West Michigan Agriculture Report Released

More than 70 people attended this morning’ release of a new report called West Michigan Agriculture: The Status and Conditions. Those in attendance came from local and county government, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and of course farms and agricultural businesses. The report is a study of agriculture data in West Michigan as a region and in each of its eight counties and shows that agriculture is a $1.6 billion business in the region. The report is the work of the Land Policy Institute (LPI) at Michigan State University in collaboration with the West Michigan Strategic Alliance.

After some brief introductions from President Greg Northrup about the report and its connections to WMSA’s Green Infrastructure Initiative, LPI’s Melissa Gibson gave a presentation and  overview of the report. Comments and questions from those in attendance ranged from getting township level data, social justice concerns for farm workers, and the growing importance of smaller farms and urban markets.

You can read a news release summary and the full report on WMSA’s Web site.

The report is considered a baseline. WMSA and LPI hope to get more input to talk about next steps to plan in order to ensure that agriculture remains a viable business in West Michigan. To help with that, please spread the word about an online survey of West Michigan farmers.

Look for updates here and on the WMSA Web site

Melissa Gibson of LPI presents the West Michigan Agriculture report..

 

 

Saugatuck Dunes A Regional Asset

WMSA was happy to read the recent editorial in the Grand Rapids Press about the dune property in Saugatuck where the Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan. The property is currently privately owned. When it changed hands a few years ago, area citizens began trying to acquire at least a portion of this land to be preserved as public land. 

Recently, as the editorial points out, there is a new chance for a deal between advocates of public land and the current owner. But the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is being asked to provide $12.6 million of the $20 million needed to purchase 171 acres for public ownership.

WMSA agrees with the Press that this is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” We would add that it is more than a Saugatuck issue. WMSA maintains on this and many issues that thinking as a region benefits us all. We stressed this a year ago in a letter of support to David Swan of the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance:

“The environmental assets in our region are inextricably linked to our quality of life and economic prosperity, yet rapid population growth and fragmented decision making can jeopardize this natural order. We believe it is essential from a regional perspective, to approach opportunities such as the protection of the former Denison property. This is not simply a Saugatuck area issue, nor a Lakeshore issue – this is a critical issue that impacts all the residents who call West Michigan home.”

Seizing this opportunity will go a long way toward WMSA efforts at both regional collaboration and maintaining our green infrastructure. We encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to recognize this opportunity.

 

 

Regional Indicators 2010 Event

You may have heard about WMSA’s Regional Indicators  initiative and the “Vital Signs” reports produced to compare West Michigan to other regions around the country. 

If you haven’t done so before, you are invited to have input on this process as the work for the 2010 “Vital Signs” report begins. 

WMSA will be hosting a work session October 29 to discuss indicators  and targets for achievement to measure the region. We hope you can attend and provide your valuable input.

Report on Recycling in West Michigan

WMSA has just released a report on recycling in West Michigan. You can also read a news release about the report.

Generally speaking, communities across the region have good programs. One problem identified was small businesses left out of curbside programs. Also, residents are not always fully aware of programs and how they work. Participation could be higher.

One recommendation in the report is to work towards a regional recycling program to encourage greater participation and more cost savings for municipalities. What are your thoughts?

Intern Olympics

Internships are supposed to be an opportunity to gain professional work experience. But work can also be fun and social.

That was the idea  behind a recent Intern Olympics event that brought interns from West Michigan together to meet each other and area professionals. You can read more in the Southeast Advance article about the event.

Students and employers can also learn more about internships at the WMSA Internship Initiative page.

Chicago Tribune Loves Grand Rapids

West Michigan residents often refer to the region as a “best kept secret.” But increasingly the secret is out.

A few years ago, a reporter on the staff of the Boston Globe was in Grand Rapids for a wedding and was so impressed she wrote a glowing review of the city. Other cities and venues in the region from the lakeshore east have received positive national exposure in recent years as well.

The latest positive press for the region came in the Chicago Tribune this week in an article that praises Grand Rapids as a “relaxed urban getaway.” Read it. It will make you glad you live in the region!

Clean Transportation Awards Nominations Accepted

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Michigan Clean Transportation Awards. Nominations are due by September 7 and can be made in 10 categories. 

WMSA is hoping this year’s winners will represent West Michigan well!

Electric Car Generates Buzz In West Michigan

In case you missed it, the Tesla Roadster, an electric zero-emission automobile was in West Michigan on July 20. The concept car gives an exciting glimpse of the possibilities for an alternative fuel future.

The visit to West Michigan was sponsored by the West Michigan Clean Cities Coalition (WMC3), an initiative of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance with technical support from Sustainable Research Group. West Michigan was one of many stops for the car as part of a national tour called the Renew America Roadtrip.

You can see images and read more about the Tesla and alternative fueled vehicles in some of the local media coverage, including WZZM TV 13 and MiBiz Sustainability section.

Internship Training…for Employers

Students do internships to learn in a hands-on way about their chosen career. It’s a form of job training. 

But one of the things we’ve learned in our Internship Initiative is that employers want training too–to learn how to set up an internship program, how to recruit and manage interns, and more.

Now, WMSA is responding with just that sort of training. Learn more if you want to improve your internship program or have questions about starting one.

Targets for 2015 for West Michigan

WMSA’s Regional Indicators Initiative is an effort  to measure West Michigan and compare  it to other regions. Data collected so far has given us a good benchmark of the region. 

Now, WMSA and various partners are working not just to see where we are but to set goals for where we want to be in 5 years by setting regional achievement targets. Let us know if you want to be involved in the process.