Kicks off economic and community development efforts to create sustained economic success, attract business investment and talent

MANISTEE, Mich. – By providing tools and resources to Michigan’s smaller communities to grow and thrive, the state’s economy can continue to flourish, Gov. Rick Snyder said today. He was joining state and local leaders for a roundtable discussion about the city of Manistee’s challenges and opportunities as it charts its course with Michigan’s Project Rising Tide.

“Project Rising Tide is about establishing long-term, sustainable changes that lead to stronger communities and regions,” Snyder said. “It’s also about ensuring Michigan’s remarkable comeback reaches every corner of the state. Manistee is already headed in the right direction – we’re just here to see how we can help them continue helping themselves.”

Manistee is the ninth community to join the second round of the Rising Tide program. It joins Adrian, Albion, Beaverton, Eaton Rapids, Gladwin, Hamtramck, Ontonagon and West Branch and soon will gain expertise and guidance from past program participants.

“A summer getaway destination for many who live in and visit Michigan, Manistee has several community assets that create a unique experience for all who come to see its miles of Pure Michigan shoreline,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan. “Project Rising Tide is about capitalizing on those existing assets and creating new opportunities to diversify a community’s economy to create a place ready for new businesses and residents to call home.”

Project Rising Tide kicked off in 2015 and started with one community from each of the state’s prosperity regions. Led by the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan, the program connects communities with technical assistance and expertise from the department’s agencies: Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Talent Investment Agency.

“Manistee was a once-booming and vibrant community and we are well on our way to becoming that community once again,” Manistee Mayor James Smith said. “We have strong leadership abilities within our city and Project Rising Tide is the perfect opportunity to bring all leaders together to work on one common goal: creating a strong and vibrant Manistee that is open for business.”

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