Success Stories

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  First time visitor perspectives still in high demand for Michigan communities

  Published on February 19, 2025
  Demand for MSU Extension’s First Impressions Tourism assessment program reaches pre-pandemic levels by assisting five communities in understanding assets and unique qualities through first time visitor experiences and perspectives.

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  MSU Extension receives national award for transformational housing policy work

  Published on November 22, 2024
  The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities recognized MSU Extension with its 2024 National Extension Diversity Award for their visionary leadership and diversity in educational programming.

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  Annual state entrepreneurship conference continues to showcase small town charm and success in Cadillac

  Published on July 22, 2024
  The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference returned in 2024 hosted by the City of Cadillac, welcoming more than 100 participants from across Michigan.

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  Leveraging natural resources to foster healthy habits and reduce stress

  Published on April 15, 2024
  After several months of group study, reading, and research, MSU Extension educators at Tollgate Farm were certified as forest therapy guides.

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  Empowering local leaders to make science-based decisions that best fit community needs

  Published on April 15, 2024
  The Michigan Citizen Planner program strengthens communities and ensures they are productive and engaged with the needs of their residents, both current and future.

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  Empowering state and community leaders to address critical housing issues

  Published on April 15, 2024
  MSU Extension educators help stakeholders work collaboratively on complex issues, leading to greater community stability, effective use of limited resources, and future opportunity.

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  First Impressions Tourism assessment assists communities in understanding assets and unique qualities through first time visitor experiences and perspectives

  Published on January 19, 2024
  Three communities find outside visitors’ perspectives beneficial to strengthening their rural tourism economies and development efforts.

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  Helping Michigan homeowners stay in their homes after financial hardships from COVID-19

  Published on September 7, 2023
  MSU Extension financial and homeownership educators quickly moved to aid over 300 Michigan homeowners across 21 Michigan counties in applying for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund program.

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  Empowering Michigan state and local leaders to address housing affordability and equitable access in their own communities

  Published on September 7, 2023
  MSU Extension educators quickly and collaboratively responded to pressing housing policy needs and developed an extensive attainable housing program tailored to the varying geographies of urban, suburban, and rural communities in Michigan.

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  Community partnership results in “Shared Abundance”

  Published on July 13, 2023
  Northwest Lower Michigan has developed into a thriving food system—the book “Shared Abundance” details the community partnerships that made it happen.

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  Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MSU Extension forge partnership to better Michigan communities through fresh sets of eyes

  Published on December 2, 2022
  First Impressions Tourism (FIT) assessment program assists communities in understanding themselves and unique assets more through visitor experiences.

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  MSU Extension tourism educators partner with St. Clair County 4-H Fair Board to pilot visitor assessment tool and drive future development

  Published on November 9, 2022
  A new visitor assessment tool was piloted for fairs and festivals to capture feedback on the impressions these events give new attendees.

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  Building successful communities of every size

  Published on August 26, 2022
  MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Program is a proven solution providing a unique platform for learning the fundamentals of planning and zoning.

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  MSU Extension team recognized as national award winner

  Published on August 10, 2021
  The MSU Extension Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities team was recognized by the National Association of Community Development Professionals, receiving the “Excellence in Teamwork” award.