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Newaygo economic development board hears education briefing and updates on RAP financing and placemaking projects
Summary
At its Nov. 14 meeting in Newaygo, the NEDO board received a county education performance briefing and updates on the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) gap‑financing program, Chamber events and completed Social Zone placemaking work.
The Newaygo Economic Development Organization met Nov. 14 at The Stream in Newaygo and received a presentation on county education performance followed by staff and partner updates on revitalization and placemaking projects.
Blake Prewitt, NCRESA superintendent, and Ben Gilpin, NPS superintendent, presented statistics on education performance in Newaygo County and identified areas they said could be improved. No specific performance figures are recorded in the minutes.
Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director for Newaygo County, updated the board on county programs and events and described the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program, which Burrell said will provide access to gap financing for public‑space and place‑based infrastructure. Burrell also announced that a Newaygo County Economic Outlook presentation is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2025.
Kelly Rider, executive director of the River Country Chamber of Commerce, reported on Chamber offerings, including Lunch and Learn sessions, a leadership program, the upcoming Newaygo Christmas Walk and a Chamber visioning session. Rider said the Chamber is seeking a business representative to chair or organize a committee for Social Zone events.
A staff member identified as Schneider updated the board on the Town Square Project and the Powerhouse Building Project and reported that the Newaygo Social Zone Project is complete; Schneider displayed before, during and after photos of the work. Board member Scott Faulkner said the museum is in the process of hiring a Funding and Community Engagement position intended to help pay down the institution’s debt.
Procedural items were handled early in the meeting: Scott Faulkner moved, and Matthew Boynton seconded, to approve the agenda; Ed Fedell moved, and Boynton seconded, to approve the May 9, 2024 NEDO meeting minutes. Both motions were carried as noted in the minutes (AIF/MC). The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Boynton and second by Luke Francis. The minutes list Kim Goodin as recording secretary.
