The State of Michigan has designated Houghton, Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties as the North Country Renaissance Zone, one of only eleven renaissance zones in the state and the first such program in the U.S. Renaissance zones are intended to promote economic development by waiving most state and local taxes for up to fifteen years for companies locating in the zones. Michigan is the first state to attempt such a program and anticipates that the renaissance zone program will help revitalize those areas of the state that have yet to realize the growth experienced by faster growing areas of the state. The Michigan sales tax and local bonded indebtedness are not waived. Each of the three counties in the North Country Renaissance Zone has two industrial zone sites. These are intended for manufacturing and service value-added companies, not for commercial or retail businesses.
Detailed maps are available.
This could include relocating a company, establishing a branch plant, establishing a research and development facility, or starting-up a new company. Under the renaissance zone legislation, any Michigan company relocating more than 25 jobs into a renaissance zone will need to receive the approval of the local government jurisdiction from which the company is relocating in order to be eligible for renaissance zone tax benefits. The Keweenaw Industrial Council is prepared to assist interested companies with business plan preparation, financial packaging, employee recruitment and training, relations with local municipalities and state government, and any other assistance that may be needed. The Council is a 150 member, private, non-profit which takes a proactive approach to economic development in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. All rights reserved.