The Middleville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced that Nichole Lyke will be its new director, effective May 13.

 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Nichole coming on board with the DDA,” said Ann Ulberg, DDA Board of Directors chair. “Her experience, skills and ability will be a great fit with the organization and our goals for the future.”

 

Lyke, essentially a lifelong Barry County resident, has worked for the Barry County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Alliance (BCCCEDA) for the last seven years, beginning as an intern in 2012.

 

“In the three years I’ve been with the Chamber and EDA, Nichole has continually grown in her skills, experience and ownership of her expanding role in our organization,” said BCCCEDA President Travis Alden. “I’ve highly valued her insight, work ethic and creativity. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with her. Luckily, she’ll still be able to be a part of Barry County’s prosperity as one of our partners in Middleville!”

 

 “There’s an incredible amount of potential in our downtown, just like Nichole has incredible potential as a community development leader,” Village Manager Duane Weeks, said. “I’m excited to work with her in her new role in taking our downtown to the next level of prosperity.”

 

“A strong organization grows leaders, and I’m very proud that Nichole’s time with the BCCCEDA has helped her develop the skills and experience to take her career to the next level,” said Don Haney, chair of the Barry County Economic Development Alliance Board. “The future is certainly bright for downtown Middleville.”

 

  “Between the incubator space where Left Field Café opened, the planned riverfront improvements and the significant investment happening downtown, the momentum is huge,” Lyke said. “My experience working with diverse groups of stakeholders across Barry County will be a great asset as we move downtown Middleville forward.”//

 

 “There truly are not words to describe my gratitude and appreciation to the Chamber/EDA organization, my co-workers and boards,” she said.  “I am looking forward to bringing my skills, drive, and experience to the Director’s position for the Middleville DDA, and am so thankful for the opportunity that has been provided to me during my time at the Chamber. I plan to still be involved with the organization as much as I can.”

 

Lyke attended TK schools for part of her childhood before moving to Hastings and has worked closely with numerous local businesses with recent initiatives such as the Barry County Business Team Collaborative and coordinating the county-wide Small Business Saturday passport program last fall. She’s also a member of the Middleville Rotary Club.

 

With a strong presence of promotional events and initiatives the last few years, the DDA is looking to increase its positive impact on the community with enhanced relationships, communication, and hands-on development projects. Broad-based support will be key in the success of these initiatives.

 

The Lofts of Middleville – a mixed-use development about to begin across the street from Village Hall – as well as strong developer interest in additional sites and buildings in the community – point to strong potential for significant additional investment in the community’s commercial districts.

 

Middleville is one of the smallest communities in the state to be Redevelopment-Ready Certified, which streamlines development processes and enhances support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.