CORNERS AT CENTER AND WASHINGTON SLATED FOR BEAUTIFICATION

Leadership Bay County Class Adopts Downtown Enhancement Project

March 7, 2013
By: O. J. Cunningham

The 2013 Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bay County class will work with the Downtown Management Board and local contractors to renovate the four corners of Washington and Center Avenues. The class chose this project to enhance downtown Bay City's sense of place. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that draws area residents and visitors to businesses, parks and events downtown.

Plans for improvements on each of the four corners include groupings of large concrete planters, all-season plantings and decorative bollards. Mid June is the class's target date for completing the project.

The group will hold a silent auction to raise project funding at the Bay Area Chamber Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 21. They are seeking in-kind donations of auction items and cash donations as well as in-kind donations of supplies and services to be used in the project itself. They are also applying for grants.

This year's Leadership Bay County class includes 16 members from various organizations throughout Bay County who have an interest in the future of our community. The program's nine-month curriculum is designed to help members better understand our community by reviewing its history and examining entities and systems. Speakers from businesses, government, education, law enforcement, natural resources, arts, and human services provide information for all members at each class session. Since the program began in 1987, an average of 20 people have attended and graduated from Leadership Bay County each year - and many of these attendees are serving in leadership capacities throughout the community.

A list of needed supplies and additional information can be obtained by contacting Tiffany Sheppard at 989-992-6156 or at tiffanysheppard@delta.edu or visiting the class's Facebook page.