Not even a global pandemic could halt the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation from continuing to flourish in Greater Lansing in 2020. Several game-changing projects and organizations that have made a difference in the region in the past year will be recognized as part of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s (LRCC) 15th annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards. The event will be held virtually from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec, 1. The CORG event is part of the regular Lansing Economic Club. This year’s event is sponsored by PNC Bank and Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C. Registration information can be found at lansingchamber.org.
The fact that we could have a Celebration of Regional Growth program amid a global pandemic is a testament to the resolute commitment and drive that has always existed in our region” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “Despite all the barriers that have been placed in the way, our region continues to be a model of a determined will to overcome challenges, innovate solutions and work together to build a thriving region.”
“We are proud to have been a sponsor of the Celebration of Regional Growth since its inception,” said Tim Salisbury, PNC regional president for Mid-Michigan. “The contributions made by this year’s recipients truly are incredible and will leave their mark on the region for decades.”
“It is a great privilege for the Loomis Law Firm to continue its association with an event that recognizes excellence in entrepreneurism and innovation,” said J.V. Anderton, attorney, Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C. “It is particularly gratifying to be able to honor the incredible contributions of our small business community during a most challenging year.”
Honorees of this year’s CORG Awards include: Coleman Road Extension (Dewitt Charter Township, City of East Lansing, Ingham County Board of Commissioners and Clinton County Board of Commissioners); Block 600 Development (Gillespie Group); Michigan State Capitol Restoration & Infrastructure (Capitol Commission); COVID-19 Innovation and Support (Sparrow). For the first time in the CORG program’s history, a special recognition was made to small businesses as the Voices of Resiliency and Innovation during the global pandemic
2020 CORG Award Honorees
Coleman Road Extension. The four municipalities being honored are among many organizations and individuals who talked about Coleman Road project a reality. The Coleman Road extension was open to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 21, officially opening a new section of Coleman Road running along the northern Ingham/southern Clinton County lines. The Coleman Road extension is expected to ease traffic congestion in the heavily traveled U.S. 127/Lake Lansing Road corridor. The new road will also open the area of hundreds of millions of dollars in further development.
Block600. The Gillespie Group’s $40 million project includes a long-awaited downtown grocery store, 40 loft apartments, and a 122-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Located at the southeast corner of East Michigan Avenue and South Larch Street, across from the newly renamed Jackson Field, BLOCK600 brings needed residential, grocery, and accommodation amenities to the Stadium District of downtown Lansing.
Michigan State Capitol Restoration & Infrastructure. The Capitol Commission’s investments include $70 million to upgrade Michigan Capitol’s aging infrastructure, and $40 million for Heritage Hall, an educational welcome center at the Capitol complex. The investment in infrastructure marks the first time in 30 years that the building's heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and other inner workings have been slated for an upgrade. Heritage Hall could draw as many as 100,000 additional visitors per year.
Sparrow. Sparrow has used innovation and resourcefulness to become a leader in providing personal protective equipment for caregivers, patients and visitors; limit the spread of the virus by imposing stringent visitor restrictions; and offer new ways to provide access to COVID-19 testing. Sparrow’s list of innovations includes Manufacturing its own nasal swabs through 3-D technology; working with Michigan State University on a way to reprocess and repurpose N-95 face masks for caregivers; becoming the first hospital in Michigan to offer COVID-19 tests for inpatients.
Small Business Voices of Resiliency and Innovation. The CORG Awards program will feature pre-recorded interviews with many small business owners who demonstrated resiliency in surviving the COVID forced shutdown and in developing innovative solutions because of the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow and thrive. For more than 115 years, the LRCC has served as the trusted voice and business leader of the Lansing region. More information on the LRCC, its programs and services can be found online at www.lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@LansingChamber) and LinkedIn.|
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