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Grand Vision Featured in
National Publication 
The Grand Vision is receiving nationwide exposure in an article featured in the Summer 2013 issue of the National Association of REALTORS� (NAR) On Common Ground magazine. "A Grand Vision for Northwest Michigan's Future" is one of several articles looking at the vitality of small communities. On Common Ground is available free to over one million NAR members.
"We're a small rural region that is now getting national attention in our industry because of our REALTOR� collaboration in efforts like The Grand Vision," said Kim Pontius, chairman of The Grand Vision CORE Committee and executive vice president of the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS�. "We see this national exposure as a part of the mix that will help Michigan continue to improve economically but with a keen emphasis on keeping the unique character of our region and maintaining the integrity of our environment.
The article includes a history of The Grand Vision and describes it as painting "a picture of smart growth in the northwest corner of lower Michigan. The article also calls The Grand Vision a "bridge to what the region wants to look like 50 years from now."
"We've received over $60,000 in Smart Growth grants from NAR in the last three years for Grand Vision related projects," said Pontius. "For us to have The Grand Vision featured in the On Common Ground magazine helps us with future funding opportunities."
The article includes quotes from Pontius, Marsha Smith of Rotary Charities, Evan Smith of Cherry Capital Foods, Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes, and Matt McCauley from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. There is also variety of color photos from the region.
A copy of the article is available on the "What's Happening" section of The Grand Vision website at: thegrandvision.org/stories
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Storm Water Project Underway
in Suttons Bay
Work has begun on a nearly one million dollar project focused on cleaning and reducing storm water entering Suttons Bay. The storm water project is a partnership between the Village of Suttons Bay and the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and is being funded by a $987,000 grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The project will include improved storm drains, rerouted runoff, and over two dozen rain gardens.
Other work being done this summer in Suttons Bay includes improvements to the Front Street Corridor and extending the TART trail from the Marina Park north to Dumas Road.
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| Information & Events
Natural Resources Network:
July 17
Natural Resources Network Meeting
9:00 a.m., Steelcase room
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
202 East Grandview Parkway
Transportation Network:
August 6
Transportation Network Meeting
3:30 p.m., Second floor conference room
NWMCOG Offices
600 East Front Street, Traverse City
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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
thegrandvision.org
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