The well-known saying “small but mighty” can be used to describe a lot of things, including towns throughout Michigan. But sometimes when you’re small – you need some support to be mighty, and in the case of The Consumers Energy Foundation’s Put Your Town on the Map competition, that support comes in the form of dollars to help make big things happen.
Three Michigan communities won a total of $50,000 through this year’s Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition to help complete projects that will strengthen and grow their communities.
“The Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition is all about rewarding big, bold and innovative ideas that will help Michigan’s small towns grow and thrive,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “These three winning projects will transform their communities and make them even better places to live, work, and raise a family. The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support their efforts, and we look forward to celebrating with them as the projects are completed.”
Learn more about the winning projects:
- Fennville – First place, $25,000: The city of Fennville is working on installing wayfinding signs to help unify the region and surrounding communities. The signs will be bilingual to support inclusivity and the community’s mission to promote diversity and growth.
- Reed City – Second place, $15,000: Reed City Crossroads Recreation Connection aims to bring outdoor recreational activities to the community to enhance fun opportunities for families and visitors. They will use the funding to support many projects currently underway, including the Pocket Park in the downtown business area, a community dog park, and sites for other outdoor activities.
- Harbor Beach – Third place, $10,000: The funding will be used to support efforts to expand gardening in the community so that it can grow its own food, support the local farmers market, and enhance the annual Harvest Festival. The community plans to install a large number of raised-bed planters throughout the community.
The Put Your Town on the Map competition started in 2019 to reward ideas and provide critical dollars for projects that are being developed in small towns throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Learn more about towns on the must visit map.
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