Contact: Cyndy Fuller
Phone: 231-723-4325
For Immediate Release
Manistee County Representatives to participate in
Michigan Port Collaborative Spring 2010 Summit
Manistee, Michigan – Denny Blue and Tim Ervin from Manistee County will join attendees from more than one hundred other Michigan port communities in Muskegon on May 20 and May 21 for the Michigan Port Collaborative Spring Summit. In addition, officials from multiple state agencies and more than a dozen summit sponsors are expected to attend.
In its third year, the collaborative is focused on building Michigan into a premier maritime destination. The summit is an opportunity for individual attendees to network with other port colleagues, while at the same time learn about topics ranging from creating a Port Authority to accessing federal funding for port-related projects.
“Although each of our member communities are unique in geography and composition, we all feel a sense of cohesiveness as we each work to obtain the resources that will improve the conditions of our respective ports," said John Kerr, who represents the Port of Detroit and serves as Chairman of the Interim Steering Committee. "We recognize that we represent our State's most identifiable asset, therefore together, we seek to educate and inform the public and private sectors of the opportunities presented by the 'blue water economy' we collectively form."
An action packed, information filled two day agenda includes historic walking tours, tours of the working Port of Muskegon, a cruise aboard the Port City Princess and a keynote speech by Lt. Governor John Cherry.
The mission of the Michigan Port Collaborative is to elevate the recognition and economic vitality of our port communities while protecting and promoting our Great Lakes and developing our coast as “Michigan’s Front Door.” The collaborative is a diverse membership of public and private sector representatives of Michigan’s Great Lakes’ port communities represented by elected officials; tourism, convention, and visitors bureau leaders; cargo shipping, ferry, marina, and harbor operators; museums; economic development leaders; consultants; educators; and state and federal partners.
For further information on the spring 2010 summit, go to http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3308_3333_4169-234270--,00.html or contact 1-800-662-9278.