Issue #24 July 2014
Photos by David “Archy” Archambeau. Fourth of July in Twin Lakes.
A Kickstarter for Michigan communities? MEDC crowdfunding effort targets public spaces Want to transform a neglected alley into a public path? Turn local land into an "edible" gathering space? Fix up a bike path or add sculpture art to an outdoor plaza? The Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Wednesday announced what it called a "groundbreaking crowdfunding" initiative that will help communities, non-profits and business entities raise money for local public space projects and provide matching grants to up to $100,000 to those that meet their own goals. “Innovative placemaking efforts help create thriving, sustainable and unique places where workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses want to locate, invest and expand,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement. “The ability to attract talent and grow businesses is greatly increased when we can take advantage of the unique downtown assets in each of our communities.”
Inside This Issue Returning/New Chamber Members 3 Chamber Board of Directors 3 Clean Energy 5 Eggs and Issues 7 Pine Mountain Music 9 Fall Golf 10-11 Mini Rendezvous 12 Business After Hours 15 Business Events Calendar 18 Strawberry Festival 19
Proud Member of
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaboration between the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, a Detroitbased crowdfunding site that seeks to do for local communities what Kickstarter did for the arts -- providing tools to promote ideas and a space to solicit online donations. Continued on page 8
Our Superior Partners. Thank You!