Michigan Downtown Association hosts 2019 annual conference in Holland

The Michigan Downtown Association's (MDA) Annual Statewide Conference, "Managing Michigan's Hottest Real Estate; Downtown Strategy, Talent, Entrepreneurship, Policy and Other Keys to Success" will be held in downtown Holland on November 7-8 at the Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W 8th St. The MDA is thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker on Thursday, Nov. 7, will be John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press senior business columnist. Gallagher is a veteran journalist and author of "Reimagining Detroit: Opportunities for Redefining an American City," named by the Huffington Post as among the best social and political books of 2010. In his keynote presentation, Gallagher will discuss what elements should be the focus of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director's attention and how DDAs can monitor the expectations and outcomes of projects so all stakeholders are successful. On Friday, Nov. 8, the MDA will welcome Jeff Siegler to the conference. Siegler has spent his career assisting cities in revitalizing their central business districts and in turn helping them become better places to live. He has a passion for building community and a unique understanding of what it takes to turn towns around. Siegler's passion will become very evident during his keynote presentation, "Revitalize, or Die." A variety of timely downtown management topics will be presented during the conference breakout sessions including: Updating A TIF Plan, Marketing Downtown, Walkability and Placemaking, Attracting a Talented Workforce to Live and Work in Downtown, the DDA's Role in Business Recruitment, Maintaining a Vibrant Commercial District, and Updates Regarding Redevelopment Liquor Licenses. Andrew Brisbo, executive director, Marijuana Regulatory Agency, will provide the latest updates regarding the 2018 Michigan law that legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana for adults. As LARA puts the regulations in place, what does this mean for a community and a downtown? Whether a community has opted in or out, it is important for downtown managers and stakeholders to understand the law and how it effects zoning and planning in downtowns across the state. The MDA will also reveal a new Professional Development Certificate program designed specifically for downtown managers and announce the 2019 MDA Annual Award recipients. The 2-day event provides plenty of opportunity for downtown managers and stakeholders to network with other downtown professionals and vendors. Registration for the Michigan Downtown Association's Annual Conference is now open and available at www.michigandonwtowns.com. For additional information regarding the MDA, contact Dana Walker, director, at 248-838-9711 or visit www.michigandowntowns.com. Published: Tue, Oct 08, 2019