Michigan Growth Office visits Utica as part of its placemaking tour

UTICA — As part of the Michigan Growth Office’s summer roadshow, Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and members from Connect Macomb went on a tour of Macomb County areas that have incorporated growth priorities into their community work, including Utica.

The tour of Utica took place Aug. 13. Utica was one of the communities chosen to highlight placemaking investments that have helped retain and attract young talent and fill jobs.

The downtown Utica walking tour included cultural, recreational, educational, dining, entertainment and nightlife spots that appeal to the 18- to 34-year-old demographic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most mobile people are those between the ages of 18 and 34.

The walking tour visited Vino & Vibes, Sarge & Red’s Toys & Collectibles, the Reptarium, Host and the United Shore Professional Baseball League.

“We had a great conversation at the event about what this group of stakeholders thinks is important to grow the population in Macomb County,” Stacy Ziarko, president and CEO of Connect Macomb, said in an email.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said he appreciated Doe, Connect Macomb and Hackel for visiting Utica for the walking tour.

 “It was my honor to introduce them to some of the great businesses in downtown Utica. I wish there was more time, because we only scratched the surface. There was a lot of excitement about the great things happening in Utica! I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in making our downtown vibrant and attractive to so many great businesses,” he said.