Politics & Government
'Pure Michigan' Creator Joins Local Marketing Initiative
The Gateway Communities Program promotes Dexter and surrounding municipalities.
A new marketing initiative that aims to promote Michigan's natural resources and small towns has a new ally.
Mark Lantz, creator of the Pure Michigan campaign, will work alongside community leaders in Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester, Pinckney and Stockbridge as well as eastern Jackson County as part of the Gateway Communities program.
The program, which was launched in 2009 by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, has two objectives. The first is to develop and promote tourism involving visitors to the natural, scenic and historic areas around the five communities, while also drawing them into businesses and activities. The second objective is to promote sustainable community development practices that make rural communities like Dexter a more desirable place to live, work and visit.
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“We have untapped resources in the area that make it a great place to come spend time,” village trustee Paul Cousins said. “We have the Metroparks that run through Dexter. The county's trail will be a phenomenal addition. There is the Waterloo Recreation Area and the Irish Hills that includes the Michigan International Speedway.”
Cousins said the program is in the branding phase and community leaders are working with Lantz to develop promotional tools that will focus on values, experiences and recreational opportunities.
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"We want the branding to evoke how unique our area is," Cousins said. "We have everything right here that many drive three or four hours for.
"We have camping, water sports, theater, restaurants and proximity to I-94. We have something very unique that I think would appeal to residents of Indiana and Ohio."
Cousins also believes that the Gateway Communities program could also be enhanced by the village's proposed . He believes that public art will increase tourism and boost the local economy.
Lantz’s services for the branding portion of the initiative will cost $15,000. Before residents are asked for financial support, a featuring Bluegrass musician Missy Raines will take place July 22 at the Sandhill Crane Winery in Jackson. The cost is $50 per ticket. To purchase a ticket, contact Paul Cousins at 734-426-4765 or pcousins@villageofdexter.org.
