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| As the downtown develops and is recreated now might be the time to jump in and buy a building or launch a venture. If it looks anything like what it looks like down by Ludington Park it is going to be beautiful! |
A while back, we had a discussion in Escanaba about the importance of our public libraries. Community members strongly supported preserving library services, hours, and programs. That support demonstrates that libraries are valued local institutions. While libraries can and should maximize their impact through partnerships, workforce development, and entrepreneurial resources, they are only one component of a broader economic development strategy.
When thinking about Escanaba's future, it may be more useful to focus on building an entrepreneurial hub that complements the area's existing strengths. We already have several anchor industries, including metal stamping, ship repair, wood products manufacturing, healthcare, and other established employers. At the same time, our downtown is undergoing redevelopment, creating an opportunity to attract new businesses, residents, and investment.Escanaba also benefits from a strong tourism and recreation economy. Visitors and residents alike enjoy beautiful parks, beaches, hiking trails, boating opportunities, and access to Lake Michigan. The Escanaba Yacht Club and local sailing community provide additional recreational opportunities that help make the area attractive to both visitors and potential new residents.
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| If you are launching a venture why not invest in places in which you can enjoy your life and has outdoor recreation. |
One idea worth exploring is encouraging small-scale manufacturing and artisan businesses that both produce goods and offer a visitor experience. Imagine a company that designs and builds custom golf clubs. Customers could visit the workshop, learn about the process, and purchase products made locally. Similar opportunities might exist for custom fishing lures, woodworking products, outdoor gear, specialty foods, marine products, or other niche items. These businesses do not necessarily require large workforces, but they do require skilled labor, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
The advantage of this model is that it serves multiple markets simultaneously. Local residents become customers. Tourists gain a unique attraction to visit. At the same time, the business can develop a brand and sell products nationally or internationally, bringing new dollars into the local economy.
Economic Development Strategies for Michigan Small Towns: How Placemaking, Agritourism, and Public Libraries Can Stimulate Local Economies
The article examines how Michigan’s small towns can strengthen and diversify their economies through placemaking, agritourism, and public library partnerships, reducing dependence on a single economic sector.
- Placemaking initiatives, including zoning reforms, mixed-use development, walkable downtowns, and façade improvement programs, can increase community engagement, property values, business activity, and overall economic vitality.
- Agritourism provides additional revenue streams for farms while supporting local employment, preserving agricultural land, and attracting visitors through activities such as farm markets, wineries, petting farms, and seasonal events.
- Public libraries contribute to economic development by offering workforce training, digital literacy programs, business resources, entrepreneurial support, and partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations.
- Michigan case studies from Holland, Petoskey, Negaunee, Gladwin County, and Acme Township demonstrate that combining multiple development strategies creates more resilient, self-sustaining, and diversified local economies.
Davenport, N. (2022). Economic development strategies for Michigan small towns: How placemaking, agritourism, and public libraries can stimulate small-town Michigan economies. SPNHA Review, 18(1), Article 6. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/spnhareview/vol18/iss1/6
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