Contact: Renee' Ihlenfeldt
Manistee Economic Development Office
231-723-4325; rihlenfeldt@manistee.com

For Immediate Release

Request for Qualifications and Proposal
Issued by Manistee Economic Development Office for:
An Economic Development Plan and Marketing Strategy for Manistee Lake Area

Manistee, Michigan – A Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/P) to complete an Economic Development Plan and Marketing Strategy for Manistee Lake and Harbor has been issued by Manistee County’s Economic Development Office (EDO) as part of an effort to maximize the economic potential of the deep water commercial harbor, Manistee Lake and surrounding properties.

Manistee County is currently assessing the feasibility of a realignment of the rail system serving Manistee. This potential realignment includes lands to the north and north east of Manistee Lake where rail lines may be abandoned and removed and land to the south of Manistee Lake where rail lines will be better configured to serve existing and future manufacturers.

“The potential realignment of the rail system serving Manistee would create significant new opportunities for commercial and industrial development,” said Renee’ Ihlenfeldt EDO executive director. “A primary purpose of this RFQ/P is to identify a firm that can work with the community to develop the most viable economic development plan and marketing strategy for commercial and industrial development of the Manistee Lake area and surrounding properties.”

The RFQ/P is seeking to identify firms that have qualifications to:

 Develop an economic development plan focused on commercial and industrial opportunities within the Manistee Lake area. The plan should also define areas that are not desired or suitable for such purposes.
 Draft land use plans and zoning ordinances to reflect the land use options associated with community priorities and needs, reflecting highest and best use for the land and resulting in sustainable development options that will be of optimal economic benefit to the community and county.
 Develop a marketing strategy to implement the economic development plan with defined roles, responsibilities and market targets.

Firms should be able to demonstrate prior experience and success in assisting communities in developing similar effective plans and strategies.

A copy of the RFQ/P is available by contacting the EDO office at 231-723-4325 or by email by contacting Betsy Keson at bkeson@manistee.com.