Building Momentum Together: Insights from Huron County’s Strategy Sessions
Last week, Huron County took an important step forward in shaping its future. With support from our partners at Thomas P. Miller & Associates (TPMA), we hosted two in-person Strategic Insight Sessions designed to do one thing above all: listen to our community.
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is only as strong as the people it represents. Data and research provide critical context, but it’s the voices of residents, business owners, volunteers, municipal leaders, and local officials that ground the plan in reality. These sessions gave us the chance to hear directly from those who live, work, and invest in Huron County every day.
What We Heard
At the Bay Port Inn on Wednesday evening and the Harbor Beach Community House on Thursday morning, participants leaned in with honesty, energy, and vision. Through guided conversations and interactive activities, they identified the county’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. They also shared candid perspectives on what it will take to build resilience and prosperity for the long term.
Every idea, concern, and aspiration voiced during these sessions is more than feedback, it’s the foundation of our organization’s future direction. These insights will shape TPMA’s recommendations just as much as the data analysis will.
Why Your Voice Matters
Economic development cannot be done to a community; it must be built with a community. The priorities outlined in our eventual strategy must reflect what people value most, what they hope to preserve, and what they believe needs to change. By showing up, participants made sure their perspectives are at the table.
What’s Next
TPMA will now integrate this community input with research findings to draft the countywide economic development strategy. That draft will be presented to the Huron County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and will serve as a five-year roadmap for action.
Thank You
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated. Your willingness to speak openly and share your vision is exactly what makes this plan possible and meaningful. Together, we are ensuring Huron County’s future is not just planned, but truly community-led.
