9/25/14- Michigan and downtown Howell are being recognized for becoming a successful Main Street community over the past 10 years. A press conference was held this morning at the Howell Opera House with guest speakers from the National Main Street Center, as well as PlaceEconomics, which conducts Economic Impact Studies. Michigan and its Main Street Communities have been subjects for these surveys for the last ten years and provided positive results. Data from these studies showed that during the heart of the recession, on average, for every 10 businesses that closed down, 15-20 opened in Michigan. During the study, each year in Michigan more jobs were created than lost. Norma Miess, Senior Program Officer and Director of Leadership Development for the National Main Street Center, says committed is the word she has for the Michigan Main Street Program. Miess says Howell is an example of success and that she can see a lot of dedication from local people. Cathleen Edgerly, Director for the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority, says the DDA is so proud of Howell. She tells WHMI the area has progressed despite the difficult economic decade. Edgerly adds that the heart of a Main Street community is its residents and volunteers. In 2015, Howell will celebrate its 10th anniversary as a Main Street Community. (DK)
↧