Whiskey Trade: TC whiskey expansion is highlighted by public support

Partnerships between public and private companies were on full display Friday as Trave City Whiskey Co. built a new distillery and tasting room. It is a project that should create jobs for 100 people and bring 20 million dollars to the region.

It is S.It’s been a year, but the next chapter of the TC Whiskey Company has just begun at its new distillery in Lilanu County.

Senator Gary Peters said: “As the craft industry grows, it’s good for local development in cities and often brings people in.”

TC Whiskey only started eight years ago and this will be their third facility. Once complete, it will be a 70,000 square foot complete visitor center and tasting room.

“They’re starting to go national. “You will see this product not only in the Trave City area, but across the country,” said Senator Peters. “That means more jobs in this area means more economic development.”

FBy Peters and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, TCWC owners noted the support and cooperation provided by the government. From a $750,000 grant from the state to tax code changes to help them get off the ground.

“The tax structure is really geared toward some very large factories,” Peters said. “It’s very difficult for a new distillery to start.”

As major business investments are announced in the state, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist said these small investments are worth every penny.

“All of these investments are wins,” Gilchrist said. “I think it’s a victory because it’s a victory for the communities, creating a new job.”

Economic development will be a key focus of next week’s State of the State address, a key focus of the Whitmer administration.

“It’s a great example of working with government and regulators to enable your vision,” Gilchrist said. That’s what we want to do as an administration.

Perhaps the biggest impact on rural Michigan business will not be a business grant or tax code change, but the rise of broadband internet. It is the highest goal that the administration is focusing on in the second term of office.

“It’s a $250 million investment that we’ve committed to building the kind of infrastructure we need for the Internet,” Gilchist said. “For more homes, more businesses, more farms, more families. Michigan will be the first major state to connect all of our citizens online within the next four years.