$100,000 Grant Awarded to

Southwest Detroit Business Association

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Jill Babcock from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presents the Cool Cities award check to SDBA President Kathy Wendler

State Representative Steve Tobocman addresses the audience regarding the State of Michigan's recognition of Southwest Detroit as a "Cool City"

SDBA Board members and staff joined by project partners accept the "Cool Cities" award.  Front Row: Eva Garza Dewaelsche; State Representative Steve Tobocman; Jill Babcock, MEDC; Kathy Wendler; Deb Sumner.  Back Row: John Van Camp; Theresa Zajac; Nancy Sizer; Larry Ladomer; Pat Walker; Lis Knibbe, Lis Knibbe & Associates; Victor Abla, LISC; Leah Vest; Myrna Segura Sample, Mexicantown CDC; Jennifer Fitzpatrick; Dan Pederson; Amy Raupp; Karen Kavanaugh.

You can learn more about our Cool City and it's unique assets by opening the following PDF links:

Overview

Business

Culture

History

Nature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2004

Contact: Paul Krepps , MEDC

 (517) 335-4590

                On behalf of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presented a $100,000 grant to the Southwest Detroit Business Association as part of the Governor’s Cool Cities pilot program today. The program, designed to foster the development of vibrant, attractive cities and urban centers, is a key element of the Governor’s overall economic development strategy for Michigan .

            “This project will take advantage of the cultural and historical richness that southwest Detroit has to offer,” said Granholm. “The distinctive Odd Fellows building will serve as an anchor to the neighborhood and a magnet for further economic development and job creation.”

            The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) will use the funding to help finance renovation of the historic Odd Fellows Hall located at 8701 West Vernor . The finished project will house SDBA offices as well as retail shops and a prospective cultural tourism center.

“We can’t thank the Governor’s Office enough for recognizing our growing immigrant community, both Latino and Middle Eastern, and each resident and business owner’s contribution to southwest Detroit ’s vitality.  The Oddfellow’s Hall completes the renovation of four historic buildings that adds over 60 residential units and 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial space”, said Kathy Wendler, President, of the SDBA.

            In addition to the state grant, the SDBA will have access to a resource toolbox that includes more than 75 of the state’s community improvement grant, loan and assistance programs. These resources can be leveraged and strategically directed to revitalization projects that offer the best opportunity for success. 

            A multi-agency team reviewed 151 project applications from 112 Michigan communities. Twenty finalists were chosen that demonstrated close partnerships with community organizations and the private sector and offered the best plans for creating large scale neighborhood or community improvements.

            “All of the applications were truly cool,” said David Hollister, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. “The Southwest Detroit Business Association should be commended for its ongoing efforts to revitalize and showcase this unique region of Detroit .”

Teams associated with projects not designated as part of the pilot program are eligible to attend an educational and training session to meet with representatives from DLEG and MEDC along with the 14 participating state departments to discuss how they can improve their applications for the next round of grants and determine what other resources might be available.

            “Many state agencies worked together to make Cool Cities happen,” said MEDC President and CEO Don Jakeway. “Revitalizing our cities requires collaboration. I am very pleased that the MEDC can contribute its efforts to such a valuable program.”

            Additional projects designated to receive Cool Cities funding are in Bay City, Detroit, Ferndale, Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Marquette, Port Huron, Portland, Saginaw, Saugatuck, Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City, Warren and Ypsilanti. Detailed information about each project is available at www.coolcities.com.

            The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.