Final Notes

For the past four years, the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) has partnered with Michigan Magazine Museum to present concerts, gallery displays, educational offerings, and community events at the Skyline Event Center in Comins, MI. Working to promote the community and the region through entrepreneurship, skilled crafts, community education, and arts in Northeast Michigan, the EDA operated the Skyline facilities, leveraging grants, sponsorships, and thousands of hours of volunteer time.

During that time the Skyline Event Center has hosted more than 50 house concerts and eight outdoor events. In addition, Clinton Township used the land for its family fun night and fireworks; and the Comins/Fairview Lions hosted Trunk or Treat; The site has offered free high speed Wi-Fi internet service; and a USDA grant in 2016 expanded the technology capabilities, providing teleconferencing and remote learning resources.

Other activities have included a Natural Health Conference, Preservation Training Workshop for museum curators, business training classes, a teleconferencing facility, and free WiFi internet service. The EDA has also made the building available for a quilt group, candidate open houses, community meetings, and private rentals.

The 2018 Fall Concert series, Michigan Timberland Rocks, features performances by Motor City Memories Band, the Donnie Hartman Band, Oh Brother Big Sister, Chester’s Habit, and Troy Graham.

Despite these successes, the EDA board will cease its involvement with the Skyline Event Center at the end of October. Board Chairman Tim Jenks said the decision will allow the EDA to take advantage of different opportunities.

“We believe in the arts as a vital tool in economic development, and will continue our efforts to develop and promote local artists, musicians, and crafters,” Jenks said. “We plan to pursue other avenues as well and decide how best to use limited resources.”

The Economic Development Alliance invites all individuals throughout the Northeast Michigan rural community to participate as it plans upcoming initiatives. Volunteers, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and project partners are needed.

If you are interested in being part of an organization dedicated to creating something positive in Northeast Michigan, please email info@edaoscodacounty.org or call 989-848-5757.