Educational Webinar: Small Business Closure Crisis

This webinar was recorded on January 24, 2023, but you can access it anytime.

Session

The term “Silver Tsunami" is associated with the potential loss of local companies owned by baby boomers in the next few years as these owners move into their retirement years. Some 80,000 small businesses are owned by individuals that will be retiring in the upcoming years which will significantly contribute to the Small Business Closure Crises.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of these business owners haven't planned for their exit from the company. This lack of planning can result in the businesses shuttering or being sold off to companies outside the local community. Many rural communities have a high concentration of aging business owners, which indicates that there is a high risk of losing those local companies. Exit planning is essential.

Departing business owners could explore an employee ownership exit strategy, which is a reliable option that could assure security for employees and their families. You as an economic developer can drive the change by being more knowledgeable about this exit option.

Roy Messing, Director of State Center Operations, Employee Ownership Expansion Network

Thanking Our Sponsors

Peter Bottini and Jeff Matzen are Partners at Fresh Water Ventures, a medium-sized equity investment firm that specializes in owning, operating, and growing companies in Michigan and NW Indiana. Since late 2019, they have purchased and manage 4 businesses. Fresh Water Ventures provides “transition capital,” mentoring the next generation of management while protecting the profitability and legacy of the previous owner. You can learn more at www.freshwater.ventures.

Cost

MEDA Members: $30
You must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you do not know your user ID and password, contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Webinar Subscribers: $0 via subscriber discount code
Staff of organizations that are webinar subscribers can register for webinars for free using their organization's subscriber discount code. To become a Webinar Subscriber or to view a current list of subscribing organizations, click here. If you do not know your organization's subscriber discount code, contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Non-Members/Non-Subscribers: $45
You simply register without logging in or applying a code. If you are interested in the discounts mentioned above, see Join MEDA contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Access this On-Demand Webinar

1. Payment is required at registration if you do not have a subscription code.
2. You will receive an email with a link to watch the webinar after filling out the registration form below.

MEDA Annual Meeting Sponsor Packages and Benefits

Sponsor the 2024 Annual Meeting

To learn about the conference, including the audience, location, etc. visit the Annual Meeting webpage.

To view the packages and benefits below in a table format, click here.

Sponsor Commitment Form

Explanation of Benefits

Enhanced Benefits

• MEDA Membership: Engage MEDA’s members throughout the year by becoming a member.
• Complimentary Registration: Cover your registration to the conference in your sponsor package. Includes registration fees only, education, breakfasts, lunch, and receptions. Does not cover hotel, events with additional fees such as tours, guest fees, or self-pay events.
• Address the Audience: Get 2-3 minutes on stage to talk to the audience about our company.
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Membership Newsletter: Connect with the entire membership. Sponsors (based on package) can enhance their profiles with articles, videos, a brief company description, and contact information.
• Excel List of Attendees: Instantly connect with attendees after the event by receiving their contact information.
• Exhibit Table: Exhibits are placed in high-traffic areas throughout the conference.
• Logo on Conference Bag: Having a blanket will give the attendees something to stay warm in those chilly conference rooms and something to take home and use around the house afterward.
• Listing on Event Sign: Get extra name recognition by being listed on printed signs.
• Logo on Rotating Banner on MEDA Homepage: Have your logo on display on the home page of our website.

Promotional Benefits

• Webpage Profile: The Sponsorship Spotlight webpage will give easy access to information about your company. Your company logo, a brief description, and a link to your website are included. Sponsors (based on package) can enhance their profile with articles, videos, and contact information.
• Email Promotion: 4 to 5 e-blasts promoting the conference are sent to over 4,500 contacts from the economic development community. Sponsors (based on package) can enhance their email promotion with a logo.
• Main Brochure: The main brochure is mailed to over 6,000 contacts throughout the economic development community.
• Onsite Brochure: This brochure is provided to all conference attendees and speakers.
• Sponsorship Screen Display: Displayed prominently throughout conference – in all general session and breakout rooms – as rotating desktop background. Sponsors (based on package) can enhance their screen display with a logo.
• Social Media Promotion: Each sponsor will be recognized on MEDA’s social media pages with a link to their website.
• Conference App Profile: Engage with conference attendees through the app. Profile includes logo OR picture of main contact, short description of the company, contact information, webpage, Twitter profile, and LinkedIn profile.
• Verbal Recognition: All sponsors are recognized verbally during the conference.
• Name Badges: Each employee of your company who attends the conference will be identified as a sponsor.

Leveled Packages

Platinum Sponsor ($5,000)

• 2 Complimentary Memberships
• 2 Complimentary Registrations
• Address the Audience Before a General Session
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Exhibit Table
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Logo in Promotional Emails
• Logo on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Logo on Rotating Banner on MEDA Website Homepage
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Annual Meeting Webpage with an Article, Video, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Website Link
• Profile on Conference App
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter with Article, Video, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Website Link
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Gold Sponsor ($3,000)

• 1 Complimentary Membership
• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Address the Audience Before a General Session
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Exhibit Table
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Logo in Promotional Emails
• Logo on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Webpage with an Article, Video, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter with Article, Video, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Silver Sponsor ($1,600)

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Exhibit Table
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Article, Description, Contact Info and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter a Logo, Article, Description, Contact Info and Link to Your Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Bronze Sponsor ($1,200)

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Description, Contact Info and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter a Logo, Description, Contact Info and Link to Your Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Friends of MEDA ($600)

• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display 
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Description, and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Special Packages

Opening Reception ($2,500) - 1 or 2 Sponsors (Exclusive or Split Benefits)

