City Selects New Community Development Director

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, September 25, 2010 - At Thursday's Downtown Ironwood Development Authority meeting, City Manager Scott Erickson announced that the City has selected a new Community Development Director. His name is name is Merritt  Bussiere. We contacted Mr. Bussiere and asked him to send us a brief introduction. Here's what he wrote:

Greetings. I’m excited to be coming onboard in early-October as Ironwood’s new Community Development Director.

The Community Development Department is responsible for managing community development, planning, economic development and redevelopment, housing rehabilitation, grant administration, and zoning review, along with the promotion of private sector development. As Director, I will act as staff liaison to the City Commission, Planning Commission, Downtown Ironwood Development Authority, Parks and Recreation Committee, Economic Development Corporation, and related boards, as well as provide technical guidance, research, education, and other support. Projects on the department’s priority list include updating the city’s Comprehensive and Park/Recreation plans, and continuing implementation of the Downtown Blueprint.

A little bit about my background. After high school I worked blue collar for 10 years, mostly in the construction trade. Becoming interested in economics and international trade, I went to night school and college, eventually earning an interdisciplinary degree in economics, political science and Spanish. The B.A. was followed by a graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since graduate school, I’ve worked as a community planning and development consultant, an economic development director for a regional commission, a certified business counselor, a community development educator, and as a land use specialist for the State of Wisconsin, among other roles.

My wife, Jill, and I have been married for 33 years. We have 3 children, all in their twenties.

Like any community, Ironwood has many challenges, but also great opportunities and resources. I look forward to working with the city’s public, private and non-profit partners to move worthwhile projects forward, supporting improved quality of life for the city.

- Merritt Bussiere

The Superior Chronicle would like to thank Mr. Bussiere for sending this introduction. We welcome Jill and Merritt to Ironwood and we sincerely hope their move to the area is enjoyable and lengthy.

EDITOR'S NOTE: - After receiving Mr. Bussiere's introduction, we Googled his name and discovered that he is a talented musician. We added the YouTube video below that showcases his talent.