New organization all about 'Downtown'

NEGAUNEE — Downtown Negaunee has seen some noticeable improvements in recent years, and those improvements will be not be ending soon.

The city of Negaunee now has an association focused on improving their downtown. The Downtown Negaunee Association is still in its infancy stages, but has been established as a non–profit organization that will assist businesses and building owners with revitalization efforts. While there are other organizations that serve Marquette County, this organization has been formed to strictly serve downtown Negaunee.

“We came up with the idea for this group to give people an outlet,” said Panache Owner/Operator Janice Chittle, “we’ve heard from the community that they want to be a part of downtown, restore it to its glory, and to have something they can just walk down to. This is an outlet for those people to come find out what we’re doing, be a part of what we’re doing, and to let their voice be heard as well.”

The Downtown Negaunee Association is not tax based or part of the city government. Funding will be provided through memberships, grants, and events. It is simply composed of people who want the best for downtown Negaunee.

“There’s three buildings downtown that will be seeing a facelift this summer. Not because of this organization, but they’re the same business owners that are part of the organization. They’re businesses that want to see good happening in downtown.”

Volunteer efforts that are available include, but are not limited to: design, economic restructuring, promotion and events, and organization. A meeting will be held within a few weeks for community members to present their input.

For more information on the Downtown Negaunee Association, click here.