Northern Lakes Economic Alliance • 231-582-6482 • info@northernlakes.net
Buck Love, NLEA Business Retention & Growth
New facade construction for Van Dam Custom Boats.
As progress on the exterior façade of the new Van Dam Custom Boats nears completion, the talented team of boat builders, apprentices, design, sales and support staff are now in their new offices and enjoying the extra 7,440 square feet of space. Ben Van Dam, now at the helm of the company as President, is thankful for the assistance from the NLEA and the City of Boyne City in securing an Industrial Development District designation and accompanying tax abatement for the next generation of leadership. As temperatures warm, the anticipated completion of the exterior is slated for this spring, according to Jeremy Pearson who is the head of worldwide sales for Van Dam.
Jeremy also commented on the advantages of having the extra production space to allow commissions of larger projects. One of their current projects nearing completion for an early summer launch is a 44 foot sloop rigged sailboat (pictured here):
According to HR Director, Betsy Schnell, Van Dam plans to hire an additional 5 full time employees and continue to grow to fulfill, founder, Steve Van Dam’s vision for a full-service marine services campus on the entire property, including Boyne Boat Yard. Van Dam Custom Boats was also the recipient of a $15,300 dollar 2019 Going Pro Grant to fund the training of one new hire and 7 incumbent employees.
For more information on available training grants or business expansion funding, contact Buck at buck@northernlakes.net or call 231-582-6482.
Before Expansion, Van Dam Custom Boats
Construction of indoor production facility, Van Dam Custom Boats.
Andy Hayes, NLEA President, with Jean Van Dam showing off completed indoor production floor expansion.