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Address the Audience During the Opening Reception
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed on Event Signage During Opening Reception
• Logo in Promotional Emails
• Logo on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Webpage with an Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter with Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Lunch ($2,500) - 1 or 2 Sponsors (Exclusive or Split Benefits)

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Address the Audience During Lunch
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed on Event Signage During Lunch
• Logo in Promotional Emails
• Logo on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Webpage with an Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter with Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Awards Reception ($2,500) - 1 or 2 Sponsors (Exclusive or Split Benefits)

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Address the Audience During the Awards Reception
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed on Event Signage During Awards Reception
• Logo in Promotional Emails
• Logo on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Webpage with an Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Sponsor Spotlight in MEDA Newsletter with Article, Logo, Description, Contact Information, Link Website
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Conference Blanket Sponsor ($1,200) - Limited to 1

• Opportunity to Exclusively Provide Conference Blanket to Attendees with Your Logo
• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Webpage with a Logo, Brief Description, and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Breakfast/Coffee ($1,500) - Limited to 2

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Excel List of Attendees After Conference
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Listed on Sign at Breakfast/Coffee Table
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Description, and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Tour ($1,250) - Limited to 1 Per Tour

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Opportunity to Address the Tour Attendees
• Excel list of the Tour Attendees
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Description, and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

Early Arrivals Reception ($1,250) - Limited to 1

• 1 Complimentary Registration
• Opportunity to Address the Early Arrivals Reception Attendees
• Excel list of the Early Arrivals Reception Attendees
  
• Listed in Main Brochure Mailing
• Listed in Onsite Brochure Provided to All Conference Attendees
• Listed in Promotional Emails
• Listed on Event Sponsorship Screen Display
• Name Badges Identifying as Sponsors for All Staff that Attend
• Profile on Conference App
• Profile on MEDA’s Annual Meeting Website with a Logo, Description, and Link to Your Website
• Social Media Promotion
• Verbal Recognition During Conference

2023 Holiday Networking Event

This free event will be held on Friday, December 1st from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Shield's Restaurant Bar Pizzeria in Southfield.

About the Event

Let's ring in the cheer to another great year at MEDA while supporting a historical and award-winning southeast Michigan chain restaurant, Shield's.

Economic developers and their partners in community development, talent development, environmental, housing, etc. are invited to this casual afternoon of meeting and mingling.

Cost

Free to all. 

Date and Time

Friday, December 1st, 2023
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Location

Shield's Restaurant Bar Pizzeria
25101 Telegraph Rd.
Southfield, MI 48034

Thank You Sponsor

City of Southfield

The City of Southfield is not only Michigan's premier business address, but also one of the metro area's most desirable residential communities as well. Southfield offers a complete living community, featuring a nationally recognized public school system, 10 colleges and universities, and more than 800 acres of park land. Located in Oakland County, with easy access to most metro area expressways, Southfield – The Center of It All™, offers both a cosmopolitan, culturally-diverse residential population of more than 76,000 residents and a thriving international business community. With a daytime population nearing 175,000, and over 27 million square feet of office space, Southfield is truly Michigan’s undisputed business center. Residents and businesses alike come to Southfield for its central location, excellent city services and easy access to all of southeastern Michigan. Come see today what Southfield has to offer! Contact Southfield's Business Development Team today.

Cancellation Policy

While this is a free event, your 24-hour notice of cancellation is appreciated for our planning. Email Cassandra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Registration

Educational Webinar: Site Selection - Strengthen Your Rural Strategy and General Best Practices

This webinar was recorded on December 6, 2022, but you can access it anytime.

Session

This webinar provides a plethora of information and insights on site selection best practices. The Montrose Groups’ Rural Corporate Site Selection Guide is a framework for a successful approach to growing or expanding high-wage job creation and capital investment in rural areas. It includes substantial research on over 300 local and state economic development incentive programs.

For projects of all sizes, having the right information on hand, a direct and strong RFP, the right team, and proper tours can make a difference in landing a successful project or having a site eliminated very early on. Nicole Whitehead will share perspectives from practices around the state that will teach you what to add – and possibly remove – from your interactions with companies and site selectors.
Jamie Beier Grant, Director of Economic Development Planning, The Montrose Group, LLC
Nicole Whitehead, Site Development Director, Global Attraction and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Thank You Sponsors

GIS WebTech

GIS WebTech provides the most advanced technology solutions available for economic development and site selection. The company’s technology helps economic development organizations attract, retain, and expand businesses within their communities and helps corporate site selectors identify and analyze ideal locations. GIS WebTech is the fastest-growing provider in the market, and serves economic development organizations of all sizes, from small, rural communities to large states. GIS WebTech’s solutions are built natively on the Esri ArcGIS platform, the world’s most powerful mapping software, and include the most accurate demographic and workforce data available. For more information, please see www.giswebtech.com. Contact Ron Bertasi, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Cost

MEDA Members: $25
You must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you do not know your user ID and password, contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Webinar Subscribers: $0 via subscriber discount code
Staff of organizations that are webinar subscribers can register for webinars for free using their organization's subscriber discount code. To become a Webinar Subscriber or to view a current list of subscribing organizations, click here. If you do not know your organization's subscriber discount code, contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Non-Members/Non-Subscribers: $40
You simply register without logging in or applying a code. If you are interested in the discounts mentioned above, see Join MEDA contact us at 517-241-0011 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Access this On-Demand Webinar

1. Payment is required at registration if you do not have a subscription code.
2. You will receive an email with a link to watch the webinar after filling out the registration form below.