Project: Development of the East Side of the Cheboygan River
It’s hard to get a complete picture of what life in Cheboygan County might look like in the
year 2020, but you can be sure the work currently being undertaken by the CEDG will have an
effect.
The Cheboygan Economic Development Group brings a diverse collection of volunteers together for the purpose of supporting a variety of development projects and plans.
Those projects include retail improvements, riverfront development, broadband access, and continued development of our recreational assets, particularly those that promote tourism.
The following projects and champions represent the tip of the iceberg for the CEDG. Other committees are involved in attempting to locate a call center in Cheboygan County, planning for a regional sports arena or historical attraction, and smoothing the way for a luxury motor coach park.
The development of the east side of the Cheboygan River creates many opportunities that could potentially affect our quality of life in 2020. A task force of the CEDG is examining several possibilities for the area.
The group is looking at potential development in phases; an outdoor amphitheater, an Indian Village and a Great Lakes Native American Museum. The amphitheater comes first because it accomplishes one of the key goals of the committee; “Give people a reason to come to Cheboygan.” It will generate revenue for the area and local business owners.
An outdoor amphitheater facility could host multiple events; concerts, Indian Pow Wows, sports award ceremonies and more. It could be rented for weddings, family reunions, festivals or other activities.
The group has identified the south end of Major City Park west of the ice rink for this facility. The proposed design will be eco friendly. The location will allow people to use the bridge across the river to easily access local businesses.
Research on different styles of amphitheaters and the associated building cost is underway, along with developing an operating budget and revenue potential. The group will create a business plan to present to the Cheboygan city manager and council for their support, and identify sources for funding the initial design work.
Project Champion – Sherri Komperda
Sherri Komperda works for Grace & Porta Benefits. She was asked to chair
this task force because of past experience with large account management in the computer
industry. During her professional career she has promoted, developed and implemented large
projects.