ENGADINE — Frazier Bros. Fisheries has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Graymont Community and Economic Fund, securing the remaining funds necessary for a processing facility expansion plan that stands to improve off-season unemployment rates, provide income for area residents, and increase the opportunities for Frazier and local tribal fishing crews. With increased processing capabilities, the economic benefits will help stabilize and improve family income across key Hendricks Township businesses. The expansion will utilize local contractors and businesses, further increasing area employment and income.

Frazier Bros. Fisheries is led by Dave Frazier, Jr., a third generation Tribal fisherman, and has been serving the local community for decades. This grant award supplements the company’s $66,000 Phase 2 investment for upgraded facilities, a finished storefront, greater processing capacity, and larger workspaces. These improvements translate directly to employing tribal fishing crews, gathering crews, and workers for processing, distribution, and sales. This growth will help meet the year-round demands of restaurants and customers, and stands to provide a direct, positive economic impact for approximately 131 Hendricks Township residents and surrounding communities.

With letters of support from local restaurateurs, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the Hendricks Township Board (among others), Frazier Bros. Fisheries was identified as an ideal candidate for the Graymont Community and Economic Development Fund. Application assistance and guidance from the Mackinac Economic Alliance (MEA) played an invaluable role in securing funding, and facility construction will rely on local contractors, further creating jobs and benefitting Hendricks Township and surrounding communities.

“In working directly with Mackinac Economic Alliance, Frazier Bros. Fisheries is pleased to receive this Graymont Grant award,” stated co-owner Deb Frazier. The funding will be put toward the new fish market facility and operation in Epoufette, Michigan, including the construction of its well, septic, and drainfield systems in accordance with the Luce, Mackinac,

Alger, Schoolcraft County Health Department, Michigan Department of Agriculture, and EGLE.

“We are getting very excited!” Frazier continued. “Once our new addition construction is complete, we will be able to process, store, and sell fish products from our new location and get more of our products out to businesses and customers year round.”

This grant award support’s the Graymont Community and Economic Fund’s mission to “provide opportunities for enhanced economic growth and support for regional initiatives and projects which can benefit those living and working in the communities” of the area, and will directly benefit the working people of the lakeshore region surrounding Engadine, Naubinway, and Epoufette.