1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2010
Contacts:
Mike Salisbury 269.792.2232
Wayland DDA Chairman
Chris Yonker 269.792.2265
City Manager
***It’s Not Too Late for Wayland’s Downtown***
Wayland, MI – Twenty-three volunteers, including Mayor Tim Bala and Allegan County Commissioner
Don Black, will make a trip to Lansing Wednesday, June 9, with a dozen volunteers performing a skit titled
“The Not Too Late Show.” The show is a creative pitch to get a “YES” vote.
Volunteers, plus members of Wayland’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), will present before
members of the Michigan Main Street Advisory Council. Wayland’s DDA is hoping to be selected for
membership to become a Main Street community. For a year and a half the DDA has been learning about,
attending trainings and evaluating program membership.
A Main Street community is made up of local volunteers who form a five year partnership with the
Michigan Main Street Center (MMSC), a division of Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Wayland does not receive funding from the state. Funded by public-private partnerships, the local Main
Street program receives expertise from the MMSC team in revitalizing historic downtown Wayland.
If selected, Wayland’s DDA will be trained and follow the guidelines and benchmarks of the Main
Street program. A “YES” vote means Wayland will join Grand Haven, Portland, Manistee, Marshall, and Niles,
current West Michigan Main Street communities.
A final decision is expected from the State July 1.
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