Muskegon might not be "cool" enough yet but it will receive some help from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to revive its downtown.

Although it missed out on the first round of a dozen "cool cities" grants from the Granholm administration, Muskegon is one of three Michigan Main Street programs to receive year-round intensive training from the MEDC.

MEDC President Don Jakeway was in Muskegon Thursday afternoon to recognize the Muskegon's Main Street program, operated through the Neighborhood Investment Corp. Niles and Clare were the other two technical assistance winners.

"You are strategically placing yourself in a position to receive funding in future cool cities rounds," Jakeway said of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's urban initiative to make Michigan cities appealing to young professionals.

"You need to use this Main Street momentum," Jakeway said to a gathering of local officials at the Shoreline Deli on West Western Avenue. "As Winston Churchill said, 'Never, never, never surrender.' "

Muskegon's Main Street effort is to strengthen the business climate along the Western Avenue and Third Street corridor.
The state will work with Neighborhood Investment Corp. officials to carry out the national downtown development initiative geared toward improved street design, marketing, community cooperation and expansion of the business opportunities in the commercial district.

"They will provide training for us to become a more effective organization," said David Sperry, the Muskegon Main Street manager for Neighborhood Investment Corp. "It's also a kind of seal of approval. The process is pretty competitive. It's an official recognition that we're doing it right."

© 2004 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission