CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           May 14, 2012

BLISSFIELD DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM HOSTING RIBBON CUTTING FOR SQUISHY TUSHY ON FRIDAY, MAY 18^TH

BLISSFIELD, MI – On Friday, May 18^th, the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program will be hosting a ribbon cutting for Squishy Tushy, a cloth diapers and children’s toy shop in downtown Blissfield.  The ribbon cutting, which will take place at 2:30 p.m. that day, will mark the official opening of Squishy Tushy.  Squishy Tushy is located at 103 South Lane Street, which is the former location of Salon 223.

Squishy Tushy is owned by Teresa Johnson.  Johnson got started in the cloth diaper and children’s toy business in 2008 when she found out her daughter was allergic to disposable diapers.  Upon finding this out, Johnson looked for an outlet to buy an alternative diaper—cloth—without much success.  Johnson quickly realized that she was not alone in looking for an alternative to disposable diapers, which led to the founding of the online version of Squishy Tushy.

While the online version has been special to Johnson, she is more eager to make the brick and mortar storefront work.  Johnson has made this a passion by choosing a building in downtown Blissfield to operate out of.  With success, Johnson hopes to increase Squishy Tushy’s number of locations by expanding brick and mortar storefronts to other areas in the Southeast Michigan area.  For now, though, Johnson is excited to add to the variety of stores in downtown Blissfield.

“I chose to open Squishy Tushy in downtown Blissfield as I want to serve the local community.  I’m from Blissfield, and I want to give back to the community by filling a retail void that it currently has.  So far, our choice to operating in downtown Blissfield has been a great decision for our business.”

Adding a specialty shop like Squishy Tushy thrills Main Street Manager, Michael Sessions, who stated the following: 

 “We’re thrilled to add Teresa to our growing list of aspiring entrepreneurs in downtown Blissfield.  She has done a great job setting her shop up, and making sure that her business plan works for Blissfield.  We know that Teresa will be a great complement to our downtown as we continue downtown Blissfield’s revitalization.  We welcome Teresa with open arms to our growing downtown Blissfield family.”

Squishy Tushy will be open during Art at Your Feet this weekend.  Make sure you stop in and take advantage of Grand Opening specials that will be ran during the event.  Additionally, to learn more about Squishy Tushy, visit www.squishytushy.com.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we urge you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

 

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           April 30, 2012

WORK DETAIL TO PLACE POTTING SOIL IN DOWNTOWN PLANTERS

BLISSFIELD, MI – The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program invites you to a work detail on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.  The purpose of the work detail, which will begin at 6:00 pm at the Historic Depot, is to place potting soil in the downtown planters and to move them to new locations for the summer.  Work detail participants are encouraged to dress accordingly, and bring garden gloves to assist in placing soil in the planters.

WHAT: Work detail to place soil in downtown planters.

WHERE: Downtown Blissfield (meet at the Historic Depot).

TIME: 6:00 pm, Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

WHAT DO I NEED? Please dress for the elements, as well as bring garden gloves as we will be potting soil in the downtown urns. 

QUESTIONS: Contact Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager, with any questions at (517) 486—3642.

###

About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           April 30, 2012

BLISSFIELD DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR THE BLISSFIELD CRUISE-INS

BLISSFIELD, MI – Looking for something to do next Thursday, May 10th?  How about coming to downtown Blissfield for the first Blissfield Cruise-In of the year?  That’s right.  The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program will be hosting the first Blissfield Cruise-In of the season, and in doing so, will be introducing Green Plains Renewable Energy as the cruise-ins’ presenting partner. 

Why has Green Plains Renewable Energy come on-board to the present the cruise-ins this year?  Well, they buy into the cruise-in organizers goal of at least 150 cars and bikes at each cruise-in this summer.  By presenting this year’s cruise-ins, Green Plains Renewable Energy is making it possible for the program to add new features to each cruise-in.  Three of these new features are a restaurant of the month, which will be providing food samples to the driver of a car and bike, a live band at each cruise-in and dash plaques for each cruise-in participant.

The partnership with Green Plains Renewable Energy, and the additional features to this year’s Blissfield Cruise-Ins, excite organizer Jerry Holland, who stated the following:

“I’m excited to have Green Plains Renewable Energy sponsor our cruise-ins this year.  This year is obviously the first year we’ve ever had a sponsor on-board, and I’m confident that there support will make our cruise-ins even better.  Again, I’m glad to see their support as we continue to make the cruise-ins a staple in our downtown.”

