Small businesses are vital to Michigan’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation and community development. They make up more than 99% of all businesses in the state and employ nearly half of Michigan’s private workforce. These companies foster entrepreneurship and drive local economies by keeping money circulating within communities.
Fueling local tradition
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, pasties are more than just a meal – they’re a symbol of heritage, resilience and community. Once a staple for miners seeking warmth and nourishment underground, the handheld meat pies are now a beloved comfort food enjoyed across the state and beyond. For Taste of the Upper Peninsula in St. Ignace, pasties are also the foundation of a thriving local enterprise – and reliable energy is what keeps that foundation strong.
“Energy is a big part of our business. It’s a must,” Penny, Taste of the Upper Peninsula owner, explains. “We bake all our pasties for 43 minutes, we’ve got a big walk-in freezer, and we’ve got to heat this place.” Like many small business owners across Michigan, Penny depends on a steady, affordable energy supply to keep her business running smoothly – especially during the long, cold winters of the Upper Peninsula.
Taste of the Upper Peninsula sells between 600 and 800 pasties daily from the storefront where the pastries are baked onsite as well as shipping across the region and beyond. Penny and her team also sell 17 flavors of homemade fudge, all crafted onsite. Behind the scenes, it’s energy that powers the ovens, freezers and heating systems that keep the business running.
Safe, reliable energy for Michiganders
That’s where Enbridge’s Line 5 comes in. This vital energy corridor delivers the propane and natural gas liquids that fuel homes and businesses throughout Michigan. In fact, Line 5 supplies 65% of propane demand in the Upper Peninsula, and 55% of Michigan’s statewide propane needs. For businesses like Taste of the Upper Peninsula, this means the difference between consistent operations and costly disruptions.
Penny is a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project, which will house a segment of the Line 5 pipeline in a concrete tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. “As an individual, I support the Great Lakes Tunnel Project,” she says. “I see lots of benefits – a big boost in our economy, a better way to get product from one place to another, the safety precautions they’re taking.”
Her perspective reflects a growing awareness among Michigan’s small business community: energy infrastructure isn’t just about pipelines – it’s about people, jobs, and the ability to serve customers day in and day out. Whether it’s a florist keeping flowers fresh, a brewery crafting award-winning beer, or a bakery preserving a culinary tradition, reliable energy is a common thread that ties these stories together.
Preserving heritage, empowering growth
As Michigan continues to champion the small businesses that are so critical to its economy, ensuring access to dependable energy will remain a top priority. The Great Lakes Tunnel Project will not only enhance safety and environmental protection, but also safeguard the energy supply that fuels local economies.
Taste of the Upper Peninsula is a testament to what’s possible when small businesses have the energy they need to thrive. With every pasty baked and every order shipped, Penny and her team are serving up more than just food – they’re carrying on an important tradition and fostering community spirit.
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