• Courtesy photo: U of M Dearborn

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Every year the Business College of University of Michigan Dearborn does an annual research study called eCities that examines community level factors.

The project focuses on the best practices attracting entrepreneurial development and growth of businesses.

For the seventh year in a row, Meridian Township has been selected by eCities. Utilizing the Best Practices feedback will have a positive impact across the state of Michigan.

Beyond the Best Practices, eCities selects 5 star and 4 star communities making up the top places for business. Meridian Township was honored as a 4 star community last year which recognizes the Township's efforts in policies, community and education, and incentives in the eCities index.

"It could be anything from a specific program you offer or some kind of grant or the way your staff is configured to engage the business community. Lots of different things and then some of the communities that have the best practices will be honored as well as best practice community," said Meridian Township Associate Planner, Peter Menser.

Later this month, Meridian Township will receive a certificate and find out if they are ranked a 4 star or 5 star community at the 2015 eCities luncheon.