The Travel, Tourism and Recreational Resource Center participates in communities through the County Tourism Profile Program. County tourism profiles are provided to government agencies, investors and developers, and the community as a concise analysis of economic trends, tourism patterns, and community characteristics. Economic Development MSU Extension in Ionia County serves business, industry, and governmental units through a new partnership with the Economic Alliance. The primary goal is to help businesses stay in the county and to promote the creation of jobs for local residents. Family Nutrition Program Ionia County is served by the Family Nutrition Program, a food and nutrition education program for food stamp recipients and their families.
Participants learn about nutrition, food selection and budgeting, and food safety and sanitation.
FNP is offered in all counties in Michigan through MSU Extension in collaboration with the Family Independence Agency and other human service agencies. Cooperatively funded research initiatives include the development of genetically improved tree seed, studies on economic trends, the use of laser technology for wood machining, and the creation of new generations of wood composites from recycled paper and solid wood. The collaboration is directed at assuring economically, socially, and biologically sustainable management and use of Michigan's forest resources. The Center for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science analyzes spatial information and interprets its impact on the health and environment of Michigan. It provides services for MSU scientists involved in agricultural and environmental research projects, such as those concerned with gypsy moth deforestation.