V8 Gateway named a Michigan Center for Regional Excellence

The Van Dyke - 8 Mile Gateway Collaborative  was successful in its efforts to secure the designation of “Center for Regional Excellence” (CRE) from the State of Michigan.

Governor Jennifer Granholm made the announcement at a special press release held in early December in Lansing.  CRE is a state program that provides funding to local governments that work collaboratively to make their communities better places to live, work and play while streamlining services and saving taxpayer dollars.

As a CRE, the V8 Gateway will receive $25,000 over two years to establish and support an association for businesses from Center Line, Detroit and Warren who want to work together to build a solid customer base and attract new enterprise to the area.

Gina Cavaliere, Warren’s Downtown Development Authority Director said, “Being named a CRE is proof that working collaboratively is the right thing to do to build stronger, viable communities throughout our entire region. All our community partners are working together to support a singular effort to improve our entire business corridor. Together, we can make this corridor flourish for businesses and residents alike.” 

The V8 Gateway was chosen, in part, due to the great variety and number of governmental and non-profit organizations involved with the collaborative, the level of support from community stakeholders and the likelihood of success for V8 programs including:

• A façade improvement program that offers matching grants for improvements to the exteriors of buildings.

• Business development programs including a quarterly “business over breakfast” series and entrepreneurial training.

• A diversity awareness program that facilitates community conversations regarding perceptions and realities of race relations in the region.

• Educational and recreational activities for youth of all ages that offer special focus on leadership development and community service.

• Programs for adults that include job readiness training, home ownership, financial literacy and a workshop series for homeowners who want to enhance “curb appeal” by making their homes safer and more attractive.