MARQUETTE, MI (AP)-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of events this week in northern Michigan
James Turner, the USDA's Michigan director for rural development, will be joined by Business Program Administrator John Padalino during stops Wednesday and Thursday. They'll discuss efforts at the agency to assist rural businesses.
Wednesday's events include meetings in Traverse City, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. The Cheboygan stop is at an assisted living facility that got a $4 million loan guarantee. The Mackinaw City visit is at a site that got a $7.3 million loan guarantee.
Thursday's events include a business gathering at Northern Michigan University in Marquette and a stop at the Marquette Food Cooperative in nearby Marquette Township. There also are visits in the communities of Manistique, Escanaba and Menominee.