Communities and Individuals Awarded for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization at the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities and individuals from across the state were honored today at the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference awards luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City, Michigan.  The awards recognized excellence in downtown revitalization over the past year and celebrated the successful projects and people making Michigan's downtowns vibrant and attractive places to live, work and play.

"Every year, the Michigan Downtown Conference planning partners recognize those projects, communities and individuals who have proved themselves as true leaders in our state," said Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Joe Borgstrom. "This year's award winners are no exception."

"Vibrant communities with thriving downtowns are critical to building a strong and diversified economy in Michigan," MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. "These kinds of projects help put into place the kind of 21st century infrastructure that can support new business investment and new job growth."

The awards were given by various state agencies and organizations whose mission is to improve the state's downtown and traditional commercial districts.  Recipients of awards given by the Michigan Downtown Conference Planning Committee are:  

• Green Project–Large Scale – Thirty Eight, Locus Development, Grand Rapids
• Green Project–Small Scale – Kalamazoo Window Rehabilitation Workshops, City of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network
• Innovation–Small Scale – Cops & Doughnuts, Clare
• Innovation–Large Scale – ArtPrize, Grand Rapids
• Living Downtown – 101 South Division Loft Apartments, Brookstone Capital LLC, Grand Rapids
• Facade Rehabilitation–Small Community – Plainwell Facade Enhancement Project, City of Plainwell

Recipients of awards given by the Michigan Main Street Center are:  

• Main Street Economic Restructuring – Business Retention & Recruitment Incentive Program, Niles Main Street
• Main Street Organization – Owosso Main Street Visioning, Owosso Main Street
• Main Street Promotion – CopperDog 150, Main Street Calumet
• Main Street Manager of the Year – Lori Schuh, Clare DDA/Main Street
• Main Street Volunteer of the Year – Joel VanSlambrouck, Portland Main Street
• Main Street Program of the Year – Boyne City Main Street

Recipients of awards given by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Community Assistance Team are:  

• Brownfield Project of the Year (Pop. over 50,000) – Thirty Eight, Locus Development, Grand Rapids
• Brownfield Project of the Year (Pop. under 50,000) – One Water, Catt Development, Boyne City
• Local Partner – Jeff Radcliffe, Otsego County Economic Alliance

The annual conference is dedicated to bringing the best ideas, resources and educational sessions together to create an energetic environment to celebrate the growth of Michigan's downtowns and discuss the challenges.  The theme of the 2010 conference is "Michigan's Downtowns:  Yes, We're Open!"

The Michigan Downtown Conference Planning Committee includes the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA), the Michigan Municipal League (MML), Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN), Main Street Oakland County and the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO). 

The Michigan Downtown Conference is an annual conference to help community leaders create successful strategies and case studies to revitalize their downtowns. Additional information can be found at www.michigandowntownconference.org.

SOURCE Michigan State Housing Development Authority