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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? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ 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.
The Fremonts blend americana music and storytelling with a cabaret aesthetic.They decided instead to re-record their two original albums.As a partner piece to their updated albums, The Fremonts released a music video of their song “Ketamine Happy Hour,” a comic reflection on their experiences with alternative therapies for depression.Both albums and the music video were released on all streaming platforms last Friday. The Fremonts are performing at The Apple Tree Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts on Friday, August 1 and at Tilda's Kitchen and Market in Kingston, New York on Friday, August 8, with other dates in Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Great Barrington, and Becket throughout August. More information on their website – thefremontsmusic.com
(Replay of Episode #56, originally aired November 2022) What if trees are not just good for the planet—but medicine for our minds? With summer in full bloom and my love of trees at an all-time high, I'm bringing back one of my most beloved episodes. In this replay from November 2022, I'm joined by bestselling author and proud tree-hugger Cheryl Rickman for a soul-nourishing conversation about the wisdom, science, and sacredness of trees. We explore her book Tree Glee, the healing power of time spent in nature, and why trees offer more than beauty and shade—they help regulate our nervous systems, spark awe, and remind us what it means to belong to something greater. You'll walk away inspired to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience trees not just as background—but as grounded, generous teachers in your everyday life.
Take a springtime wander along the River Test, near the pretty Hampshire town of Stockbridge. Plodcast host Fergus Collins joins regular Plodcast listener and children's author Andrew Hussey to explore the wildlife along this most famous of trout fishing rivers. Listen on for some rare wildlife encounters – and some curious and disturbing tales from the river. Andrew runs a small independent publishing company called Muddy Little Boots and his books are Any Trout About? and There's No Deer Around Here. Find out more at: www.muddylittleboots.com And now you can get in touch with the Plodcast team via: The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast group on Facebook & BBC Countryfile Magazine's Instagram page. The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Now through July 26, The Berkshire Theatre Group presents The Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production of “Out of Character,” a personal and moving solo play written and performed by Tony Award winner Ari'el Stachel. The show is running on the Larry Vaber Stage at BTG's Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.