Contest Seeks To Promote Small Michigan Towns

consumersenergy-2
consumersenergy-2

Consumers Energy is now taking entries in its second annual Put Your Town on the Map competition. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the Consumers Energy Foundation is putting up $50,000 to be awarded to three small Michigan towns for projects aiming to promote themselves.

“Essentially, this is a pitch competition,” Wheeler said. “We want to hear small towns throughout Michigan, their best ideas for projects that would draw people to their communities, promote economic development, and promote a sense of community.”

Any town in a Consumers Energy service area with a population of less than 10,000 qualifies. Wheeler says winners last year included Port Austin, in the Thumb area. It proposed turning a large vacant lot into an interactive space for tourists and community members. Wheeler says that’s what the company is looking for.

“You can be traveling the state, and wherever you stop in your travels, there often are interesting and unique things to do. We think that this project is going to help fund new things to go forward.”

Local governments or downtown development authorities are the kinds of entities that would enter the contest. Entries are being taken through March 2. You can find out more right here.