Not long ago content on Lansing Community College’s TV station centered on reruns of basketball games and still shots of billboards. Today, it has a new name, new program lineup and partnerships across the community. Best of all, it has Nicole Sclafani, producer and station manager, who embodies the bubbling energy of Mid-Michigan beginning to vibrate with the beat of a new economy. If it’s important and especially if it’s fun, know that LCC TV The Link plans to be in the middle of it.

Yes, volunteers are integral to creating a thriving downtown ... but what about economic development? We talk grants, small business, job creation and more in Part 2 of our four-part series, The Recipe For Thriving Downtowns.