What is the first impression of your community?
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EmailI-69 Thumb region partners with MSU Extension for assessments of communities through the eyes of first time visitors.
Find out how first-time visitors view your community through the Tourism First Impressions Program with Michigan State University Extension and receive funding to address identified challenges through the I‐69 Thumb Region.
Up to four communities will be selected to have an assessment done to learn about how first time visitors view their community, receive feedback, on both assets and challenges and be eligible to receive a $2,000 grant to address identified challenges. No match required.
Who is eligible to apply?
Local Units of Government that:
- Are located in one of the I‐69 Thumb Region counties (Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola)
- Are rural, as defined by the USDA
- Have a population of 10,000 or less
- Can form a community leadership team
- Will plan and coordinate a community report forum
Program Benefits?
- Learn about existing strengths and weaknesses of your community from an outsider’s perspective
- Provide an opportunity to organize community leaders and residents around feedback
- List of action items that can improve the quality of life of residents and improve visitors’ perception
- Grant dollars to implement action items
Implementation Funding Requirements
- Memorandum of Agreement will be executed with successful applicants
- Use of funds must be pre-approved
- Invoices, copies of checks, etc. will be required for reimbursement
- Reporting requirements may include progress reports, meetings and/or presentations
More Information
You can learn more and/or download Tourism First Impressions Application-I-69 Thumb Region
Complete the attached application and return to Andy Northrop, MSU Extension Tourism Team Chair at northro5@anr.msu.edu by 12 P.M. (noon) on December 2, 2016.
Contact Anna Pinter, GLS Region V, Planner III with questions or for assistance completing the application at apinter@co.genesee.mi.us or 810‐257‐3010.
