Mary Lemmer

Living in the Keweenaw Peninsula for ten years, I envisioned myself leaving Michigan for college. With closer exploration I discovered that Michigan has much to offer my diverse set of interests – including entrepreneurship, clean tech, outdoors, food, and film.

Entrepreneurship in Michigan. From early fur traders to Henry Ford, Michigan is rooted in entrepreneurship. In high school, I started Iorio’s, a company that retails and caters authentic Italian ice and Michigan-made artisan gelato, and now I am working with a company that rewards homeowners for conserving energy. I have taken advantage of some of the many resources for entrepreneurs, from events to business plan competitions.

I also had great work opportunities in Michigan, including internships with the Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Maggie’s Organics, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Opportunities exist… it is just a matter of finding or creating them. One such opportunity is Build Up!’s Building a Brighter Michigan Sustainable Design Competition, inviting Michigan students to compete in designing a net zero house to be built on Mackinac Island (also seeking sponsors).

Michigan is becoming a hotspot for renewable energy and clean tech. For instance, Elkton, in the thumb, is home to a large wind farm and holds an annual bike tour to view the turbines.

Michigan’s four seasons, lakes, beaches, and parks are great for summer and winter activities like boating and skiing. When I was younger I decided that for my 21st birthday I would go on a wine tasting tour. Originally I thought that would require traveling to northern California, but I soon learned that I could taste the flavors of rieslings and merlot in Michigan. I spent my birthday in Traverse City during the National Cherry Festival, visiting half a dozen wineries, sampling fine foods, and witnessing beautiful scenery.

Movies in Michigan. Since childhood I have been interested performance and film. With the strong tax incentives in Michigan, many movies have made their way to the mitten, giving me the chance to be a background actor in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It!

I proudly proclaim my interest in staying in Michigan after graduating. My commitment to Michigan does not limit my experiences outside of the state though. I have traveled from California, to Austin, to Patagonia in Chile, all while living in Michigan. Michigan has much to offer, and I urge you to explore some of Michigan’s treasures!

Mary Lemmer grew up in Hancock, Michigan and has lived in Michigan for about 20 years. Mary will graduate in May 2010 from the University of Michigan with a BBA from the Ross School of Business, minor in Environmental Studies, and College of Engineering Certificate of Entrepreneurship.