About Us

Our Mission and Strategies

The successor to several previous county-wide economic development organizations, the Mecosta County Development Corporation was formed in 1995 as a private, non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation for the purpose of retaining existing and attracting new business and industry to Mecosta County.

A collaborative effort between Mecosta County, the City of Big Rapids, Ferris State University, Big Rapids Township, and other local partners, the MCDC’s mission is:

To facilitate and initiate economic development that expands and diversifies the Mecosta County economy, thereby creating job opportunities for area residents.

To that end, the organization has three primary areas of focus:

• Facilitate communication and cooperation between local organizations, business people, communities, and governmental units.
•  Retain and expand area businesses, bringing together partners capable of meeting their evolving needs. 
• Market Mecosta County by promoting the attributes that make it a great place for business to enhance development opportunities.

The Mecosta County Development Corporation is staffed by an executive director, is guided by a locally appointed board of directors, and has principle offices located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Board of Directors

The Full Board of Directors of the Mecosta County Development Corporation represents a broad cross section of Mecosta County residents.  Representation on the board includes local and state governmental officials, private business, non-profit organizations, education, health care, legal and financial institutions, private citizens, and other local partners.  Board meetings are held once each quarter beginning in March and continuing on through June, September, and December.  Meetings are generally scheduled for the second Friday of each quarter.  The Full Board currently consists of 49 members, though that number generally fluctuates between 40 and 50 depending on the annual recommendations of the Nominating Committee.

The Executive Committee provides guidance to the Executive Director on issues affecting the day to day operations of the corporation.  The Executive Committee is comprised of eight members and includes the four officers of the corporation.  The Committee meets monthly on the first Friday of each month.  A listing of the current Full Board of Directors, including members of the Executive Committee (in bold), can be found in the Board of Directors listing.  All members of the Executive Committee have signed confidentially agreements to insure the utmost confidentially when meeting with existing businesses or new prospective clients.

Staff

William Mrdeza is the Executive Director of the Mecosta County Development Corporation, a private, non-profit organization with offices in Big Rapids.  The Corporation is a partnership that includes city, county, and township government, two of Michigan’s major utilities, and Ferris State University.  Its goal is to facilitate and initiate economic development that expands and diversifies the Mecosta County economy, thereby creating job opportunities for area residents.  Mrdeza brings to the position over 30 years of experience in the area of community and economic development.  Previous to his current position, he served for nineteen years as the Community, Housing, and Economic Development Director for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  Mrdeza holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University and extensive Master’s Degree work from Western Illinois University.  Mrdeza has served in a variety of positions on a number of local, county, regional, and state boards and commissions.  Mrdeza currently resides with his family in the Mt. Pleasant area.