COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer made stops in Branch and Hillsdale Counties on Wednesday in an effort to promote her MI New Economy plan. She visited Mastronardi Produce in Coldwater and the Keefer Hotel in Hillsdale. The governor was joined by MDARD Director Gary McDowell in Coldwater as she made her first visit to Branch County since taking office in January 2019.
Whitmer said in a news release issued by her office, “From agriculture to tourism, today’s visits in Branch and Hillsdale Counties highlighted the strength and diversity of Michigan’s economy. I am laser-focused on tackling the big, structural challenges we face to grow Michigan’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and build industries of the future. I look forward to working with key partners, the legislature and anyone who wants to put Michigan’s families, communities and small businesses first as we bolster our state’s economy.”
Mastronardi Produce is a fourth-generation family-owned produce company that first brought commercial greenhouse growing to North America. They operate as one of the Midwest’s largest glass greenhouses producing fresh vegetables even through the winter months.
The Keefer House Hotel project in downtown Hillsdale will include commercial space on the ground floor as well as hotel space with modern amenities, a welcoming lobby and an upscale restaurant in a historic 19th century building.
A $2 million dollar grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund to restore the blighted hotel was awarded in January.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $12.3 million and create 50 full-time equivalent jobs.
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