Chris Christensen named a Michigan Broadband Hero

Boyne City resident and county commissioner Chris Christensen has been named a Michigan Broadband Hero. The award was presented by Connect Michigan as more than 400 people attended the second annual Michigan Broadband Conference in Lansing. The award recognizes outstanding contributions individuals and organizations have made towards increasing broadband service in the state. In his capacity as a County Commissioner, Christensen was able to use his foresight, knowledge of current and future infrastructure and resources, and connections to put Charlevoix County in a strategic position for broadband expansion. Working with county departments including GIS specialists, he facilitated the mapping of primary routes that would serve all the critical entities in the county. When Merit Network announced they were to receive funding through the American Recovery Act Reach Program, Christensen approached them with the completed maps. Having this groundwork in place expedited and accelerated the expansion of broadband fiber throughout Charlevoix County.

Boyne City Main Street achieves national accreditation

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has announced that Boyne City Main Street has been recognized as a Nationally Accredited Main Street community by the National Trust Main Street Center and the Michigan Main Street Center at MSHDA. Boyne City Main Street is one of four Michigan Main Street communities receiving national recognition this year. 

The Michigan Main Street Select and Master Level communities are evaluated annually based on 10 performance standards prescribed by the National Trust Main Street Center, and eligible communities are submitted to the national level for final review. “Boyne City Main Street has made many efforts toward their revitalization goals using the Main Street Approach,” said Laura Krizov, manager of the Michigan Main Street Center at MSHDA. “We are happy to recognize their program as nationally accredited this year.”

City Manager and Main Street Board Member Michael Cain stated “Boyne City’s Main Street Program is as strong as ever; strategically placing Boyne City in line for many more good things to come. Being recognized by the state at the Master Level and one of only four Michigan communities accredited at the national level does not come easy; however, it reinforces that we are doing things right and heading in the right direction. “

Local Main Street programs are encouraged to embrace community revitalization and economic development through organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Recent studies show that supporting downtowns creates vibrant centers where people want to live, work and invest. The Michigan Main Street Center is part of MSHDA’s effort to create vibrant communities across the state.

“The Michigan Main Street Program provides communities with the tools needed to develop into thriving districts,” said Krizov. “These tools can be used to create jobs, attract and retain residents and investment while building a sense of place in Michigan communities.”

Pictured are Emily Pantera and Deborah Johnson from the Michigan Main Street Center and City Manager and Main Street Board Member Michael Cain.