The Barry County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development and Ecostrat announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone "A" Rating.  The Barry County BDO Zone is the first rating in the State of Michigan for Woody Biomass and extends a 75-mile drive distance from the center point in Hastings.

Barry County's "A" rating denotes high prospective viablity of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone.  Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.  The region features a well developed timber and forest products industry, with many generational operations providing stability to the wood supply. The Supportive community and pro-business environment of Barry County are advantageous for attracting workers and new bioeconomy operations.

'The BDO Zone "A" rating underscores our community's potential to lead globally in the bioeconomy" stated Nichole Lyke, Economic Development Director of Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance.  " This rating provides an excellent opportunity to expand and diversify our robust manufacturing and agricultural assets.  We are excited to collaborate with bioenergy, biochemical and bioproduct companies to propel Barry County to the forefront of bio-based manufacturing."

To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Barry County, Michigan visit http://bdozone.org