October 19, 2018
State, local leaders join Gov. Snyder to kick off community development efforts to strengthen local economy
Friday, Oct. 19, 2018
MARLETTE, Mich. – For Michigan to continue to grow and thrive, we need to ensure our state’s smaller communities have the tools and resources needed to prosper, Gov. Rick Snyder said Friday, joining state and local leaders for a roundtable discussion about the city of Marlette’s challenges and opportunities as it embarks on its journey with Project Rising Tide.
“Project Rising Tide is about helping Michigan’s smaller communities and providing them an opportunity to play a key role in the state’s economic comeback,” Snyder said. “But more than that, it’s about helping community leaders come together to grow their communities. Marlette is headed in the right direction with many great assets already in place – we’re here to see how we can connect the dots and help the community continue helping themselves.”
Marlette takes the place of Sandusky in the second round of the Rising Tide program. It joins Adrian, Albion, Beaverton and Gladwin, Eaton Rapids, Hamtramck, Ontonagon and West Branch and will soon gain expertise and guidance from its neighboring community Sandusky.
“The key to success in Project Rising Tide is communities banding together to move the region forward,” Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan (Ted) Interim Director Jeremy Hendges said. “It’s clear from our discussions today the leaders in Marlette have a willingness to get things done. Where Project Rising Tide can help is by assisting the community in capitalizing on its existing assets and creating new opportunities to diversify its economy to create a place ready for new businesses and residents to call home.”
Project Rising Tide kicked off in 2015 and started with one community from each of the state’s prosperity regions. Led by Ted, the program connects communities with technical assistance and expertise from the department’s agencies: Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Talent Investment Agency.
“We’re excited to get started with Project Rising Tide,” Marlette Mayor Dennis Cargill said. “There is no doubt our community is starting to move in the right direction and with this program we hope to move the needle further, faster. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re ready to get to work in creating a brighter future for the City of Marlette.”
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