The Grand Vision Receives Award of Excellence

Media Release
For Immediate Release
Date: October 26, 2011

Contact: Carrie Bourdages, Communications Specialist
Voice: 231-929-5038
Email: info@thegrandvision.org

Grand Vision Receives Award of Excellence

Northwest Lower Michigan — The Michigan Association of Planning, a chapter of the American Planning Association, presented The Grand Vision with an Award of Excellence at its annual conference October 21, 2011.

"No other audience likely appreciates the innovative thinking behind The Grand Vision more than planners," said Grand Vision incoming spokesperson Kim Pontius. "The award that the APA of Michigan conferred upon The Grand Vision validates this and I personally hold this confirmation of our regional visioning efforts in high regard."

Receiving the award were representatives from Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG), Michigan Land Use Institute, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Frankfort planning commission, and MSU Extension. In addition to this award, Chair of the Frankfort Planning Commission, Bruce Ogilvie, also received an excellence award for his individual contribution to the City of Frankfort.

The conference focused on national and regional experts’ strategies and planning efforts for innovative, sustainable practices. Leaders showcased planning tools for both large and small cities, suburban communities and townships, and discussed new ideas from Governor Rick Snyder’s plan regarding economic gardening, successful intergovernmental programs, and economic development drivers.

Local Grand Vision network leaders presented the workshop "Grand Vision for Social Equity in Northwest Michigan." Panelists included NWMCOG’s Matt McCauley, director of regional planning and community development and Janie McNabb, NWMCOG director of community relations and program development, along with Michigan Land Use Institutes’ Jim Lively and Grand Vision incoming spokesperson Kim Pontius, executive vice president of Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR).

The Michigan Association of Planning’s mission is to exist so that Michigan will consist of healthy, safe, attractive, and successful communities built first and foremost on quality community planning.

For more information, contact Carrie Bourdages at carriebourdages@nwm.cog.mi.us  or visit the website: www.thegrandvision.org

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