The Village of Newberry is better positioned for future economic success through its strengthened partnerships among local leaders and forward-looking economic development strategies thanks to Project Rising Tide. Today Michigan’s “Moose Capital” graduates from the program and steps into a mentorship role for Ontonagon and future program participants in the region.
“Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to amazing communities and Michiganders ready to make a difference,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “Today’s graduation marks a milestone for the village, but it also signifies the great strides Michigan can make when we all work together to continue Michigan’s remarkable comeback.”
Project Rising Tide is led by the Talent and Economic Development (TED) Department of Michigan and brings additional technical assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Talent Investment Agency.
“Michigan succeeds when we all work together; hand-in-hand,” TED Interim Director Jeremy Hendges said. “Project Rising Tide embodies the spirit of all Michiganders and Newberry is no different. Newberry’s graduation from Project Rising Tide demonstrates the hard work and energy the community put into creating a vision for the future and a path to get there. It’s important to celebrate this milestone and cheer them on as they continue the hard work ahead of the community to make this vision a reality.”
Through the program, Newberry received technical assistance in creating its first master plan and economic development strategy. It also received assistance in developing a comprehensive communications strategy to help tell its story to businesses, residents and tourists alike.
“Project Rising Tide has left a positive and lasting economic impact on our community and the Eastern U.P. region,” Newberry Village Council President John DeWitt said. “But today’s graduation is as much a celebration as it is a call to action and a challenge to continue our great work. And I’ve never felt more confident in our ability to deliver on that challenge.”
Since 2016, the village has renewed its focus on promoting tourism with the Newberry Area Tourist Association, formed a planning commission and is on its way to gaining its Redevelopment Ready Community designation by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Newberry is the ninth community to complete Project Rising Tide and joins Charlotte, River Rouge, Grayling, Paw Paw, Harrison, Hillsdale, Sandusky and Evart as round-one graduates.
Learn more about Project Rising Tide at mirisingtide.org.
