U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today joined local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the City Market, business incubator and commercial kitchen in Harrison, MI.
“Direct to consumer markets like this play a key role in developing local and regional economies that support farmers, artists and craftspeople,” said Turner. “They bring people together, connect communities and provide Americans with products from local producers. The business incubator and commercial kitchen in this facility will directly impact businesses in the area to help them grow and expand.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $250,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG, now called the Rural Business Development Grant) and a $20,000 Community Facilities Grant to support the project. The total cost of the facility was just over $1.25 million and included $736,764 received from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) as well as a contribution from the City of Harrison totaling $247,809.
“USDA Rural Development believes in the power of leveraging partnerships to help the communities we serve,” said Turner. “This project is a great example of how Federal and State resources can work together with local resources to accomplish the outcomes that best meet the community’s vision for their future.”
The City Market project is a result of many years of planning and collaboration by all parties. It is expected that the facility will provide indoor, year round space for 10-12 new vendors in addition to providing business support services for companies located throughout the community.
USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Under the Obama Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $7.2 billion in Michigan projects.