The Economic Development program has been participating in and building momentum with several catalyst-type investments and projects. These include the Hillcrest Apartments, West Shore Community College Manistee Center, the Hampton Inn and Suites, and the Gateway Spirit of the Woods project. There have also been other momentum-building projects in business development and expansion like M R Products, Iron Fish Distillery, Thoroughbred Boat Company, and North Channel Brewing.
This year our community will see some tangible movements in the demolition of blighted buildings and the construction of such catalysts - the Hampton Inn and Suites by 6PM Hospitality and Pioneer Construction is up first. Our work in the first quarter of 2022 can be characterized by providing assistance on the Gateway and Hampton projects, as well as fielding and assisting interest from new developers and entrepreneurs.
You will see in this report that we are transitioning to a new style of reporting, which started in March and will provide richer details about our economic development work. The direction from our Economic Development Council members about reports was to focus on the important, tangible work, and provide more information if we can make it easier and less time-consuming. Our creative staff did just that, and you will have a different look and feel, particularly in the future.
Thank you, as always, for your support and investment, and we look forward to continuing to make a difference in our community with this important work.