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

West Michigan economic development agencies seeking bids for state’s $75 million Revitalization and Placemaking program

West Michigan economic development agencies seeking bids for state’s $75 million Revitalization and Placemaking program

The Right Place, Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development looking to help secure funding for public placemaking projects within 13 county region

MCDC Executive Director appointed to Mid-America Economic Development Council Board of Directors
Big Rapids Park 3

MCDC Executive Director appointed to Mid-America Economic Development Council Board of Directors

Kelly Jo Wawsczyk joins the Mid-America EDC’s Board of Directors for state of Michigan

$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

Mecosta County Development Corporation

A collaborative effort between Mecosta County, the City of Big Rapids, Ferris State University, Mecosta Township, Morton 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

  • Mindy Taylor, 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 W 2024

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