Webster has two goals for downtown - to support existing businesses in the downtown region and to attract new businesses and developments to the downtown area. Renee has been making an effort to meet with every business and property owner in downtown. She is utilizing social media marketing to generate publicity of businesses and events in the area and engaging the community in what they want to see happening or opening in the downtown area.

"I have a passion for seeing downtown continue to expand and grow with the right mixed-use developments that include retail and residential components," says Webster. "Great things are already in the works for downtown and I think that through community awareness, a strong marketing plan, and better utilization of technology, we can generate even more interest in investing and living downtown."

Current downtown projects include:
* GVSU Annis Water Resources expansion for "Blue" research
* Hackley Public Library renovations
* Hennessey Group's new restaurant in the former MAC restaurant space
* Parkland Properties Highpoint high-rise market rate apartments
* Masonic Temple currently transforming into Parkview Event Center
* MI Works job resource and training facility relocation to Terrace Plaza
* Parkland Properties Development of the old city fire station
* Russel Block Market retail incubator, brewery and symphony relocation
* Shoreline Inn renovations
* Muskegon Savings Bank repourposing for an indoor winter market
* Pigeon Hill Brewery in the Noble Building on Western Avenue
* Bar and Arcade development in the old Salvation Army Building on Webster
* Farmer's market and community kitchen 
* Parkland Properties Terrace Point Housing Project with 70 homes
* Shoreline Market mixed-use residential and commercial on Morris Ave.

These current proposed and under construction developments total nearly $50 million dollars in downtown investments. Downtown has already seen almost $130 million in investments since 2002. If you are interested in relocating or expanding to downtown, contact Renee at 231-724-3180 or email rwebster@downtownmuskegon.org. Downtown updates are also posted daily on Facebook

Advanced Manufacturing Institute Graduates First Class

Workforce development efforts are paying off with a recent collaboration to train local residents in advanced manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Institute's first class of a dozen young men graduated on March 7, with a second class slated to begin in September. 

 

Participants in the first session came from a number of local manufacturers including CWC Textron, GMI Composites, Great Lakes Finishing, Michigan Spring & Stamping, Nowak Machine and Scherdel Sales and Technology. The graduates were given a crash course in modern advanced manufacturing and were able to gain the skills they need to succeed in the manufacturing environment.  

"This program helps prepare our local workforce for new industrial jobs that require much more technical training than in the past," said Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, Director of Business & Industry Training at Muskegon Community College.   "It's all about providing courses and training that meet the needs of our local companies, and we are glad to be able to offer a program that does just that."

Muskegon Area First President, Ed Garner adds, "It's a great way for companies to pool their resources together in a collective effort to provide on-the-job training.  Recently, at the Governors Economic Summit, skills training was identified as one of the state's top priorities and the implementation of this program is right in line with that."   

This 8 week training course is being offered by Muskegon Community College in partnership with Muskegon Area First, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Works Muskegon/Oceana, Employers Association of W. Michigan, and the City of Muskegon.  Employers can send their own employees for $1,500 or sponsor a future employee's attendance through Michigan Works.