To Green Plains Renewable Energy, presenting this year’s Blissfield Cruise-Ins means a lot to the company as the cruise-ins are a family-orientated event.  Bill Welever, Plant Manager for Green Plains Renewable Energy in Riga, mentioned the following:

"As one of the local area’s largest employers, Green Plains is committed to supporting our community. This summer, our team will be working with the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program to sponsor the Blissfield Cruise-ins. We are looking forward to these fun family events!"

Additional partners for this year’s Blissfield Cruise-Ins are Iott Insurance and TLC Community Credit Union, who are sponsoring entertainment at each cruise-in. 

To learn more about this year’s Blissfield Cruise-Ins Presented by Green Plains Renewable Energy, please visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           April 23, 2012

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR DOWNTOWN BLISSFIELD?

Community residents and business people will have a chance to discuss possibilities for Blissfield downtown business development strategies at an open invitation Downtown Blissfield Town Meeting & Workshop on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Schultz – Holmes Memorial Library from 7:15 pm until 8:30 pm.  Everyone is invited to attend.

The town meeting and workshop is a community-wide forum being staged to kick-off the Downtown Blissfield’s Market Study project. The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, the local non-profit organization spearheading downtown Blissfield’s revitalization efforts, is facilitating the study to provide direction and recommendations for downtown business development and marketing strategies. Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager, said the study will include an in-depth analysis of input collected from local businesses and trade area consumers as the study process unfolds.

Sessions said the town meeting & workshop is being conducted as part of the project’s initial “discovery” phase that includes the collection and review of additional background information and an assessment of the downtown business climate.  Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program volunteers are working with consultants from the Michigan Main Street Center and Downtown Professionals Network to assess conditions, to compile market data and local input, and to assess implications for downtown Blissfield.

“The data and numbers being collected will provide one view of downtown Blissfield, but it’s a rather impersonal view” Sessions said. “We’ll be spending time talking with people who have a vested stake in downtown Blissfield and hearing about their ideas and hopes for the future of downtown. As a result, we’ll gain a better sense of what downtown Blissfield can be in the future, and how the community can focus its efforts to make positive things happen in the downtown.”

“Ultimately, the information and input will be used to create strategies aimed at retaining and developing a quality mix of businesses and uses that, based on solid market data, show the best potential to succeed in downtown Blissfield,” said Sessions.

Special components of the study, being funded by Michigan Main Street Center and scheduled for completion in August, include an assessment of opportunities for business expansion and recruitment in the Main Street district and recommendations for the implementation of related projects and activities.

Sessions said workshop exercises at the Downtown Blissfield Town Meeting & Workshop will encourage participants to share thoughts and ideas that will set the tone for local research activities and the development of strategies and recommendations to guide Blissfield downtown business development initiatives.

“We’re seeking input from all sectors of the community. We’ll be asking lots of questions and exploring a broad range of scenarios in an effort to devise practical business development strategies that make the most sense for downtown Blissfield.”

For more information about the Thursday, May 3^rd, Town Meeting & Workshop and volunteer opportunities, contact the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program at (517) 486 – 3642.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           March 16, 2012

SAVE THE DATE—ART AT YOUR FEET SATURDAY, MAY 19^TH, 2012

BLISSFIELD, MI – Save the date, save the date, Art at Your Feet in downtown Blissfield is being moved up to Saturday, May 19^th, 2012, with a rain date of Sunday, May 20^th, 2012.  The event, which was started three years ago by artists who simply sought downtown Blissfield as a canvas to do art, has grown from five artists in its first year to over 70 artists last year.  Organizers hope to increase that number this year to over 100 artists.

To assist organizers in reaching that goal, they have forged a partnership with Green Plains Renewable Energy out of Riga, Michigan, who has come on-board to present the event to the community this year.  The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program will continue to organize the event.  

Like last year, Art at Your Feet will feature artists creating street art creations on South Lane Street, in downtown Blissfield.  Artists are asked to follow an environmental theme this year.  In addition to that, organizers are planning to create a giant mural of a local celebrity, much like they did for Kelly Heidbreder last year.  Plans also include a Kids’ Corner, where kids will be able to create their own street art creation, as well as get their face-painted.

However, organizers are most excited about the partnership that they have forged with Green Plains Renewable Energy.  One organizer, Doris DeNudt, stated the following:

“Green Plains Renewable Energy's partnership with our program to present this year's Art at Your Feet is enabling us to expand our sights and, in return, include many more participants and area schools this year. GPRE's involvement has inspired us to go with an environmental theme which is also a platform to introduce the company to our area. We hope Art at Your Feet will open artists’ eyes up to our environment, either through the perspective of an urban landscape or a natural interpretation.”

