New Businesses in Rogers City

Many efforts and plans are coming together in Rogers City this year.  This is the 100th anniversary of the Calcite Limestone Quarry.  The quarry has another 100 years of mineral reserves at the current level of extraction.  It and the deep water "Port of Calcite," and all the other natural resources located here are tangible assets that will power economic growth over time.

However, due to technology, the number of jobs related to the quarry and freighters (shipping the mineral out) has been greatly reduced over the past decades.  The number of jobs in our community lost due to technological improvements alone has been estimated at almost 1,000. This reduction of jobs, along with other economic and demographic changes, has resulted in a decline in population in our community.  Going from a high of almost 5,000 people in the 1960's, the 2010 census shows a population of about 2,837. 

The lost jobs and population coupled with the recent economic crisis have hit the business community hard.  Many businesses have closed.  Many business owners are struggling.  For a time, the community was hoping for a new power plant to step in and create many new jobs.  For better or worse this has not happened.

In spite of, or perhaps because of, the doom and gloom, the situation seems to be changing.  New businesses are springing up!  Jean's Gift and Card Shop just opened.  Chicory Cafe is now open.  A new athletic club may open in the Fall.  Other developments are in the works and may be announced soon.  There are real economic opportunities available in Rogers City. 

Also, many wonderful people continue to work and to volunteer, making Rogers City a great place to live in and to visit.  This year's Nautical City Festival promises to be the best ever!

To those who are on the sidelines, now is the time to step forward and make Rogers City the place you want it to be.