Bell said he was drawn to the Escanaba area based on its central location and cooperation demonstrated by local units of government and business leaders. He visited the area last month to tour possible construction sites. He is no stranger to the U.P. as he owns two cottages, one in Curtis and the other in Gulliver. That’s where he is currently in the process of refurbishing a family cottage that his grandmother built in 1949. Bell often promotes tourism and has sponsored and sailed in the Bayview Mackinac Sailboat Race. In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Bell sits on the board for the Kalamazoo Institute for Arts.
Vicki Schwab, Delta County Economic Development director, said she started working with Bell last year, providing information about the community and possible building sites. “Brewing beer is part of Escanaba’s proud history, and Bell’s Brewery is part of our future. We couldn’t agree more with Larry about the potential he sees in our community. This is a true collaborative partnership,” Schwab said. In Escanaba, Bell’s Brewery can build the exact facility that will meet their needs, making it environmentally sustainable.
Escanaba City Manager Jim O’Toole said the project will be a real plus for the area. “We are extremely proud and pleased that Bell’s Brewery, Inc. chose to invest in our community. A craft brewery of Bell’s caliber will not only be a great asset to the city of Escanaba, it will further aid in diversifying our regional manufacturing base,”
Escanaba Mayor Leo Evans also said this is great news for the region. “Bell’s will be a natural fit in our emerging craft beer and winemaking culture, and reinforces the fact that Escanaba is a great place to do business.”
State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said this investment in Escanaba means a brighter future for the Central Upper Peninsula. “This represents good, solid growth for our area. Larry is willing to invest in our community. He’s going to be here for the long haul,” Casperson said. He added economic growth in communities like Escanaba will most likely come a few jobs at a time, and the actual impact will have a ripple effect throughout the area. “There’s potential here for the local farming community to possibly provide resources to this local facility. There’s also possible spinoff for other small businesses around here,” Casperson added. He said local officials showed they were willing to assist the company in finding a perfect location, and that eventually led to Bell’s decision to locate here. “He looked at other opportunities in the region, but they seemed to fall by the wayside as the company started working with Vicki, the city and county,” Casperson said. “I’m personally excited by him coming here. He’s well known as a person of integrity. We’re extremely fortunate to have him come up here,” he said.
Delta County Administrator Nora Viau also took part in the tour that introduced Bell to possible sites here. “If they need anything from the county, we’ll be there. We look forward to working with them,” she said. Viau said Bell has indicated he will use local contractors for the construction project, and is committed to the community. “This will help build our economy a little at a time. He’s an established businessman, and he’s not blowing in and blowing out. He’s here for the long haul,” she said.
The company also takes great pride in providing economic, environmental and social benefits to the communities they call home.
The Economic Development Alliance is part of the Delta County Commerce Center. Vickie Micheau is the commerce center’s executive director. “This project is the result of an exhaustive effort by many leaders in our community. Everybody, from Vicki Schwab to city and county leaders, all did everything they could to show the
