patrick Tiedt, Consumers Energy*

*Executive Committee Member

2023 Annual Report & State of the Region Report

Contact

Kelly Wawsczyk websize

Kelly Wawsczyk

Executive Director, Mecosta County Development Corporation

Kelly serves as the Executive Director for the Mecosta County Development Corporation. In this role, she leads the promotion of economic development in Mecosta County through the attraction, retention and expansion of business and industry.

Full Bio