Page 15 - LRCC August FOCUS 2023

lansingchamber.org #LOVELANSING

Reviving the Michigan

Walk of Fame

T
he Michigan Walk of Fame began in 2007 to
honor Michigan residents, past or present, who
made significant contributions to the state or
nation in the arts and humanities, science, education,
sports, and other fields. There were two classes
inducted into the Walk of Fame, with twelve members
of the inaugural 2007 class and twelve members of
the 2008 class. Plaques were built and installed into
the sidewalks along Washington Square, spread out
along the street with the thought that over time the
gaps would be filled in with stars honoring additional
inductees. As the Great Recession hit, focus shifted
elsewhere and the Walk of Fame organization soon
dissolved, leaving the current plaques here and there
along Washington Square with most people unaware
the Walk of Fame exists.

Michigan Walk of Fame, Inc. is being formed to revive
the Walk of Fame. The revival of the Walk of Fame
would replace the current 23 stars with new, more
attractive and durable plaques in the shape of the
state, plan for a new class of inductees in 2023, and
make the Walk of Fame a more interactive experience
via a mobile app that provides visitors with additional
written, audio and visual information about the
inductees.

Selecting and honoring new inductees will engage
people throughout Michigan and give downtown
Lansing an exciting annual event that will generate
economic impact. Through earned media, a website,
school essay contest, and other means, Michiganders
will be able to nominate, learn about, and vote on
potential inductees.

To revive the Walk of Fame, Michigan Walk of Fame, Inc.
is seeking sponsorships and donations from individuals,
businesses, community groups, and government to
make this concept a reality. Funding is needed for the
following:

• Removal and replacement of current plaques (23)
• Building and maintaining a website
• Creating a Michigan Walk of Fame mobile app
• Nomination process for 2023 Michigan Walk of
Fame Class
• Fabrication and installation of 12 new plaques for
2023 inductees
• Public events (inductee ceremony and a private
event as well as a fundraising ceremony for future
inductee classes) l

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