Lansing 2008

:: WELCOME TO GRAND LEDGE! Grand Ledge, the only one in the world, is a warm, friendly community of just over 7,200 located at the junction of M-43 and M-100. Lansing and East Lansing are just minutes east on I-496 and Grand Rapids is an hour west on I-96. Picturesquely situated on the Grand River, Grand Ledge got its name from the Grand River and the sandstone ledges that tower like sentinels along its banks as it winds along its banks through the city. First settled in the late 1830’s, the city received its name and first post office in 1850 and was incorporated in 1871. plans call for the revamping of the city owned parking lots in the DDA District and the purchase of more property in the downtown. As for a proud past, The Grand Ledge Area Historical Society has archived the history of Grand Ledge and those early records are available at Grand Ledge Library or The Museum. The group was the driving force behind the renovation of one of the oldest downtown buildings and turned it into the city’s crown jewel, the Grand Ledge Opera House located at the corner of East River and South Bridge Street. The Society along with the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the fund raising for the restoration. The Opera House is now governed by the Opera House Authority made up of members of the Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors along with an at-large member. At a cost of 1.2 million dollars, the building which is situated downtown on a large piece of ground along the Grand River provides a picturesque setting for weddings, receptions, and other large gatherings and community events. The Grand Hall on the main level will accommodate 240 at a sit down dinner. The main floor also houses an antique Barton Theater organ which was originally used in the Michigan Theater in Lansing “SMALL TOWN. NATURAL WONDERS. GRAND LEDGE ENDLESS OPPORTUNITY.” The ledges are composed of Eaton Sandstone deposited 250 million years ago. Mostly of quartz grains cemented to iron oxide, they are one of the most geologically significant areas in lower Michigan. Grand Ledge is host to six wonderful festivals every year, including Yankee Doodle Days, The Island Art Fair, Victorian Days, St Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day and every autumn The Color Cruise & Island Festival! When Grand Ledge celebrated its Sesquicentennial more than ten years ago the slogan adopted was “A proud past and a promising future.” This slogan still stands as evidenced by the huge Grand Ledge Schools building project totaling more than 60 million dollars. New buildings completed so far are the Transportation Center and Willow Ridge Elementary School both located on Nixon Road, additions and updating at Grand Ledge High School, the five elementary buildings, and both Hayes and Beagle Middle Schools. Though somewhat smaller in scope, but no less important, is the more than three million dollar improvements added to the downtown by the Downtown Development Authority. Utilizing tax increment financing, the Authority was able to replace the old sidewalks with new concrete ones edged with brick pavers. Streetscaping included the addition of benches and planters coupled with new street lights and screen walls. Overhead utilities were buried underground and other serious infrastructure work accomplished at the same time ending with the resurfacing of Bridge Street from the railroad crossing on the north to Scott Street on the south side. The addition of a large clock at the Opera House not only serves as a centerpiece for the project but helps keep residents and visitors on time. The angled parking on both East and West River Street helped add more parking to the downtown. Future DDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE “PROMOTING THE ECONOMIC, RECREATIONAL, & HISTORICAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE GREATER GRAND LEDGE AREA” and lovingly restored by the Lansing Theatre Organ Guild. Organ concerts are scheduled regularly and often provides entertainment at parties. The Terrace Level accommodates 160. There are catering kitchens on both levels. Also housed in the Opera House is the office of the Grand Ledge Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber manages the facility. :: GRAND LEDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 11963 Andre Drive, Suite D Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 (517) 627-2383 glacc@grandledgemi.com www.grandledgemi.com p a g e 42 c o m m u n i t y g u i d e : : m e m b e r ship d ir ect o r y http://www.grandledgemi.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Lansing 2008

Lansing 2008 Letter From the President Contents 2008 Staff Directory 2008 Board of Directors Chamber Events and Programming Chamber Benefits Important Phone Numbers Regional Overview Regional Business Growth Lansing Region's Largest Employers & Demographics Location and Transportation Homes and Housing Education Health Care Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce Clinton County Chamber of Commerce 2008 Categorical Business Listing

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