Emilie LaGrow of Cassopolis

Through the adage “if we invest in ourselves, others will invest in us,” Emilie LaGrow is helping to revive the village of Cassopolis from slowing to growing.

With an unconventional career path through the hospitality industry and law school, Emilie always wanted to help others. She found her true passion as the village manager of Cassopolis, a community that's come out of hard times to find a shared sense of pride and commitment through a vision called Imagine Cass.

The community has found support and success in working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) over the past several years. In 2020, Cassopolis received certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community, and has obtained funding through a variety of MEDC placemaking programs, including three rounds of Match on Main grants, four Optimize Main Street grants and RRC Technical Assistance funds for their website and Master Plan. Emilie says that between 2016-2024, the village has benefited from grants and programs totaling over $25 million.

Emilie has also been personally recognized for her leadership in the Cassopolis community, earning a Special Tribute from Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2023  and the Michigan Municipal League in 2024. She believes that Cassopolis serves as an excellent model for how rural communities can grow and thrive, blending small-town charm with modern opportunities.

What are some of your favorite things about Cassopolis and Cass County?

When you enter the village and see our digital banners, colored lighting, an inviting archway and the brick pavers, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. However, what I love most is the incredible sense of community. Cassopolis is a tight-knit village where neighbors support one another and work together to make this a better place. There's a shared sense of pride and commitment to growth and well-being. For example, Cassopolis Main Street hosts great community gatherings like Beach Bash, Rock the Block, Christmas in Cassopolis and an Ice Fishing Tournament, each one creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, have fun and build lasting memories together. Beyond the people, Cassopolis offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle surrounded by picturesque lakes, parks and trails. Cass County is home to one of Michigan’s only dark sky parks at TK Lawless Park, where the night sky is preserved and provides a breathtaking view of the stars. Cass County was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and its past as a haven for those seeking freedom is a source of great pride. This deep history, and its welcoming spirit, makes Cassopolis a place where past and present come together as something truly special.

What was your career path like?

At my core, I’ve always wanted a career where I could help and advocate for others. I dreamed of someday becoming a lawyer, but coming from a family of restaurateurs, I developed a deep love for the hospitality industry. I earned a degree in hospitality business at Michigan State University, and after working at Caesars Palace in Lake Tahoe, I returned to Michigan and opened my own restaurant and catering business. I was able to create a place for people to gather and form lasting relationships that have stayed with me for life. Even with my success, the dream of law school and my desire to help others never faded. I decided to pursue a law degree at Cooley Law School. After graduating, I worked in a small private practice in my hometown of Otsego. I began assisting with some projects in local communities, and found that my background in law, business and hospitality made me uniquely qualified for municipal work, which brought me to the Village of Cassopolis.

What is the role of a village manager?

As the Village Manager of Cassopolis, I serve as the chief executive officer of the municipality, overseeing day-to-day operations. Collaboration with the Village Council is key, as I help implement the policies, ordinances and resolutions they pass. Strategic planning, economic development, grant writing and management are other critical parts of my role; I work on long-term plans for the village’s growth, infrastructure and overall development.

How has the village’s RRC certification and MEDC’s support impacted your work?

The Redevelopment Ready Communities certification has been a significant asset. We’ve been able to streamline planning, zoning and development processes, creating a more attractive environment for investors, developers and the community. MEDC's support has been essential in helping the village navigate the complexities of economic development, planning and infrastructure. By providing access to tools for streamlined processes, funding opportunities and expert advice, MEDC has been a true partner as the village makes strides in revitalization and modernization. Continued guidance and financial support have contributed to the success of Hydro Aluminum, Cassopolis Beer Company, Holden Green, Leo’s Bait Shop, Be Hyve Artistry & Boutique and the Don Horne Housing Project. These initiatives are transforming the village into a more attractive and sustainable place to live, work and visit.

Can you share more details about the Imagine Cass initiative?

Much of the village’s success began with the dedication of our residents and businesses through the Imagine Cass initiative. Imagine Cass asked residents to dream about what they wanted for the future of our community. Our staff transformed these ideas into actionable plans to enhance our infrastructure, improve local amenities, attract new businesses, support existing ones, assist homeowners and foster economic growth. Our team was then able to leverage available resources, collaborate with agencies, organizations and businesses, and actively pursue grants from funding agencies. For communities, it's essential to meet with and talk to the different granting agencies. Make the personal connection with them and share your goals, so they can ensure the “ask” you are making is a correct fit. When a community can figure out how to align projects with broader community development and sustainability goals, they can secure funding opportunities. Creating a community-driven vision, like Imagine Cass, can help make the process more effective.

Looking toward the future, what are your dreams and hopes for Cassopolis?

My hopes and dreams for the future of Cassopolis are rooted in the belief that our village can continue to lead by example, showing the world what’s possible when a small town embraces big ideas. What excites me most is Cassopolis’ growing role in Michigan’s subnational diplomacy efforts. We’re not just observers — we’re active participants in state, regional, and federal conversations, proving that rural communities do have a powerful voice in shaping broader development and policy.

This work matters. It ensures that communities like ours have a seat at the table, influencing decisions that will shape Michigan’s future. It’s a strong reminder that the health and success of rural towns are just as critical to the strength of our state — and our nation — as that of larger cities. I truly believe Cassopolis is becoming a model for how rural America can thrive. We’ve shown that you can preserve small-town charm and welcome modern development. That you can support local businesses while also inviting innovation. That rural doesn’t mean outdated — it means opportunity.

Looking ahead, I’m especially energized by the work we’re doing on our new Master Plan. This is our chance to dream big, to build boldly, and to keep asking, what’s next? I can’t wait to continue working with our incredible team and community as we write the next chapter of “Imagine Cass.”