Our Story

---

Built upon a foundation of belief, dedication, passion, and the findings from the “Chain of Lakes” Marketing Study, the “Breezeway” communities of East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood are off to a fabulous success in their pursuit of branding and marketing their spectacular “well-kept” secret region located in the northwest section of C-48 in Charlevoix and Antrim counties, as a household name and vacation destination.

The “Breezeway” boasts scenic overlooks, great motorcycle & bicycle rides, recreational amenities galore, working  farms & orchards, artist galleries, resale shops, lodging facilities (cottages, campgrounds, B&Bs, motels, and a resort), retail & service businesses with superb customer service, and an epicurean’s  selection of dining choices along the route.

This very “home-spun” natural area was the recipient of the State of Michigan’s Center for Regional Excellence $25,000 grant to continue to expand and grow the already successful volunteer marketing efforts of the “Breezeway Task Force.”

Made up of community leaders, business owners, local officials and residents, this zealous group of individuals meet monthly to report and brainstorm on the several committees and projects being coordinated or developed. Special events including the “Breezeway Cruise” featuring automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles held the third Thursday in June which will be launched this year; Farmer’s Markets in both East Jordan and Ellsworth continue weekly throughout the growing season; the Jordan Valley Freedom Festival and the Ellsworth Pig Roast are both celebrated on the third weekend in June annually along with individual holiday celebrations. Business workshops and networking events are jointly organized by the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, which proudly represents the “Breezeway” communities.

New for 2009 is the addition of the beautiful “Breezeway” logo signs that line the C-48 Route that links the three unique partners together.

E-S-C-A-P-E ... take a rural ride on the “Breezeway”!

[Photo: Several members of the Breezeway Task Force receiving grant from Michigan's governor.

From L to R: Jan Kellogg (Northern Lakes Economic Alliance); Jeff Kessler; Laurie Lesser Hodgson;

Governor Jennifer Granholm; Thomas Mann (Banks Township Supervisor); Chet Drenth.]