Our Stories

The Grand Vision In Action: Ag & Food Sector Alliance Talks About Local Foods: The importance of local foods provided the focus for the December meeting of the Agriculture and Food System Sector Alliance of Northwest Michigan. Alliance members say having access to that kind of information is important to the region's Ag and Food System.

The Grand Vision In Action: Selling Local Food Helps Grocer be Successful: Tim Metcalfe from Metcalfe Markets in Wisconsin came to Traverse City, Michigan to talk with the Agriculture & Food System Sector Alliance about the importance of using local food. Watch the video to find out what Metcalfe thinks are some of the keys to being successful while selling local foods.

The Grand Vision In Action: Meat Market Owner Promotes Local Foods: Bartlett Durand owns Black Earth Meats in Wisconsin and works to promote local foods. He talked about his business and the importance of local foods at a meeting of the Agriculture & Food System Sector Alliance in Traverse City, Michigan. Watch the video to hear what Durand has to say about local foods.

The Grand Vision In Action: Frankfort Planning Commission Chairman Bruce Ogilvie received the Michigan Association of Planning's 2011 Outstanding Commissioner Award. Ogilvie helped develop the city's new master plan, which includes many of the principles of The Grand Vision. Watch the video to find out more about what Frankfort is doing to encourage smart development.

City of Traverse City Endorses Grand Vision Principles At its regular city commission meeting on Monday evening, the City of Traverse City officially endorsed the guiding principles of The Grand Vision. This support is critical to community participation and to reaping the benefits of Grand Vision-inspired projects – those in process today and those to come. Those guiding principles are: A coordinated regional transportation network Unique and vibrant communities Housing choices Sustainable-energy uses in construction, transportation nd economic development Protected and preserved water, forests, natural and scenic areas Viable regional farms and local food systems "Traverse City and its Commission understand, support and encourage the guiding principles of The Grand Vision - from a coordinated regional transportation network, to housing choices, to viable regional farms and local food systems – for each and every one of our community members. Our residents generally live here by choice because Traverse City is truly a most desirable community. The tools provided by The Grand Vision will be in integral part in shaping Traverse City and the surrounding region." --Michael Estes, Mayor of Traverse City

The Grand Vision in Action: Silver Drive Project A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Silver Drive and the non-motorized Buffalo Ridge Trail in Traverse City. Watch the video to hear why local leaders think the project is important for the region.

The Grand Vision, Your Action Event Governor Rick Snyder and Michael Moore each made comments via video at The Grand Vision Your Action event in Traverse City. Watch the video to hear why Snyder and Moore both support The Grand Vision.

The Grand Vision, Your Action Event A Report to the Community 2011 From the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City, Diana Fairbanks welcomes the six counties of The Grand Vision. Watch student videos of GV-inspired activities, learn about community growth grants, and see who won the Grand Visionary awards for 2011. Special thanks to UpNorth TV.		Grand Vision, Your Action Cablecast on UpNorth TV

Grand Vision Action: The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians held a ceremony at Brown Bridge Dam as part of the tribe's involvement in the Boardman River Dams Removal Project. Watch the video to find out more about the project and how it supports the mission of The Grand Vision.

Grand Vision Action: EPA Senior Advisor Praises The Grand Vision The EPA announced a list of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy's 20th Anniversary event in Traverse City. EPA Senior Advisor Cameron Davis announced the grants and also talked about the importance of collaborative efforts like the Grand Vision when it comes to protecting the Great Lakes. Watch the video to hear what Davis said.

Grand Vision Action: Senator Levin Says Grand Vision Helped Secure Grants U.S. Senator Carl Levin was in Traverse City for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy's 20th Anniversary event, where a list of EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants was announced. Levin says the Grand Vision helped secure some of the grants. Watch the video to hear what he said.

Grand Vision Action: Wi-Fi in Empire The Village of Empire in Leelanau County has a new Wi-Fi system thanks to a Community Growth Grant from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. The Community Growth Grant Program is an implementation strategy of The Grand Vision principles that focuses on directing growth and investment to our regional areas that have existing infrastructure in place. These grants, now known as New Designs for Growth, were made possible through a partnership of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Watch the video to find out more about the new Wi-Fi service and how it can help Empire attract new residents and businesses.

Grand Vision Action: Affordable Housing in Northwest Michigan The Grand Traverse Housing Network works to ensure sufficient housing choices for the region's workforce and families. Watch the video to find out more about the needs, challenges and solutions related to affordable housing in northwest lower Michigan.