[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 166 (Friday, October 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF BESSEMER, MICHIGAN, FOR RECEIVING 
    REDEVELOPMENT READY COMMUNITIES CERTIFICATION FROM THE MICHIGAN 
                    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the city of 
Bessemer for receiving certification under the Redevelopment Ready 
Communities (RRC) program. Through more than 130 years of community 
investment and success, Bessemer has become an indispensable part of 
the Upper Peninsula and the State of Michigan.
  The Redevelopment Ready Communities program was first launched to 
assist Detroit suburbs in need of redevelopment by offering technical 
assistance, promoting best practices, and recognizing when improvements 
to local governance have been made. After seeing the success of the 
program, the initiative was expanded statewide by the Michigan Economic 
Development Corporation (MEDC). This certification is a formal 
recognition that the city of Bessemer has gone above and beyond what is 
required of them in order to improve its operations and be more 
competitive in today's economy.
  Since its founding in 1887, Bessemer has played a vital role in 
forming the rich history of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From its 
roots in the iron industry, the city has transformed into a strong 
community, a premier destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the 
home of one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the state--an 
event that culminates in the famous ``Thunder on the Mountain'' 
fireworks show. Through the city government's capital improvement plan, 
zoning amendments, innovative marketing strategy, and emphasis on 
public participation, Bessemer has shown that it is dedicated to 
improving its community and promoting the livelihoods of its citizens 
and small businesses. By being certified as a Redevelopment Ready 
Community, the city of Bessemer has shown that it is prepared to 
continue and expand upon this success. This accomplishment will be 
recognized by the MEDC on October 9 at Bessemer City Hall Auditorium.
  Mr. Speaker, day after day, the city of Bessemer continues to set a 
positive example of what can be achieved when the people of a community 
work together for the common good. It's my honor to congratulate them 
for receiving RRC certification. On behalf of my constituents, I wish 
Bessemer all the best as it ventures into the future.

                          ____________________