Summit

Save the Date for SUMMIT 2013 November 1, 2013

SUMMIT is an educational opportunity of high relevance to economic and community development with an emphasis on the continued sustainability of the Southwest Michigan region.

The SUMMIT  platform seeks to achieve certain objectives that will reflect and further promote economic development as follows:

• Promote agricultural influence on the economy. We boast the largest concentration of blueberries in the world, all within a 50-mile radius of South Haven. Our efforts promote agricultural growth to encourage economic sustainability.
• Encourage Economic Gardening. We are collaborating on a project to develop a model for how Economic Gardening can be applied in communities across the state.
• Develop and encourage innovative emerging technologies. We recognize that new technologies are key to encouraging new business development, and synchronize us with the world beyond. Our region is in the midst of major broadband infrastructure upgrades and expansion, well positioning us in a competitive global economy.
• Leverage community resources. We seek to promote our assets, such as agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, natural resources, educational venues, and proximity for maximum returns.
• Build businesses already within the state. Our goal of regional sustainability is foundationally dependent upon current businesses succeeding. We are invested in our local talent and provide opportunities for the diversification and growth of business.
• Continue to develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Programs like SUMMIT 2012 are about economic and entrepreneurial development, and have been at the forefront of our efforts for over five years.
• Create connections amongst entrepreneurs, innovators and established employers. Our trade is to promote the establishment of relationships and to encourage cooperation and collaboration.
• Support pastoral areas through rural development. We see great potential in the southwest Michigan area and support initiatives and programming that helps rural Michigan succeed.
• Reinvent, renew and recharge Michigan businesses. As evidenced by our mission, we have set out to reenergize our community and help fuel the revitalization of Michigan.

Summit 2011 Photo Gallery