The Built Environment Showcase is set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Key leaders from the built environment such as representatives of industries, the federal government, state agencies, investment companies and MSU will gather to discuss ways to increase partnerships, economic development, place making opportunities and more.
The MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC), the MSU Land Policy Institute, MSU Auxiliary Enterprises, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Prima Civitas co-host the second annual conference. There will also be an MSU vs. Ohio State pep rally reception following. Media are welcome to attend.
Building on the success of the 2012 showcase, which had more than 250 attendees; this event will provide the opportunity for the sharing of ideas that could lead to potential public or private partnerships, the resolution of current issues and the creation of new visions for the future.
The built environment provides more than 400,000 jobs in more than 62,000 firms and generates more than $133 billion in direct revenues in Michigan.
“The 2012 showcase led to several new projects for SPDC and its stakeholders, including the World Class Corridor work being done in East Lansing and Grand Rapids,” said Scott G. Witter, SPDC director. “It also helped to bring together several built environment groups to work on accelerating economic development in Lansing and East Lansing, with support from MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, MSHDA and MEDC.”
The event will feature the popular vendor showcase featuring various local companies, firms and organizations, and a plenary session focusing on the relationship between the built environment and place making, which is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces.
Charles Ballard, economist in the MSU Department of Economics, will start the day with an update on Michigan’s current economic situation and the economic impact of the built environment. The showcase will feature case study examples on public and private partnerships, corridors and target market analysis.
A panel discussion with representatives from Huntington National Bank; the Lake Michigan Financial Corporation, parent company for the Bank of Holland; and PNC Financial Services will highlight investment opportunities to create place.
Mark Wyckoff, LPI senior associate director and director of the Planning and Zoning Center at MSU; James Tischler, MSHDA director of community development; and Katharine Czarnecki, director of community development for the MEDC; will speak about the MIplace Partnership Initiative and placemaking policy.
Attendees will also hear remarks by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon.
This event is open to the public. Cost to attend is $25 and student registration is free. To register, view the agenda and learn more, visit 2014 Built Environment Showcase.