“Mingling” of Michigan Main Street projects underway

The Main Street projects need a huge base of volunteers to make them a success for the future. Do you have a skill or a talent that can help make this a “win” for Manchester?

by Marsha Chartrand

Last year, some members of Manchester Downtown Development Association (DDA) learned about Michigan’s Main Street (MMS) program, which began about 20 years ago and assists communities interested in revitalizing and preserving their traditional commercial district.

Two volunteers, Merrill Guerra of Dragonfly and Birch and Joe Jarvis of River Raisin Distillery, have joined forces to make this a successful program in Manchester. Both Jarvis and Guerra are young and energetic; each has a relatively new and successful business in the community, but it’s important to recognize that a lot of volunteer energy is needed.

Manchester has recently been accepted as an “engaged” community in the MMS program, based on grass-roots community involvement.

As part of that, a delegation from Manchester visited other MMS communities to find out what was working there. Some places are thrilled by what the MMS has done for them. Others had dropped out or said “no thanks” because the commitment was simply too much.

“The issue we face is that we have been fortunate for a long time to have had a broad base of volunteers in Manchester,” explained Mayor Pat Vailliencourt. “People — students, business owners, seniors — who have organized and promoted events and projects throughout the community.

“Over the years, that base has aged out or burned out. We need to set new goals, get market data, and learn some new ways to make things happen.”

Guerra said in an email to downtown businesses who have asked to be kept in contact, “We are looking for one or two more folks to volunteer to work on a steering committee [which] will be responsible for working with the MEDC to start us on the path of this process. As we move forward, there will be multiple sub-committees that will be formed to help with execution of the plans. Think of this committee as the executive committee to determine the vision, direction, and set out the strategic plan to move forward.

If you are interested in being a part of this executive committee, please stop in and chat with either Joe or myself. Don’t worry if you want to be involved but aren’t able or ready to commit yet, there will be LOTS of future opportunities. We are going to need many volunteers, and this is just the start of the process. It also doesn’t matter if you live/work within the Main Street boundaries or DDA. You simply need to be passionate about helping Manchester move forward towards a vibrant, exciting future.”

So what shall it be in Manchester? Do the new, young, enthusiastic volunteers exist here? Do you want to be involved in shaping the future of the downtown and its development? Contact the City offices at 734-428-7877; Guerra at 734-212-2149; or Jarvis at 734-212-3246.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.