Brighton Forward Meeting Highlights Economic DevelopmentsBrighton Forward Meeting Highlights Economic Developments

3/20/13 - The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2nd annual Brighton Forward meeting to inform community members of economic developments in Livingston County. One of the featured speakers was a representative from VAIL Resorts, the company that recently purchased Mt. Brighton, who spoke about VAIL’s values and goals for the mountain. Eric Simon (pictured), the Vice President and General Manager of Urban Ski Area, says VAIL’s mission statement is “Experience of a Lifetime”. VAIL is investing $10 million dollars into the “facelift” of Mt. Brighton and Simon says “they know it’s going to be successful”. Simon tells WHMI VAIL’s motive for buying Mt. Brighton was based largely on the community. VAIL owns 7 destination mountain resorts and is the largest retailer in the U.S. While Simon says VAIL does not plan to build any hotels in the area, they do want to employ more people year round. Simon says their goal is to always have management present on the mountain and is planning uniforms for all employees. Simon says The Jackal, the golf course located on Mt. Brighton, will remain open, with minor interruptions. Also at this morning’s meeting was Michael Perry, the owner of the new WellBridge of Brighton rehabilitation center on Dorr Road. Perry informed community members the rehabilitation center will have resort accommodations and should be opening and accepting residents by the middle of May. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe also spoke about the progress on the Latson Road Interchange. McCririe tells WHMI the date of completion on the project still has not changed from November 15th. McCririe says the rest area has been taken out and pedestrian access will be added, in order to reach local businesses. (DK)