The city of Evart is poised to continue its economic growth thanks to Michigan’s Project Rising Tide and the collaboration of community leaders, Gov. Rick Snyder said today, as he celebrated Evart’s graduation from the first round of the statewide program.
Evart is the eighth community to graduate from Rising Tide, which Gov. Snyder created in 2015 to provide technical assistance and resources to communities aspiring to rise so they, together, can build a stronger framework for economic success.
“Communities whose leaders work together to overcome challenges and find common goals continue to show that collaboration is key to helping Michigan communities grow and thrive,” Snyder said. “Evart’s graduation today is another example of how Michigan wins when we all work together to create positive change.”
Rising Tide is led by the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan and brings additional technical assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Talent Investment Agency.
“Project Rising Tide is an opportunity to inspire collaboration among local leaders in Michigan’s smallest communities to create a stronger economic framework,” Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan Director Roger Curtis said. “It’s also about the state working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure Michigan’s remarkable comeback can reach every corner of the state. Evart embodies the spirit of Project Rising Tide and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the community.”
During its time in the program, Evart received technical assistance in creating an economic development strategy, becoming a select-level Michigan Main Street community, and creating a community ready for business investment and growth.
“Project Rising Tide has created a transformation in our community – both seen and unseen,” City of Evart Mayor Casey Keysor said. “The program has provided us with a newly found sense of community pride, but also a stronger city that residents and businesses are excited to call home. This program’s effects will far surpass today’s graduation festivities and have effected positive economic changes that will live on for generations to come”
Since 2015, Evart has seen two business restorations, nine new businesses, and a $1 million investment in upgrading the city’s storm water infrastructure.
Evart can now share its roadmap and lessons learned along the way with other communities in the region, knowing Michigan is stronger when Michiganders work together.
Evart joins Sandusky, Hillsdale, Charlotte, River Rouge, Grayling, Paw Paw and Harrison as graduates.
Learn more at www.mirisingtide.org
