Scottville Main Street kicks off pledge drive

SCOTTVILLE — A group of Scottville citizens, business owners and business advocates gathered this morning for a Wake Up Scottville breakfast at the North Country Cafe. The breakfast, coordinated jointly by Scottville Main Street and Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, was an opportunity for those interested in the business climate of the town to meet and talk about what is going on. It was sponsored by North Country Cafe, Squires Family Care Chiropractic, Wyman’s Funderal and Cremation Services and Shoup Insurance Agency.

The Main Street program also used the breakfast as an opportunity to kick off its 2013 pledge drive. Now in its fifth year, the Scottville Main Street program has been the force behind some major aesthetic changes in downtown Scottville. It’s purpose is to provide positive economic change in a community while maintaining historic preservation. Since it was started, the program has helped facilitate new facades for several downtown buildings. It also has brought together a variety of business owners to work on creating economic growth in the town’s business section.

Heather Landis, Main Street manager, announced several businesses have already committed to contributing to the 2013 pledge drive. They include West Shore Bank, Erin Doan Insurance, Lundquist Furniture, Squires Family Care Chiropractic, Acres Co-Op, Mason County Press and My Little Helper Window Washing.

“The key to this community’s success is to maintain a positive mental attitude,” said resident and former mayor Bruce Krieger. “That is what will move us forward.”

The Scottville Main Street program is funded through specially assessed taxes from owners of the buildings in the central business district (tax increment financing, also known as TIF) along with private contributions from businesses and individuals. Contributions can be made on a variety of financial levels. More information can be found at www.scottvillemainstreet.org.