one goes north and south. So, because of that, and our location on US 131, it makes property valuable for any businesses that want to come in,” he explains. TWO VILLAGES WITH DISTINCT PERSONALITIES While the township is rural at its core, its two anchor villages are experiencing very different kinds of momentum. “The Village of Vicksburg is the fastest growing village in the state of Michigan,” says Ulsh, noting that the area has become a popular destination, with attractions like Mckenzies Bakery drawing people to the community. Adding to the village’s character is the transformation of a historic paper mill. “There’s a young man who bought it, and he’s converting it into an entertainment center. It’s quite a thing, a lot of money,” Ulsh portrays. The exterior buildings are being restored to their original 1906 appearance, with support from the state of Michigan for their historical significance, while the interior will feature a contemporary design befitting its new use as a cultural center. In contrast, the Village of Schoolcraft maintains a more laid back atmosphere. “It’s one of the original villages in Michigan, and they don’t want all the hurrah that goes on in Vicksburg. It’s funny because they’re exact opposites of each other,” Ulsh imparts. WELCOMING NEW BUSINESSES Schoolcraft Township is home to major employers such as J Rettenmaier Corporation, which has become an important part of the township’s economic and community landscape. “They’re a German business. We gave them several tax breaks to get them here, and they’re now the largest taxpayer in Schoolcraft Township,” details Ulsh. “They’ve added on and added on, and they’ve made Schoolcraft their world headquarters. They are just a super company.” The township is also preparing for the opening of Forming USA, a Swiss based manufacturer of cold rolled steel products. The 40 acre site will be home to the company’s sales office and manufacturing plant, eventually spanning 1 million square feet. According to Ulsh, the owner was not only looking for land, but for a community he felt comfortable doing business in. “He actually flew in from Switzerland to meet with us, to make sure he liked us. He wanted to meet our staff and make sure that we were as friendly as he had heard. So, he bought the property, and we’re just waiting for him to break ground.” 195 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 SCHOOLCRAFT TOWNSHIP, MI
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