Last year, when Jim Dunlap left our region to serve as Huntington Bank’s new president for the West Michigan Region, we knew that he would make meaningful and enduring contributions to his new community, just as he did here. We were not far from the truth. Immediately, Jim was recruited as a member of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance Executive Committee and Leadership Forum.

Being involved in myregion.org’s planning process, he became a guiding light for the project. With unyielding dedication to building community, Jim has continued to use his resources and influence to promote regional cooperation and collaboration. Sue Higgins, Executive Committee member in West Michigan, admits “your loss of his presence has certainly been a very positive gain for us.”

Similar to myregion.org and also led by Project Consultant Michael Gallis, the “Alliance” was formed in 2000 as a collaborative effort by governmental units, businesses, institutions and private citizens of West Michigan to create a 25-year regional vision to strengthen their ability to compete in a global economy and enhance their quality of life.

At the project’s rollout last August, six priorities for regional collaboration were identified: to create a regional mindset, to endure a sustainable environment, to revitalize urban centers, to develop a triplex growth strategy, to strengthen the community through diversity and to foster a prosperous economy. Their 2002-2003 Action Agenda has focused on the specific roles that the Alliance will take to advance those priorities.

As with the Central Florida region, we are certain that Jim will contribute to an exceptional legacy as they shape their future. With this kind of work benefiting the West Michigan region, we congratulate those involved and wish them continued success.

For more information on the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, visit www.wm-alliance.org.