On Thursday, September 17, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, the Seabury Foundation will bring community members together at Mills Community House in Benzonia for Benzie County Connects 2026.
Benzie County Connects is an annual community conversation to elevate important issues, spark new connections, and celebrate the fantastic work that helps the Benzie County community continue to thrive.
This year's gathering asks:
How can Benzie County meet the need for affordable housing while protecting the natural environment that defines our region?
We'll begin with a conversation featuring Jackie Borozan of the Housing Trust of Benzie and Jon Throop of the Benzie Conservation District.
From there, the conversation belongs to the room.
Participants will gather around tables to share the work already happening throughout the region, explore current challenges and opportunities, and identify new connections, partnerships, and conversations that could help move that work forward.
Whether you work directly in housing or conservation, support community organizations, serve in local government, fund work in the region, or simply care deeply about Benzie County's future, we hope you'll join us.
The event is free and open to the public.