GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The celebration kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a presentation from the Executive Director of Forsyth forward Alan Cook highlighting the services and resources available to small businesses in the Gwinn area.
“Up front is the visitors center, it’s open 24 hours a day so anyone that’s visiting can come in here and grab their maps and grab their information from local businesses so if they’re in the area and we’ve already had quite a few folks stop by and do that”, said Cook.
Forsyth Forward is an economic development Office, a chamber of commerce and tourism bureau all rolled into one.
“It’s our Chamber of Commerce, economic development office, and convention and visitor bureau. Because we are a hybrid of the three, we offer a lot for the community,” said Cook.
As housing prices continue to rise in other parts of Marquette County Forsyth Township is poised to grow substantially due to its lower housing costs, and opportunities for small businesses.
“The prices of homes are beginning to get recognized as low and now a lot of people are wanting to come down here, especially from the Marquette area,” said business owner Steve Finley.
A real benefit to the the area is Forsyth Forward’s commitment to helping businesses thrive through collaboration.
“The fact that there is a member coalition for businesses to interact with each other, and then also for community members to interact with the businesses means, no matter what, somewhere along the line, there is going to be a spike in growth,” said Matt Slaughter of AB Housing Solutions.
The new Forsyth Forward offices are located at 184 Flint Street, in the former Gwinn State Savings Bank, built in 1908.
