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2011 VISTAs Broaden Horizons; 2012 VISTAs Set to Get on Board
As the year draws to a close, we prepare to say goodbye to our talented, dedicated AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA). Michelle Northrup and Conner Miller have provided invaluable time and energy to both The Grand Vision and its supporting partners in many of our initiatives, projects and events. We will miss you both and wish you every success in your future endeavors. |
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 Michelle Northrup, Grand Vision VISTA
"Spending two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA in service to The Grand Vision has been a great experience. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know many dynamic individuals and organizations involved in making this region a place where people want to live. One of the advantages of being a VISTA for The Grand Vision was the opportunity to be involved in the building of the sustainability of the initiative. I am looking forward to further pursuing my interest in evaluation and nonprofit support."
 Conner Miller, Grand Vision VISTA
"With my term as an AmeriCorps VISTA ending November 22th, I would like to thank everyone for the privilege I have had to work with you in support of The Grand Vision Networks. From the first day I started, the entire collaboration of organizations making up The Grand Vision has been open and receptive to my thoughts. I was given the opportunity to run with my ideas leading me to work on various projects, some of which include the Regional Energy Expo, Traverse Area Recreational Transportation (TART) Trails' first ever Bike Swap, and the Northwest Michigan Council of Government's community placemaking guidebook to forward The Grand Vision principles. It is this environment, fostered by the structure of The Grand Vision and most importantly the people involved, that I have really appreciated. As I move forward following my term as an AmeriCorps VISTA, in the short-term, I will be independently contracted through the end of this year to continue community development work in The Grand Vision region. I hope to have the opportunity to continue working in connection with The Grand Vision Networks and once again I thank everyone I have worked with for a wonderful experience."
The upcoming VISTAs have big shoes to fill. The selection process continues, as we have so many exceptional candidates. We have already chosen one VISTA who joined the team this week to support the mission of The Grand Vision and we will officially introduce her soon. |
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The Grand Vision in Action
"The Grand Vision is a critically important process. The Grand Traverse region is way ahead of the rest of the state in terms of having conversations about what the future should look like. I use The Grand Vision as an example all across the state. Keep doing what you're doing, keep moving forward."
- Bill Rustem, Director of Strategy and Policy, Office of Governor Rick Snyder
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Housing Solutions Network
in Action
The Housing Solutions Network is developing an educational series for property owners, landlords, and developers for January 2012. The aim of the workshops is to provide a collaboration forum and information for each group, to further their work with nonprofit organizations to provide more housing opportunities.
Topics will include development incentives for affordable housing, rental assistance programs, and legal rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords. Click here for more information. |
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Food and Farming Network
in Action
Roundtable for Producers, Grocers and Distributers
and Ag Alliance Meeting
Friday December 2, 2011
Park Place Hotel, Courtyard Conference Room
8:00 a.m. - noon
The Breakfast Roundtable - designed specifically for area grocers, producers and distributers - will focus on the nuts and bolts of getting local product into retail grocers and markets, led by Tim Metcalfe and K. Bartlett Durand, both Wisconsin food sector experts. Begins at 8:00 AM.
Mid-Morning Meeting - The Ag and Food System Sector Alliance will conduct its regular meeting starting at 10:00 AM., also featuring Tim Metcalfe and Bartlett Durand. A locally-sourced lunch will be served.
This event is sponsored through the Ag and Food System Sector Alliance of Northwest Michigan. Click here for more information.
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 Mark Your Calendar:
Farm Route to Prosperity Summit
Friday February 17, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Planning is underway for the fourth annual summit, hosted by the Food and Farming Network. Details will be available soon.
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Grant Resources
in Action
The Grand Vision is funding research to provide information regarding grant opportunities that can support the work of implementing The Grand Vision. Resource reports are posted monthy at thegrandvision.org.
Every month we post the latest grant information, including funding guidelines, due dates and contact information.
These funding opportunities can help with project implementation and collaboration among organizations for grant dollars. |
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Grand Vision Guiding Principles
Based on intensive research and input from thousands of citizens from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties, a vision that will lead to prosperity for people throughout northwest lower Michigan was created founded on these guiding principles:
- A coordinated regional transportation network
- Unique and vibrant communities
- Housing choices
- Sustainable-energy uses in construction, transportation and economic development
- Protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas
- Viable regional farms and local food systems
The Grand Vision
PO Box 506
Traverse City, MI 49685
231.929.5038
thegrandvision.org
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