Several speakers featured during the meeting. (L-R) Paula Holtz, Julie Yaroch, Doug Kapnick, Jeffrey Docking, Jim Van Doren.
Last week marked Lenawee Now’s annual “Vision of Lenawee” meeting held at Adrian College’s Tobias Center. This event was to provide updates on community projects and highlight the last year’s economic successes.
Featured speakers included President of Adrian College, Dr. Jeffrey Docking, who discussed the importance of creating partnerships between colleges and local organizations and the economic impact the college has on our area. Dr. Julie Yaroch, President of Bixby and Herrick Hospitals, focused on the organization’s history and provided an overview of the new hospital scheduled to open in 2017.
The former Tecumseh Products site is in good hands, according to the city of Tecumseh’s Economic Development Director, Paula Holtz. A new buyer just sealed the deal on the property and has a multi-million dollar plan to revitalize the space.
Shane Horn and Chris Miller discussing current projects in downtown Adrian.
The status of current downtown Adrian development projects were discussed by city administrator, Shane Horn, and Adrian Economic Development and Downtown Development Authority coordinator, Chris Miller. The current Strongback and Façade project renovations have been made possible through financial assistance from the Lenawee County Land Bank and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Both speakers closed with high hopes for future development aimed towards revitalizing Adrian’s downtown.
Lenawee Now’s own Director of Operations, Tim Robinson, highlighted the organization’s efforts in providing economic assistance among projects over the past year. Gary Clemetson, the Adrian/Tecumseh SmartZone manager of Business Acceleration for Lenawee Now, followed with his long-term goals to increase entrepreneurship and innovative business establishments in our area.
Executive Director, Jim Van Doren and board chairman, Doug Kapnick closed with an emphasis on the power of community. Both speakers affirmed the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Lenawee! Our area is thriving on the business front, and this is due in part through the efforts of public/private partnerships.
Thank you to everyone who helped achieve this collective success as a county over the past year. We are on the path towards a greater Lenawee and another year of amazing accomplishments.
