Priority Projects
Retention Visits
: Eight in-person retention visits occurred before social distancing requirements.
Scheduled appointments were postponed, but our outreach increased by phone, social media, and website communications to deliver COVID-19 related assistance to businesses.
Gateway to Downtown
: Organized meetings
with state agency personnel and Little River Holdings to assist with brownfields,
transportation, and potential funding programs. Participated in additional phone meetings with state/federal officials and others
on project strategy and planning.
Gateway to North
: Initiated a discussion with Manistee Township officials, in regard to the importance of the project for economic development and the need to work together.
West Shore Community College Downtown
: Support during this quarter
included assistance with potential tenants
and the concept of the one-stop economic development center. WSCC is expecting to
begin construction soon on the project.
New Manufacturing
:
Project Retro Recreation - Facilitated a tour
for company officials of the WSCC Technology Center. Discussed and worked on communications strategy. Followed up with a revision of strategy after COVID-19 impact.
Project Torch
- Organized and facilitated
property showing for prospective businesses
to relocate pre-COVID. Business is still
exploring post-COVID.
Industry Targets
Renaissance Park - After a referral from a realtor, assisted a business considering the business park. Work included research on
road designations, utilities, and to meet with
Manistee Township on the need for incentives.
Senior Housing Project - Assisted project advancement with an analysis of industrial park businesses to address MSHDA concerns over proximity and safety.
Boathouse Restaurant - Toured the priority redevelopment site at 440 W. River. Pursued multiple engagements on potential buyer/operators.
Restaurants Recruitment - Created a list of targets for broader attraction efforts at multiple sites/locations, and began recruitment pitches.
