Launch of New Digital Magazine: Epicenter Mt. Pleasant
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is thrilled to partner with a group of local institutions to launch the first edition of Epicenter Mt. Pleasant, a new publication about what's next and best in Isabella County, Michigan. This free web publication, part of Issue Media Group's statewide Second Wave Michigan network, will focus on the innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, and community development taking place in our community. Every week you'll see feature stories, profiles, news items and original photography highlighting innovative entrepreneurs, talented people, dedicated organizations, and devoted community builders.
The community-based publication features the work of local and regional writers, journalists, and photographers, engaging both local and out-of-town readers in the evolving culture of mid-Michigan. Award-winning journalist and photographer Diana Prichard will lead the publication. Prichard has reported on agriculture, food security, foreign policy, development and other issues from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and North America. She is a lifelong resident of the Gratiot-Isabella area. "I'm honored and excited to lead Epicenter as a voice for innovation in the Mt. Pleasant region,” Prichard says. “And I look forward to bringing the skills and insights I’ve honed as an international reporter to my local community.”
Epicenter will convene quarterly editorial advisory sessions with a coalition that includes sponsors and partners, including a cross-section of Isabella County thought leaders, entrepreneurs, architects, and grassroots organizers, to inform its coverage and foster a connected network of organizations interested in attracting and retaining talent. “Mt. Pleasant is truly the ‘epicenter’ of Michigan and is leading progress in re-imagining the state’s smaller communities,” says Amanda Schafer, Executive Director of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. “We are excited for Epicenter to share what’s happening here with the world.”
The publication accepts story ideas from anyone in the community who wants to share about a local person, project, or business making a difference. "We are thrilled to have been invited into the Mt. Pleasant community at an exciting time," says Brian Boyle, CEO of Issue Media Group. "There is real transformation and talent-led energy taking hold in the region. We look forward to documenting the story of new businesses, emerging communities, and the passion of the people starting them in a different way. Drawing from our work in other cities around the country, we are engaging with local partners to change how Mt. Pleasant is viewed through the lens of inclusive talent, community, and entrepreneurship.”
About Issue Media Group:
Issue Media Group (IMG) publishes a wide range of online magazines and websites in multiple markets across North America. Publications feature a variety of content consisting of timely news and resources related to lifestyle, cities, and economies. In each market, the Detroit-based media company promotes local assets and growth while working with community stakeholders in a coordinated effort to attract new talent, inspire business investment, and spur creative thought.
Coalition Sponsors and Partners:
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
Isabella Bank
McLaren Central Michigan
Central Michigan University
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Migizi Economic Development Company
Mid Michigan College
Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau