Muskegon's Many Economic Development Groups
Throw a rock, you'll hit an economic development group in Muskegon.
These guys are on the ground, working tirelessly night and day to, you know...develop the area economically. They really do do some good work for the area. I know several folks at these organizations personally and their commitment to the betterment of Muskegon is unquestionable.
There's an awful lot of them, though. It begs the question: Are they coordinating much or are they working in parallel? Either way, they're a benefit to the community. And if you're in need of some economic development, well, now you know who to call.
Muskegon Main Street: "Muskegon Main Street, a Michigan Main Street program supported by a variety of sponsors, has a mission to create a vibrant 24-hour downtown that is economically stable and is the focal point for arts, history & culture, events, shopping, dining, and services in the entire Muskegon area. Also the downtown will attract a rich variety of age groups, diverse ethnic and cultural representation and will accommodate people of all income and social levels."
Muskegon Area First : "Muskegon Area First is a countywide economic development corporation focused on leveraging public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County. Founded in 1999 by area business and governmental leaders, Muskegon Area First is the lead agency for economic development projects in the area."
Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce: "To sustain an environment for business success through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy and valued member services. "
Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition:
- Serve the needs and interests of all citizens, for-profit and not-for-profit entities, and units of government in Muskegon County.
- Utilize Sustainability practices as a means to control urban sprawl, to advance the revitalization of urban centers, to educate the Muskegon County population about the principles of Sustainability and to strengthen population centers in an inclusive and equitable manner throughout the entire Muskegon region.
- The Coalition will be a clearing house for activities, events and opportunities that advance principles of Sustainability throughout the Muskegon region."
Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center : "The MAREC mission is to be an economic development catalyst, business accelerator as well as research and development center that links business, education and government resources for the development and commercialization of existing and new technology as well as the advancement of emerging technology with emphasis on alternative and renewable energy."
Neighborhood Investment Corporation: "The mission of the Neighborhood Investment Corporation is to revitalize low and moderate income areas of Muskegon through support, development, and financing of affordable housing and economic opportunities."
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority: "The purpose of the City of Muskegon Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is to provide financial incentives for economic development projects within the City of Muskegon where environmental contamination, blight, or functional obsolescence create an impediment to redevelopment of property."
The Entrepreneurship Advisory Council: Also affiliated with the Chamber "The mission of the Entrepreneur Advisory Council is to promote and develop resources and be an advocate for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to assist in their long-term success."
SCORE Muskegon: "The Muskegon Chapter of SCORE offers free counseling, workshops, and other resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you are looking for assistance with the preparation of a business plan, accounting and taxes, marketing, and loan applications, SCORE can help."
West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission: "The WMSRDC is a federal and state designated regional planning and development agency. WMSRDC operates programs in economic development, transportation, homeland security, environmental planning, community development, information & communications, and others. "
Michigan Economic Development Corporation - Muskegon -- More of a Michigan thing, but worth knowing about.
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center: "The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center regional office, affiliated with the Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University is one of 12 offices statewide, providing services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counsel, training and research."
Michigan Works: "The mission of the Muskegon/Oceana Consortium, Michigan Works! is to coordinate and deliver customer focused, quality, comprehensive workforce development, employment and training services through a collaboration with business, education and other key local government and community organizations."
The Employer's Association: "To provide cost effective services and accurate information to management, in support of positive employee relations, a safe work environment and growth through continuous workforce development."
Muskegon Economic Growth Alliance (MEGA): You may see or hear of or read about this group this from time to time. It's an organization that is now basically the Chamber of Commerce.