Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Bandit Industries Community Fund

In 1983, Michael Morey Sr. and Dianne Morey believed they could build a wood chipper better than anyone else. Mike left his job, invested in a small workshop, and with six employees and a small operating budget built the Model 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch capacity disc-style chipper. In 1987, based on the success of the Brush Bandit, Bandit Industries was created and Dianne actively joined the company, along with co-owner Jerry Morey.

Bandit designed and launched the world’s first self-propelled track whole tree chipper in 1990 and continues to lead this segment of the industry. Bandit employs more than 450 people and operates a network of more 180 dealer locations worldwide. In 2013, Bandit celebrated its 30th anniversary.

“Though our business is global, we are committed to our local community,” said Mike. A member of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees from 1993-2012, Dianne encouraged the start of the Bandit Industries Community Fund. Since 2000, the Fund has made 44 grants benefiting a wide variety of community projects. This community impact fund has supported the Art Reach of Mid Michigan Festival of Banners, the CMCH Free Clinic, Central Michigan District Health Department influenza prevention programming, Rosebush Library technology, and the Isabella County Commission on Aging Gold Key Volunteer program.