To Green Plains Renewable Energy, it was a no-brainer to partner with the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program to present this year’s Art at Your Feet.  Bill Welever, Plant Manager for Green Plains Renewable Energy in Riga, mentioned the following:

"Standing by our commitment to support the local economy, Green Plains is happy to join forces with the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program to sponsor Art at Your Feet. We know it will be a great event for the community, our employees and for everyone’s family to participate in."

To learn more about this year’s Art at Your Feet Presented by Green Plains Renewable Energy, please visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

###

About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT:       Michael Sessions, Blissfield DDA/Main Street Manager                                          (517) 486 – 3642                                                                                                               Kelly Larson, State Historic Preservation Office                                                          (517) 241 - 0242                                            

BLISSFIELD DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM UNVEILS SECOND OF THREE FAÇADE RENDERINGS

BLISSFIELD, MI - The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program has recently received design services for proposed façade improvements for a building in downtown Blissfield. The building, located at 116 W. Adrian Street, is home to Dave W. Walters, P.C. and is viewed as a key building in Blissfield’s efforts towards revitalizing the downtown. 

The State Historic Preservation Office’s Design Specialist, Kelly Larson, created renderings for façade improvements after meeting with the property owner to discuss ways to address the needs of the business while considering the historic character of the building.   

“The intent of the proposed design is to outline both a short- and long-term improvement plan that will enhance the appearance of the building and business.  Being a significant historic building in the downtown and highly visible, improvements will have the potential to help provide an important and attractive ‘gateway’ into the downtown."

The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program received the design services from the Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Downtown and Community Services Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as part of Blissfield’s participation in the Michigan Main Street program.  The design services are provided at no-cost to the property owner and are just one of the benefits communities receive by being part of the Selected Level of the Michigan Main Street program.  

Main Street Manager, Michael Sessions, stated the following:

“We are extremely thrilled with the services that David Walters Accounting has received.  As you will see, Kelly put some time and energy into the renderings, which provide us with an idea of what the building could look like in the short-  and long-term.  I’m excited to work with Dave in the future to see these renderings as realty.”

For more information about the design services and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, please visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

###

About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           March 5, 2012

BLISSFIELD DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MCDONALD’S OF LENAWEE COUNTY FOR BLISSFIELD RAILROAD DAY

BLISSFIELD, MI – McDonald’s and trains?  What do they have in common?  Well, a lot, as the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program is proud to announce that McDonald’s of Lenawee County has come on-board to present Blissfield Railroad Day on Saturday, April 21^st. 

The day, which is organized by the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, will be a day where model train enthusiasts will be able to visit various shops in downtown Blissfield to see various model train sets that will be set-up.  Eight locations are confirmed, so far.  Some of those locations include the Blissfield Model Railroad Club, Doug Tagsold’s home and Frank Baker’s home.  The Swanton Model Railroad Club will also be re-locating to Blissfield for the day as they are bringing their new modular HO railroad to set-up in downtown Blissfield.

In addition to that, the Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road will be making their restored caboose and engine available for the public to tour and see, as well as operate a shuttle between the West Depot and the East Depot in Blissfield.  The cost of the shuttle ride will be $3 per person. 

In coming on-board to present Blissfield Railroad Day, Mike Bodman, Secretary-Treasurer of McDonald’s of Lenawee County, mentioned the following:

“McDonald’s of Lenawee County is very proud to partner with the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program to present Blissfield Railroad Days.  We hope that this activity will bring plenty of guests to our community and that Blissfield can continue to provide this type of programming to our community.  We are pleased to be a member of the Blissfield Community and look forward to serving the people of Blissfield for years to come.”

If you would like to volunteer to help with the planning of Blissfield Railroad Day Presented by McDonald’s of Lenawee County, or if you are just looking for more information on the event, please visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT: Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONE: (517) 486 – 3642                                           February 17, 2012

WORK DETAIL TO REMOVE DOWNTOWN GREENS

BLISSFIELD, MI – The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Board invites you to a work detail on Thursday, February 23, 2012.  The purpose of the work detail, which will begin at 6:00 pm at the Historic Depot, is to remove the greens from the urns in the downtown.  Work detail participants are encouraged to dress accordingly and bring garden gloves to assist in the removal of the greens.

WHAT: Work Detail to Remove Greens from Urns.

