Dear Partners and Community Members,

As July comes to a close, I wanted to share a brief update from one of the month’s highlights – representing Middle Michigan at a Business Attraction Blitz in New York City. The event provided an opportunity to meet directly with national site selectors who advise companies on where to locate future expansions and investments.

While much of MMDC’s work is centered on supporting the businesses that already call our region home, attracting new investment remains an important part of our mission. Business attraction is one of our strategic priorities because every new employer, entrepreneur, and investment has the potential to create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and generate new opportunities for residents and existing businesses alike.

The conversations during the event were incredibly valuable. We had the opportunity to showcase available industrial sites, commercial properties, and development opportunities across our service area while also gaining insight into what companies are looking for as they evaluate new locations. Understanding emerging industry trends, site selection priorities, and how Michigan is perceived on a national level helps us better prepare our communities to compete for future investment.

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was sharing the story of Middle Michigan. Our region has so much to offer – from a hardworking workforce and strong regional partnerships to an exceptional quality of life and communities that are committed to growth. Those strengths resonated throughout our conversations and reinforced that our region is well-positioned for future opportunities.

Business attraction is a long-term effort built on relationships, visibility, and persistence. While these conversations may not result in immediate announcements, they help ensure that Middle Michigan is part of the discussion when companies begin evaluating locations for future growth.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant region one relationship, one opportunity, and one investment at a time.

Sincerely, 

Kati Mora
President and CEO 
Middle Michigan Development Corporation

Join us at the beautiful Olde Mill Venue for our Osceola County breakfast on August 13th, 2026. We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast catered by Ebel’s and hear from special guest Amanda Scott, the Rural Readiness Coordinator at Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity.

We are also excited to announce that Mt. Pleasant will serve as the location for the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Central Lower Peninsula Regional Prosperity Summit on August 11, 2026. This one-day convening is designed to strengthen regional collaboration, build community capacity, and connect leaders with tools and partnerships that support a prosperous and resilient rural future.

For more than 30 years, The Wildlife Gallery has quietly built a reputation as a global leader while calling Middle Michigan home.

Established in 1994 by Brad Eldred, The Wildlife Gallery has grown into the largest tannery dedicated to taxidermy in the United States – and likely the world – serving approximately 7,000 taxidermists nationwide. The company is also recognized as one of the three to four largest taxidermy studios in the country. While its headquarters remain rooted in Mid Michigan, The Wildlife Gallery now operates facilities in Blanchard, Mt. Pleasant, and Leslie, Michigan, as well as Mountain Home, Texas; Ogden, Utah; and Wasilla, Alaska.

Today, the company employs 180 team members, making it one of the region’s significant private employers.

Looking Ahead

The Wildlife Gallery continues to invest in both its people and its operations. In 2026 and beyond, the company is expanding its trophy room construction team to meet demand for several large-scale client projects scheduled through 2027. On the tannery side of the business, they’re modernizing equipment by upgrading to a new generation of tanning drums that improve efficiency and maximize production space.

Why Middle Michigan?

When asked what they enjoy most about doing business here, the answer was simple: Middle Michigan offers an affordable place to operate a business while providing an exceptional quality of life.

Many members of The Wildlife Gallery team are passionate sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, making the region’s abundant recreational opportunities another reason employees enjoy living and working here.

A Legacy of People

While many people may not realize the scale of The Wildlife Gallery’s impact, the company has been an important part of the Middle Michigan business community for more than three decades.

One of their proudest accomplishments isn’t measured in projects or production; it’s measured in people. In recent years, The Wildlife Gallery has celebrated numerous 15-, 20-, and 25-year employee anniversaries, reflecting a workplace culture that values and retains its team members for the long term.

At MMDC, we’re proud to recognize businesses like The Wildlife Gallery that continue to invest in innovation, create quality jobs, and demonstrate that world-class companies can thrive right here in Middle Michigan.

Want a behind the scenes look at the Wildlife Gallery’s day-to-day operations? Check out this article in OutdoorLife (photo credit: OutdoorLife).

Congratulations goes out to two of our area businesses who were selected to receive 2026 Match on Main Grants. Fab Five Design located in Mt. Pleasant and the newly renovated Babe’s Country Kitchen in Harrison were both selected to receive $25,000 to grow their business and add something new to their downtowns. Be sure to congratulate these businesses on this achievement.