For the fifth year in a row, the fourth Saturday of September has been proclaimed “Downtown Day” by Governor Whitmer with the initiative requested by the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA).
Understanding that now more than ever Michigan residents need to support downtowns and the businesses within by shopping, dining, attending an event, or volunteering, the MDA contacted the Governor’s office and requested that Saturday, September 28, 2024, be declared Downtown Day. The organization received the official Proclamation, signed by Governor Whitmer, earlier this month.
The MDA encourages community members to visit a Michigan downtown on September 28 and enjoy its shops, restaurants, and recreational and cultural aspects.
In Lapeer County, the DDA Directors for the City of Lapeer (Jim Alt), Village of Almont (Angela Edwards), and Imlay City (Christine Malzahn) have partnered together to celebrate. They have partnered with The Twisted River Band to create a fun and unique "Lapeer County" video encouraging everyone to visit, shop, and experience each of the three unique communities. The video will premiere on Thursday evening September 26th, and will be shared on social media everywhere!
Also, as part of the celebration Lapeer, Imlay City, and Almont DDAs invite you to take part in a Lapeer County Downtown Shopping Challenge! Shoppers who make a purchase in each of the three communities between Friday, September 27, and Sunday, September 29th will have a chance to win one of six Visa gift cards as a thank-you for shopping local. The top prize will be a $100 gift card, the second prize is a $50 gift card, and four winners will receive a $25 gift card. The Visa gift cards are provided by ChoiceOne Bank. To be eligible to win, shoppers who make a purchase in each community, Lapeer, Imlay City, and Almont, must submit copies of their purchase receipts to the Lapeer Main Street DDA office in person or via email no later than Friday, October 4th. A live drawing via Facebook will take place the week of October 7th to announce the winners. Full details, including submission contact information, can be found on the Historic Lapeer – Main Street DDA Facebook page.
“It's a great way to bring the community together and create a great, positive energy in the downtown that also helps bring additional traffic to Almont, Imlay City, and Lapeer and generates a positive economic impact for their businesses,” James Alt, Executive Director of The Lapeer Main Street DDA, said. “Downtown will be a buzz with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment for Downtown Day. In addition, The PIX Theatre kicks off its season with its annual Lapeer’s Buried History Cemetery Tour, and Tilted Axis Brewery hosts their annual Oktoberfest Celebration. There is something for everyone in Historic Downtown Lapeer, Downtown Almont, and Downtown Imlay City.” Alt added.
“The MDA believes Downtown Day brings positive attention and recognition to small businesses and downtown cores,” Dana Walker, director of the MDA, said. “There are many opportunities for Michigan residents to support downtowns like strolling sidewalks, having a picnic in a park, enjoying a Social District, purchasing goods from a retailer, or leaving a positive review for a small business on social media,” she continued.
The MDA states a downtown is the commercial core of a community that serves as its social and economic center.
“Downtowns, and the small businesses located within, deserve to be celebrated for they distinguish a community, are the drivers of economic development, and help to offer a sense of place that contribute significantly to the quality of life of residents,” Walker said. “The small businesses located within a downtown create jobs, commerce, and investment,” she explained. “We are seeing a resurgence within our Michigan Downtowns,” Walker said. “Our small businesses and downtowns need locals to continue to support them in whatever way possible so that the positive economic benefits continue to grow ” she said.
The Michigan Downtown Association (MDA), founded in 1980, is a state-wide, non-profit organization and a driving force in the interest and growth of downtowns and communities throughout Michigan. The MDA encourages the development, redevelopment, and continuing improvement of Michigan communities and downtowns. Its 213 members support economic development within the State of Michigan and include cities, Downtown Development Authorities, townships, villages, Principal Shopping Districts, chambers of commerce, individuals, and businesses.
For more information regarding Downtown Day and the Michigan Downtown Association, please contact Dana Walker, 248-838-9711, or visit www.michigandowntowns.com.
For more information on The Historic Downtown Lapeer Main Street DDA contact James Alt, 810-728-6598, follow Historic Lapeer – Main Street DDA on Facebook, and visit www.downtownlapeer.com
For more information on Downtown Imlay City contact Christine Malzhan, (810) 724-2135, ext 1307, follow Downtown Imlay City on Facebook, and visit www.icdda.com
For more information on Downtown Almont contact Angela Edwards, (810) 798-8125, follow Downtown Almont on Facebook, and visit www.almontdda.com
Official Press Release Attached.
