​Get to know Representative Steve Frisbie, a first-term legislator representing House District 44. Serving Battle Creek and surrounding communities like Albion and Springfield, Rep. Frisbie was elected in 2024 and has taken key leadership roles on House committees, but before running for office, he worked in diverse jobs that range from paramedic to professor to county commissioner. 

​1.   It’s a New Year! What goals do you have for your district in 2026?
 Continuing to seek input from my constituents on their needs, as well as ensuring the 44th District can develop and become prosperous, I will continue to seek solutions that lower the cost of living and remove burdensome barriers that slow and eliminate business growth.
 
2. This is your first term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 44th District, including Battle Creek and other areas in Calhoun County. What has your experience been like?
 I have loved this experience, and I understand the trust put into me by my district. Working hard for my neighbors and constituents has allowed me to meet many new people and learn so much.​

3.   Before running for office, you served as a paramedic, volunteered as a firefighter, and taught at a community college. How has your diverse background prepared you to be a legislator?
 With such a well-rounded background, it helps me understand diverse perspectives and identify solutions for common issues like road funding, for one. I was a county commissioner for seven terms and in that time, we consolidated our roads department under the county (so I became a de facto road commissioner). When we began to sit down and compile a roads plan, the ability for me to say “this is what works and doesn’t work” at the county level was invaluable.
 
Being a paramedic and firefighter taught me how to prioritize issues, deciding what is important and what is a distraction. How can I best sort through large swaths of information and create the best solution going forward? It also taught me two key lessons that I feel apply to state government. The first is that the best leaders are listeners. It is not my job to tell my constituents how to feel but to hear their concerns and come up with the best path forward. The second is that chaos will happen, but it can be controlled and navigated with a calm head.  
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4.      You recently released an op-ed in the Detroit News about economic development priorities in Michigan. How does Michigan’s hospitality industry play a role in your vision for Michigan’s economy?
Michigan’s hospitality industry has always played a vital role in the Michigan economy. From destination dining to lodging, sporting events, sparkling beaches, and outdoor activity options, Michigan offers something for everyone. The Pure Michigan campaign has spotlighted our offerings to others throughout the country and globally. I see the hospitality industry continuing to grow as Michigan becomes more and more of a tourist destination, which makes it all the more important that we take action to reduce any burdens for hospitality businesses. 
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5.  You attended the Michigan ProStart Competition, which is a statewide competition hosted by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation to showcase the skills of rising culinary stars. It’s taken place two years in a row in downtown Battle Creek. Can you tell us what you saw and why these career-training programs are important?
The competition was a sight to behold. I was amazed by the level of talent competing and proudly demonstrating their newly learned culinary skills. When those students worked together as a team and then presented their final product for judging, I was amazed by the complexity by which they operated. Several students indicated they had found their passion and were hoping to pursue a career in the culinary industry. They were learning about those career options from experts throughout the day as well.
 
When you can connect a student with a passion, a career is born. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say: give students more pathways to a career and we will have one of the best education systems in the world. Motivated learners are successful learners.
 
6.   Last Question! What’s your favorite destination in Michigan? 
Several! The Big House on a football Saturday, Comerica Park, or sitting in my tree stand during hunting season.

Few embody the spirit of hospitality and the tenacity of teaching better than Chef Elissa Penczar, the Michigan Hospitality Foundation’s 2025 ProStart Educator of the Year.
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With over 23 years of teaching the culinary arts, Chef Elissa is known for being relentless in the best way. She challenges her students to think bigger, work harder, and care deeply about the food they create and the people they serve – and she doesn’t just teach these qualities. She leads by example.