7/12/14 - Itâs all about the bigger picture. That was the consensus of the Genoa Township Board in unanimously approving a regional cooperation agreement. The Economic Development Council of Livingston County has a partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK to provide economic development services. Livingston County and multiple municipalities contribute annually toward that partnership, which strives to foster area business growth and retention. Genoa Township contributes $20,000 annually for contract services. During the most recent meeting, board member Linda Rowell questioned the benefits to the township for the $20,000 price tag. Rowell expressed that while she understood the greater good of the partnership, she was seeking insight on specific benefits to Genoa Township residents or businesses. It was relayed that detailed quarterly reports are provided by SPARK, which includes information about activities and retention calls in the community. Those will now be provided to all board members. It was also noted that Manager Mike Archinal serves on the EDC board, which serves in Genoa Townshipâs favor. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI theyâre pleased with the amount of activity they see SPARK performing. He says it's a county wide effort and likened it to growing crops in that if over time, the work is put in to cultivate leads, there will be rewards to reap. He pointed to the new Lake Trust Credit Union project as one example and feels there will be many more to come moving into the future.(JM)
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