Community Excellence Award Update

Au Gres Wins the Region 4 Race for the Cup with its Community Library/Cultural Arts
Center Project

The Region 4 voters crowned the city of Au Gres as their regional winner! 

Au Gres won the peer-nomination against neighboring communities for its Community Library/Cultural Arts Center, a project spearheaded by the city and area volunteers that transformed a condemned building into a vibrant community asset.

"Au Gres officials are excited to be selected by Region IV participants for the Award," Au Gres City Manager Patricia Killingbeck said. "It was an excellent project for a small community that brought many people together towards a common goal."

The Center was constructed in 2003 after a two-year fundraising campaign organized by the city, and volunteers raised approximately $170,000; this, paired with two state grants equaling $400,000, allowed construction to start in 2003 on the Au Gres scenic river walk.  A pedestrian bridge connects the Center to the city's campground and recreation area.

In 2005, a local millage generated the funds to extend library hours of operation from 20 to 32 hours weekly.  Today, the Center offers several children's programs and a cultural/arts meeting room available to the public.

This win places Au Gres in the running for the ultimate win—the 2008 Community Excellence Award Cup!  The final competition will be fierce, pitting the winner from each region against each other for the BIG win, which will be announced at the 2008 Annual Michigan Municipal League Convention on Mackinac Island, October 1-4, 2008.  Don’t miss out—register early (June 2) to come out to vote for your favorite project.  Congratulations to the city of Au Gres! 

If you have questions about the Community Excellence Award program please contact Kim Cekola at kcekola@mml.org or 734-669-6321.