Awards Celebrate Variety of Ideas Brought to Life in Downtowns Across Oakland County
The judging panel was comprised of experts in historic preservation and economic development.
BOSS Interview: Lena Stevens of Downtown Ferndale
“We’re essentially here to make sure Downtown Ferndale keeps its vibe and keeps growing, keeps thriving, and keeps changing with the times,” Stevens said in a recent interview with Oakland County Times.
June 23-26 – Downtown Lake Orion Jubilee
This carnival brings everyone together to make a great weekend for all
Video: LOcal LOve Expo Celebrates Lake Orion Groups and Businesses
On November 6th the Orion Area Chamber hosted its Love Local Expo at the Orion Center featuring community groups and businesses.
New Ferndale Bench Adds Ambiance, Seating, and Safety
The bench serves as both a place to sit, and as a giant flower bed where the blossoms are are brilliant as the rainbow flags donned by the center near by it.
Oxford Seeking DDA Director
Candidate must have a proven record of being able to work well with a wide range of personalities, be entrepreneurial, highly motivated, energetic, creative, and capable of functioning independently in an independent situation.
Lake Orion DDA’s Pam Belding Leaves to Pursue Writing Career
My decision to resign was made knowing I’m leaving Lake Orion in their very capable hands.
Smiles and Sunshine at Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival
Smiles and Sunshine at Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 9, 2018) Ferndale, MI – Lovely weather and a team of dedicated volunteers made the Downtown Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival a memorable one. The annual event features ice sculptures in front of local businesses and visits with Santa Claus. Kids were also able…
MML #4: Planning Makes Downtown Revival Happen
MML #4: Planning Makes Downtown Revival Happen (Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 21, 2018) Grand Rapids, MI- Downtowns across Michigan vary. Some are desolate ghost towns, bypassed by highways and snubbed for big box stores. While others are vibrant centers of community life. Thriving downtowns do not happen by accident, and while there can be…
Northville Creating Brownfield Authority, Seeks Volunteers to Serve
Northville Creating Brownfield Authority, Seeks Volunteers to Serve (City of Northville, Aug. 20, 2018) Northville, MI- Northville City Council plans to establish a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and is seeking qualified applicants to volunteer to serve on this Board. Applicants must be a resident of the City of Northville. Residents with expertise in environmental, economic development,…
JJs in Madison Heights Expanding with Art Gallery/Bar
JJs in Madison Heights Expanding with Art Gallery/Bar (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 18, 2018) Madison Heights, MI – The owners of JJ’s Bar and Grill have come up with a vision of bringing the artistic community together with a new addition to their 26085 John R Rd location. Every Artist Bar and Gallery will be…
Oakland County Celebrates Main Street Success Stories
Oakland County Celebrates Main Street Success Stories (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 12, 2018) Pontiac, MI – The superheroes of downtowns throughout Oakland County gathered at the Strand Theater in Pontiac Thursday evening for the annual “Main Event,” recognizing accomplishments of communities in the Main Street Oakland County program. The program provides planning, resources and sharing…
Oakland County Celebrates Main Street Success Stories
Oakland County Celebrates Main Street Success Stories (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 12, 2018) Pontiac, MI – The superheroes of downtowns throughout Oakland County gathered at the Strand Theater in Pontiac Thursday evening for the annual “Main Event,” recognizing accomplishments of communities in the Main Street Oakland County program. The program provides planning, resources and sharing…
Videos Show “Faces of Ferndale”
Videos Show “Faces of Ferndale” (Crystal A. Proxmire, April 23, 2018) Ferndale, MI- The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been using online videos to help introduce people to the “Faces of Ferndale.” These quick videos on You Tube and Facebook give glimpses into the businesses and institutions that help make the community great. PJ…
Business Coach Shares Four Keys to Success at Ferndale Event
Business Coach Shares Four Keys to Success at Ferndale Event (Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 18, 2018) Ferndale, MI – Less than 10% of small businesses succeed and less than 4% actually thrive. The big reason for this, according to Tom Powers, is that entrepreneurs are often good at the product or services they provide, but…
Business Coach Shares Four Keys to Success at Ferndale Event
Business Coach Shares Four Keys to Success at Ferndale Event (Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 18, 2018) Ferndale, MI – Less than 10% of small businesses succeed and less than 4% actually thrive. The big reason for this, according to Tom Powers, is that entrepreneurs are often good at the product or services they provide, but…
Coming Home to Madison Heights: Downtown Plans in Progress
Coming Home to Madison Heights: Downtown Plans in Progress (Mark Stowers, Oct.9, 2017) Madison Heights, MI – The more than 30,000 residents of Madison Heights will have a more enjoyable downtown area to peruse in the near future. The city’s DDA is working on a 20-year plan to build a downtown that will feature tree…
Lathrup Village Terminates Contract with City Administrator Andy Potter
Lathrup Village Terminates Contract with City Administrator Andy Potter (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 12, 2017) Lathrup Village, MI – Residents and employees spilled out into the hallway at an over-capacity special meeting Monday night where Lathrup Village City Council voted unanimously to terminate the contract of City Administrator Andy Potter based on his evaluation by…
Downtowns Honored with Main Street Awards
Downtowns Throughout Oakland County Honored with Main Street Awards (Drew Saunders, May 14, 2017) Pontiac, MI – County leaders and business people strode across the stage of Pontiac’s Flagstar Strand Theater for the Performing Arts for the seventeenth annual Oakland County Main Event Awards, last Thursday evening. “This year the award ceremony is different,” Main…
MML#6 – The Future of DDA and TIF Funding
MML#6 – The Future of DDA and TIF Funding (Crystal A. Proxmire, April 13, 2017) Lansing, MI – There are 640 TIF Authorities through the state, and sometimes their value gets questioned when budgets get tight. As the Michigan Legislature discusses potential change to the Downtown Development Authority Act and other Tax Increment Funding (TIF)…