Since its creation in April 1982, the Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been focused almost exclusively on infrastructure improvements in Downtown Charlevoix. While the DDA has invested tens of millions of dollars in capital projects, the Charlevoix Downtown Blueprint 2007 suggested a slight departure from this narrow focus. Since the Blueprint's release in February 2007, the Charlevoix DDA has appropriated and expended unprecedented monies to market Downtown Charlevoix.

In fall 2008, the Charlevoix DDA embarked on its first image advertising campaign.  Beginning with the radio spot, There Is A Place, the Charlevoix DDA sought to entice local residents and out-of-town guests to spend a beautiful fall day in Downtown Charlevoix. Click HERE to listen to There Is A Place.

Marketing efforts continue to expand with the anticipated development of additional radio advertising and enhanced magazine and newspaper promotion. Collaboration continues with the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce and the Charlevoix Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as do efforts to pool collective resources to secure more adverstising for less money.

The Charlevoix DDA has also earmarked a portion of its marketing budget to fund the Charlevoix Concert Series, running annually from early July through Labor Day Weekend.  Be sure to check out one of northern Michigan's most popular free concert events on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.