Elk Rapids Selected to Host CEDAM Fellow

Elk Rapids, MI – The Village of Elk Rapids is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to host a Community Development Fellow as part of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) Fellowship Program. This prestigious 15-month placement, which begins in January 2025, will support the Village’s ongoing efforts to enhance economic growth and community development. The fellowship is made possible through a partnership between CEDAM and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The CEDAM Fellowship Program aims to strengthen municipalities across Michigan by increasing their capacity to implement community economic development projects. In partnership with the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program, the Village of Elk Rapids is on track to achieve RRC "Essentials" status and will soon begin working toward full "Certified" status. Hosting a CEDAM fellow is an exciting opportunity to accelerate this progress.

Barbara Matthews, Chair of the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA), expressed her enthusiasm about the fellowship, stating:
"We are excited to welcome a CEDAM Community Development Fellow to Elk Rapids. This partnership will be pivotal in advancing key initiatives that will enhance our local economy and benefit our community. Our fellow will play an integral role in developing an economic development plan, creating an incentive program for new businesses, and helping launch a business incubator, all of which are crucial to achieving our RRC goals."

The fellow will work closely with the DDA, under the leadership of John Mach, to advance projects required for RRC “Certified” status in collaboration with regional partners, as well as to support several of the Village’s high-priority projects, including the Ames Street Improvements project, the installation of new signage throughout the Village, and ongoing innovative marketing campaigns. Additionally, the DDA is actively working toward achieving the "Engaged" participation level in the Michigan Main Street program, further cementing its commitment to boost business activity, attract private investment, enhance public spaces, and make the district more appealing for businesses, residents, and visitors.

The Elk Rapids DDA would like to extend its gratitude to its valued partners, the Village of Elk Rapids, the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), and the Antrim County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), for their support with the application process.

For more information on the CEDAM Fellowship Program, please visit cedamichigan.org.

Contact:
John Mach
Executive Director, Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority
jmach@elkrapids.org