The Grand Vision is running a series of brief articles by our Grand Vision Champions that discuss what the Grand Vision means to their business or organization.

As one of the largest employers in this region and an organization that welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year, how this region plans for growth is critical to every visitor, employee, and future employee of Interlochen Center for the Arts. They are seeking a high quality of life—a location where they can find jobs for their spouses, good schools for their children, affordable housing, a diverse population and an efficient transportation infrastructure.

The Grand Vision Decision revealed that it is important to the citizens of this region that we have efficient roads, a regional mass transit system, sidewalks and pathways for bikers and pedestrians, vibrant main streets, and that we develop and serve growing villages. These same things are important to the continued success of Interlochen Center for the Arts and will help us continue to thrive for the next 50 years. Being able to point prospective employees to the Grand Vision report helps them realize that we are a progressive community that cares about its future growth.

On behalf of Interlochen Center for the Arts I would like to express our excitement as we begin to lay the groundwork to build a robust 21st century economy in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford Counties.

Jeffrey Kimpton
President, Interlochen Center for the Arts