Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

MARQUETTE — The Negaunee Downtown Development Authority was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for technical assistance in marketing and branding planning for the city, officials announced Monday.

“This will be another tool in our toolbox,” City Manager Nate Heffron said in a press release. “As we move forward, we need to prepare and present ourselves in the best way possible. This will help attract investment to Negaunee, as well as further our attractiveness to residents and tourists alike.”

The funds are allocated to hiring Community Image Builders, a community planning consulting firm that is focused on planning, marketing and economic development for communities in Michigan. The agency, located in the Lower Peninsula, creates an interface between municipalities and private companies, according to organizers.

Experts will conduct interviews, hold meetings and start research early this spring.

A committee comprised of residents and partner organizations will be put together to help plan goals for the project and conduct community surveys.

Negaunee DDA officials said they would like to focus on the downtown area, primarily using this funding to create and promote a brand while generating community growth and engagement.

The plan will define, implement, manage and promote the new Negaunee branding as well as develop a timeline and recommendations for promotional strategies, officials said.