Chris Holman welcomes back Keith Lambert, COO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing, Michigan serving mid-Michigan.
Welcome back, remind the business community about LEAP?
Bob, completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities, tell us about that?
A big win last month, IONETIX set to invests $25.75M in Delta Township Facility, Creating 53 High-Tech Jobs and Advancing Lansing’s MedTech Leadership, what else should we know about this?
What have been some other highlights from the first half of 2025, perhaps the recent Benchmarking report?
What else is on the horizon for the Lansing area?
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Completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities
Program created lasting impact for small towns and communities across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties
LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2025) — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), proudly announces the successful completion of its first ever Small Town Enhancement Grant Program, which invested nearly $90,000 across five rural communities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.
Launched in early 2024, the program empowered small towns to breathe new life into community spaces that define local identity and economic potential. With projects now complete, the results speak volumes—showcasing how targeted investments can foster pride, encourage gathering, and create lasting impact.
“We believe that thriving, beautiful places are a cornerstone of economic growth,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “This program proves that with the right support, our small towns can build spaces that preserve their charm while embracing the future.”
“Everyone was really excited to hear the bell ring again,” said Becky Austin, Vermontville village clerk when referring to the town’s historic bell tower dating back to 1862. “This building has always been a gathering place. It means so much to our community to see it restored and honored.”
The project was celebrated with a community ribbon-cutting in November, capping off a journey that began with LEAP’s traveling “Small Town Road Show” and check presentation earlier in the summer.
Over in Maple Rapids, local favorite Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria received a long-overdue facelift, restoring the façade of the 120-year-old building while maintaining its vintage appeal. The revitalization is already helping reenergize the small town’s downtown corridor.
“We’ve had people stop by while local contractors were still finishing the job—just to say how excited they were,” said Gregg Smyth, owner of Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria. “This grant helped us invest in the town we love. There’s new energy here, and it’s just the beginning.”
The project was unveiled during a November ribbon cutting that drew crowds and cemented the site’s renewed role as a centerpiece of the community.
Other completed projects include the City of Ovid, which enhanced Main Street with new banners; the City of Leslie, which installed a new community pavilion; and the Village of Stockbridge, where a $25,000 grant transformed a vacant patio area next to Village Hall into a walkable community space designed for relaxation and connection.
About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