WHERE: Downtown Blissfield (meet at the Historic Depot).

TIME: 6:00 pm, Thursday, February 23, 2012.

WHAT DO I NEED? Please dress for the elements, as well as bring garden gloves as we will be removing the greens from the urns in the downtown. 

QUESTIONS: Contact Michael Sessions, Main Street Manager, with any questions at (517) 486—3642.

###

About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

MEXIBILLY’S RIBBON CUTTING A SUCCESS

BLISSFIELD, MI – On Friday, February 3rd, the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program hosted a ribbon cutting for Mexibilly’s, an American – Mexican restaurant, in downtown Blissfield.  The ribbon cutting, which will took place at 11 am that day, attracted over 20 community members, as well as State Senator, Bruce Caswell, and State Representative, Nancy Jenkins, who officially welcomed Mexibilly’s to the community. 

Mexibilly’s is owned by Jason and Modesty Adams.  Both individuals have extensive experience in the restaurant business, with Modesty serving as manager for the last five years at Emilio’s Tex – Mex Café.  On the other hand, Jason grew-up in his family’s hog business that included several barbeque restaurants in the Lansing area. 

Mexibilly’s, which is an America – Mexican restaurant, features lunch and dinner items such as tacos, fajitas, burittos, and other Mexican favorites.  In addition to that, they also serve items such as your typical hamburger, chicken club, and chicken tenders, truly playing to their theme of being an American – Mexican restaurant.

What makes Mexibilly’s atypical of your regular Mexican restaurants, though, is the family recipes that Modesty has incorporated into the menu.  Those family recipes include a fideo dish and a carne quisada plate (cubed beef tips).  Including those recipes into the menu is something that Modesty is proud of.

“Our menu is a bit different than what people in Lenawee County have experienced in the past.  What we tried to create when we opened the business is a place where I could share my family recipes with the community.  We have been successful doing that so far.  After all, our restaurant is our family, and we want to bring our family to you.”

Main Street Manager, Michael Sessions, was delighted with the turnout for the ribbon cutting.  He mentioned the following:

“What a successful ribbon cutting we had for Mexibilly’s as we had over 20 community members join us for the event, as well as our elected officials from Lenawee County.  It was great to see this support for Modesty and Jason.  Its small business owners like them that will bring back downtown Blissfield.”

Mexibilly’s is located at 107 W. Adrian Street in downtown Blissfield.  To view a menu of what they have to offer, please visit Mexibilly’s on facebook.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we urge you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

CONTACT:       Michael Sessions, Blissfield DDA/Main Street Manager                                   (517) 486 – 3642                                                                                                                  Kelly Larson, State Historic Preservation Office                                                 (517) 241 - 0242                                            

BLISSFIELD DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM UNVEILS FIRST OF THREE FAÇADE RENDERINGS

BLISSFIELD, MI - The DDA/Blissfield Main Street Program has recently received design services for proposed façade improvements for a building in downtown Blissfield. The building, located at 122 S. Lane Street, is home to Blissful Living and is viewed as a key building in Blissfield’s efforts towards revitalizing the downtown. 

The State Historic Preservation Office’s Design Specialist, Kelly Larson, created renderings for façade improvements after meeting with the property owner to discuss ways to address the needs of the business while considering the historic character of the building.   

“The intent of the proposed design is to outline a long-term ‘vision’ for the building that will return the upper façade of the building back to its original appearance, improve the visibility and appearance of the business, and retain and enhance Blissfield’s identity as a historic community,” states Larson. 

The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program received the design services from the Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Downtown and Community Services Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as part of Blissfield’s participation in the Michigan Main Street program.  The design services are provided at no-cost to the property owner and are just one of the benefits communities receive by being part of the Selected Level of the Michigan Main Street program.  

Main Street Manager, Michael Sessions, stated the following:

“We are extremely thrilled with the services that Blissful Living has received.  We are equally excited about future proposed designs that we will be receiving shortly for Larry’s Body Shop and David Walters Accounting.  Our Design Committee, when vetting the applications we received last fall, identified these three buildings as key to our downtown’s revitalization." 

For more information about the design services and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, please visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.

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About the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program

In June of 2010, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designated downtown Blissfield as a Michigan Main Street.  As such, downtown Blissfield and the stakeholders involved have bought into a four point approach for economic development.  That approach centers around Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Restructuring of downtown Blissfield.  To learn more about this approach and the Blissfield DDA/Main Street Program, we invite you to visit www.BlissfieldMainStreet.com.