FIT is a comprehensive community assessment conducted by unannounced visitors in a host community positioned to lead new development based on your program results. FIT involves developing community leadership, assessing the host community, sharing the results in a community forum open to all, and providing suggestions to drive community action. Overall, FIT helps communities learn about their strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of first-time visitors.

We have conducted in-person FIT programs in Houghton, Bessemer, Ironwood, and a countywide FIT in Iron County. During the height of the pandemic, we kicked off our Virtual First Impressions Tourism program, an evaluation of a community’s web and social media presence, with Ironwood and Baraga County. Both programs are currently available.

Please note that these are fee-for-service programs, a full First Impressions Tourism program is $5,000, this entails a team of five visiting your community for 12-24 hours and spending a piece of the fee back in your community. A Virtual FIT program is $915.

Will Cronin

Tourism and Community Development Educator

Michigan State University Extension

croninwi@msu.edu

Cell: 906.281.7270