Imlay City, Imlay and Attica Townships are celebrating their victory in the first round of the America's Best Communities competition, a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities.
Frontier Communications, DISH Network, The Weather Channel and CoBank - the contest's sponsors - recently announced Imlay City, Imlay and Attica Townships, as a collaborative effort, have advanced into the quarterfinals of this innovative competition, following selection from a pool of about 140 applicant teams by an independent group of expert judges. The team will now be awarded $50,000 to develop a comprehensive strategy to accelerate the revival of the local economy and improve quality of life.
The competition's 50 quarterfinalist communities now have six months to complete their revitalization plans for the chance to win up to an additional $3 million to bring their ideas to life.
"This team has always been a strong, vibrant community, and it is such a thrill for the community to earn this recognition on a national stage," said Sarah Norat-Phillips, Frontier general manager. "The dedicated community leaders who worked so hard to complete the America's Best Communities application deserve our gratitude for helping Imlay City, Imlay and Attica Townships achieve this moment of pride. With their determination, grit and entrepreneurial attitude, they proved that they have what it takes to be America's best community. Congratulations and best of luck in the next round of the competition."
"Michigan's strong and vibrant communities didn't just happen. They're the result of hardworking people and determined local businesses coming together to make their communities great places to live, work and raise a family," said Bob Pero, Frontier's central region president. "I'm proud to congratulate our neighbors in Imlay City, Imlay and Attica Townships for advancing in the America's Best Communities competition. We're looking forward to seeing the Community Revitalization Plan they build and implement with this new financial support."
After launching in September 2014, the America's Best Communities competition successfully attracted entries from 138 applicant teams, representing 347 communities across the country. In Michigan, 11 teams, which brought together a total of 20 communities, applied. Only the Imlay Team and Three Rivers will move on to represent the state of Michigan.
Imlay City, Imlay Township and Attica Township are located at the crossroads of I-69 and M-53 in the state of Michigan and are 30 miles from the Blue Water International Bridge and 20 miles from the populous Detroit metropolitan area. The three communities also sit at the base of Michigan's agriculturally dominated "Thumb Region" and are easily accessible by road, rail, water and air.
"Despite its optimal location, the community of Imlay City is faced with challenges to its economic growth," noted Dana Walker, director of the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority. "The Imlay City Team's application concentrated on the economic development programs the region has implemented in the last few years that try to answer the challenges."
For example, in 2010, representatives from the city offices and local businesses formed the Small Business Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Group to address the challenges faced in the Imlay City community. Since its inception, the SEED Group has formed alliances with local school districts and Michigan employment organizations, hosted job fairs and networking events, offered support to entrepreneurs in the form of retention calls and created an informative website in the hopes of nurturing and growing businesses looking to locate or remain in Imlay City.
The City of Imlay City has also recently provided funds and secured grants that have improved parking lots, sewer lines, a water tower and public park. Partnerships with adjacent counties and state economic development organizations have been secured and have been instrumental in keeping two of the area's largest employers, Vlasic of Pinnacle Foods and Champion Bus, within the region when the two manufacturers were faced with closing their locations.
The 50 quarterfinalist communities have six months to complete their comprehensive Community Revitalization Plans and compete for additional investment. In early 2016, 15 semifinalists will be selected to attend the America's Best Communities summit to present their strategies and eight finalists will be awarded another $100,000 to continue implementation of their plans.
In April 2017, America's Best Communities will name its three competition winners - those communities best able to dream big and deliver on those dreams. The winning community will be awarded $3 million, with $2 million for second place and $1 million for third place.
"The Imlay City team is committed to the economic development of our region," Walker said. "The $50,000 we were recently awarded will go a long way in creating a plan for our future and continuing the efforts our city and township leaders and volunteers have already begun."
Published: Thu, Jun 04, 2015
