Opportunity to Develop Muskegon’s Countywide “Story” Coming Up Monday Night

Andrew Trzaska | April 26, 2013

As originally reported on MLive, ome of Muskegon’s environmentally concerned residents as well as other groups are set to meet Monday night to explore developing a community “story” for Muskegon County.

The Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership and other groups want to explore telling a community story about the history of the town including its environment because of past environmental issues, but also because the development of a community story could lead to economic benefits through tourism and attracting new businesses.

All are invited to the meeting, which will take place on Monday, April 29 at 920 Watermark Center, 920 Washington St. Networking will take place from 5 to 5:30, and the presentation and discussion will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The event will be facilitated by Nashville-based Northstar Destinations Strategies, a company that specializes in “place branding” and changing community reputations.  The company’s website says they use “qualitative and quantitative research tools” to “achieve a focused snapshot of a community’s values, assets and priorities, which can then be articulated as its ‘brand’.” The website goes on to say that their methods lead to brands that are “endorsed and absorbed” by the community because they come from the community.

Northstar Destinations Strategies recently worked with Manistee County.

The meeting Monday will not see the full development of the community story, but will help those behind the idea of making one decide if it’s a worthy endeavor.  The decision could lead to a $80,000 contract with Northstar Destinations Strategies to do more in-depth research and develop the community story in a way that is marketable for tourism and business.

Read more on the event here.

Other groups involved in this project include the county Convention and Visitors Bureau, Muskegon Area First, the White Lake Public Advisory Council, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.