By Staff
LANSING – The Southwest Michigan Commission has been awarded a $20,000 grant by People and Land (PAL) under its Regional Prosperity Initiative.
The goal of this W.K. Kellogg-funded initiative is to increase regional collaboration and promote Michigan prosperity in the emerging knowledge-based economy.
The PAL grant will help the SwMC expand its promotional efforts boosting public awareness about the growth potential of Van Buren, Berrien and Cass counties.
"The council immediately recognized the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, with its unique focus on agriculture, recreation and tourism, and efforts at workforce development, would accomplish more through regional, cross-jurisdictional collaboration," said Bill Rustem, People and Land co-director.
The grant to the SwMC includes assistance in developing communications and organizational development, as well as the opportunity to make use of PAL expertise and research from Michigan State University's Land Policy Institute to help inform its multi-sector collaborators.
"We feel fortunate to have been selected for this grant," said John Egelhaff, executive director of the SwMC. "Our 360 Group has been meeting around issues of importance to our region, and this is an opportunity for us to expand that effort and address issues of regional prosperity that can benefit the citizens of southwest Michigan."
PAL's work is directed by a Leadership Council comprised of leaders representing a diverse and unique cooperative effort by seven Michigan organizations: The Michigan Association of Realtors, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the NAACP-Detroit Branch.
"The PAL Leadership Council is investing in regions because it believes they have the will and energy to be part of Michigan's economic turnaround," Rustem said. "The council received 29 proposals from multi-county regions across Michigan. The Leadership Council carefully selected those demonstrating the ability to form successful collaborations focused on improving their region."
The SwMC is among nine grantees, which received a combined total of $850,000 from the Kellogg Foundation and represent broad regional coalitions, each with specific objectives for regional collaboration and economic development.
Another 2009 grantee is West Michigan Strategic Alliance, $150,000 to expand its capacity to effectively communicate with and engage businesses and government leaders in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm and Newaygo counties.