With the plan to transform downtown Battle Creek now into its third year officials and community members are coming together to discuss how to build on the transformation taking place.
Project 20/20 and
Battle Creek Unlimited are co-hosting a community forum, "Building Momentum: Battle Creek Downtown Transformation Year 3," at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave. in Downtown Battle Creek.
Jim Hettinger, senior advisor to Battle Creek Unlimited, and Ken Tsuchiyama, city manager of the
City of Battle Creek, will discuss efforts to make Battle Creek a more attractive community to live, work and invest in.
Details about a blight reduction initiative designed to encourage the rehab and re-use of several buildings in the downtown also will be shared.
Dr. Linda Hicks, superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools, will give an update on the
Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center move and efforts to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in Battle Creek.
Dr. Julia Bradsher, president & CEO of the
Global Food Protection Institute, will share the progress on creating a local and national food protection hub.
Karl Dehn, president & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, will provide an overall look at downtown transformation at the three year mark including private investment growth and what to expect in year four of the plan.
Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Project 20/20 conducts eight meetings or community forums each year on economic sustainability, education and health care. It brings together groups and individuals working to improve the Battle Creek area.
Battle Creek Unlimited is an economic development organization that works with the City of Battle Creek to diversify the Battle Creek economy.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Amanda Lankerd, Project 20/20
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