Downtown Northville and Buy Michigan Now are throwing a weeklong party to celebrate and promote Michigan businesses and revitalize the state's economy. Participating organizations will all be Michigan-based.

Vendors and exhibitors will be on hand all week to describe services, offer tastings, demonstrate their products, and sell. Weekdays have been themed to draw special attention to specific emerging industries and opportunities.

Monday - Going Green in the Eco-Peninsula
http://www.buyMichigan...
Michigan is positioning itself to emerge as a leader in the fields of renewable energy, alternative fuels, and protecting our environment. Events on Monday will explore the potential economic impact of this expanding industry as well as helping consumers to go green and save green.

Tuesday - Family, Fun and Food
http://www.buyMichigan...
Building pride, and local buying habits, from an early age will help Michigan thrive for years to come so Tuesday is dedicated to inspiring the next generation.

Wednesday - Wellness Wednesday
http://www.buyMichigan...
A healthy, productive population leads to a stable economy and Wednesday is all about health, wealth, and fitness.

Thursday - Creating Commerce
http://www.buyMichigan...
Michigan's booming agricultural industry will be showcased at the Northville Farmers' Market. Additionally, since the new Michigan will emerge with a much more diversified economy, Thursday is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and professionals strengthen their skills across a wide variety of industries.

Friday - Cultivating a Creative Economy
http://www.buyMichigan...
The state has long been known for its deep well of artistic talent, and now, more than ever, creativity is having a definitive economic impact. Friday's events put a spotlight on the arts and kick-off a weekend full of fun.

Saturday & Sunday - Made in Michigan Exploration & Celebration
http://www.buyMichigan...
The week culminates with a showcase of Michigan talent, innovation, and products that is a celebration of our community and a brighter, greener economic landscape.

Among showcasing Michiganmade products, raising money for the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and showing off celebrities from Michigan and Los Angeles, the event will also be a casting and crew call for the company's upcoming romantic comedy, "Fair Chase," which will be shot in the state this fall and is planned for release in 2010.

Kim Marie, president of Mirror Dog Productions, said she wanted to support the state's film industry, as well as Michigan businesses.

She was raised in Michigan, but headed to California to pursue an acting and filmmaking career. But she said she's always wanted to come back and help her home state.

"I wanted to come back to where I started from," the Macomb County native said.

"The fact that it's a historical town was a big part of my decision" in choosing Utica.

In addition to searching for actors, actresses, electricians, camera operators, grips, lighting technicians and others for "Fair Chase," the company will also be looking for workers for future projects. Attendees are welcome to bring résumés and headshots to be considered.

"We're looking to hire over the long term," she said. "We're here to stay." The event will also raise money for the United Way, with donation tents set up along Auburn Road and donated items from Michigan companies for sale, as well as an invitation-only wine tasting and silent auction at Hatchy's.

There will be appearances from sports stars and celebrities, including brothers Kevin and Derian Hatcher - Sterling Heights natives and former NHL stars - throughout the day, with time for autographs; and the event, complete with musical entertainment, will also be filmed for future public service announcements supporting Michigan and may also be used in upcoming films from Mirror Dog Productions.

Utica Mayor Jacqueline Noonan said the city is honored to be hosting the event.

"We are very supportive of the state's initiative for the film industry," she said. "By having events such as this we are helping the local economy." She said the downtown businesses are all welcome to be open during the event, but parking and parking lots on Auburn Road will be closed.

"People are going to be asked to park in other areas and walk to the event," she said. Those areas include side streets near the downtown and the parking lot of Eppler Junior High School on Brownell Street.

She said Utica is home to a variety of businesses that can support the film industry, from hair salons to catering to costume management. "We believe that we have a lot of choice venues, a huge variety, a spectrum of locations, locales, and we now have an educated and highly motivated work force," Noonan said. "Even in our small two square miles, we offer many things that the video creation industry and the film industry want in order to produce products, so we're happy to partner with them in doing so." Marie said many Michigan companies have stepped up to support the event.

"There's been so many," she said. "They've come on board to help us with product placements, bringing in their services pro bono, just teaming together and helping us support the community." "Dreamin'Big" will be held in downtown Utica from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 12. Auburn Road will be closed between Utica Road and Cass Avenue for the event.

For more information, visit www.mirrordogproductions.com or www.dreaminbigcontest.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1041.

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