2011 Grand Visionaries Honored for Community Contributions
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 18, 2011
Contact: Carrie Bourdages
Communications Specialist
Voice: 231-929-5038
Email: info@thegrandvision.org
2011 Grand Visionaries Honored for Community Contributions
Northwest Lower Michigan—The Grand Vision CORE group named five individuals and one organization as recipients of the 2011 Grand Visionary awards for initiative and dedication at the Grand Vision Your Action – A Report to the Community cablecast event September 27.
• Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP) - placemaking strategies and contributions to Benzie County’s growth and investment
• Jeff Seiting, Kalkaska Village President – leadership in business growth in the Village of Kalkaska and surrounding areas
• Marc McKellar, Grand Traverse County Road Commissioner – dedication to collaboration on regional transportation issues
• Paul Skinner, Planning Commissioner, Village of Empire – initiative in securing WiFi in the Village of Empire
• Pete Garwood, Antrim County Administrator - dedication to planning, housing and growth and investments principles in Antrim County
• Vance Edwards, Director of Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority – Leadership in developing the Buckley Transfer Station
The Grand Vision focuses on six issue areas identified by the more than 12,000 community member votes from across northwest lower Michigan. Each year The Grand Vision’s team of conveners from each issue area celebrate an individual or organization that embodies the spirit and dedication to the principles of The Grand Vision in moving community ideas to action.
Those principles are:
• A regional, multi-modal transportation system that supports energy conservation
• A unique and vibrant set of communities that strengthen the local economy
• A diverse mix of regional housing choices with affordable options
• Protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas.
• Local farms and regional food systems as a viable part of our economy
• Sustainable-energy uses in construction, transportation and economic development
For more information, contact Carrie Bourdages at carriebourdages@nwm.cog.mi.us or visit the website: www.thegrandvision.org
# # #