The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly Business for Breakfast Friday morning, as area business leaders discussed how to better brand the southern Muskegon County lifestyle. While the Watch Muskegon campaign has largely centered on the revitalization of the city’s downtown corridor, chamber officials are launching a new marketing campaign called “taking it outdoors” that promotes all of Muskegon County as a viable place to live work and play.
Gary Nelund is the Mayor of Norton Shores. He says the city is focused on tapping into the area’s potential in terms of outdoor recreation.
“There’s a ton of development going on,” Nelund said. “We have a great park with nearly a quarter mile of frontage on Lake Michigan. We are really focusing on parks, (and) we are working on a pedestrian and walkability plan, bicycle plan, just trying to make the city more non-motorized friendly.”
Meanwhile in Fruitport, Township supervisor Heidi Tice says she’s actively trying to enhance the area’s bike trails, allowing area residents easier access to other lakeshore communities.
“If we can connect to the Musketawa Trail through Fruitport…that would be huge for this area,” Tice said.
As Fruitport Township celebrates its 150th birthday, Tice says this year will certainly be about taking it outdoors, complete with the annual Old Fashioned Days celebration this summer. However, this year, Tice says, the event will be bigger than ever.