Your Partner in Growing Your Community

MEDA Members in the News

MEDA's members are in communities across Michigan making a difference each day.

Below are a collection of articles that we feature in our weekly newsletter to showcase the work of the economic development community in Michigan.

10/31/22

Kick-off Event for the Flint & Genesee Business Bridge is Underway - Featuring: Tyler Rossmaessler, the Executive Director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

UP Colleges Help Train for Manufacturing Careers - Featuring: Amy Berglund, Director of Business Initiatives, InvestUP

VIA Motors Announces New Headquarters and Technical Center - Featuring: Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

10/24/22

How Ferris State’s Partnership with Chinese Manufacturer Will Help Bring Thousands of Jobs to Region - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc.

Michigan’s Housing Crisis Has Spread to Alpena. How $100M Can Help. - Featuring: Bob Filka, CEO of the Michigan Association of Home Builders

10/17/22

How Ferris State’s Partnership with Chinese Manufacturer Will Help Bring Thousands of Jobs to Region - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc.

Michigan’s Housing Crisis Has Spread to Alpena. How $100M Can Help. - Featuring: Bob Filka, CEO of the Michigan Association of Home Builders

10/11/22

New Battery Component Manufacturing Facility in Big Rapids to Create 2,350 Jobs - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc. 

Nexteer Automotive Expands Buena Vista Township, Michigan, Operations - Featuring: JoAnn Crary, President, Saginaw Future, Inc.

Gov. Whitmer Announces 2,000 New Jobs, Investment of $1.6 billion as Michigan-Based Our Next Energy Builds Battery Manufacturing Campus in Wayne County - Featuring: Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

Lansing Region’s Top Young Professionals Recognized at 10 Over the Next Ten Awards - Featuring: Aurelius Christian, Commercial Development Specialist, Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)

Land Banks Prove Their Power — If Used Correctly - Featuring: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd

10/3/22

Leaders OK Tax Break for $2.4 Billion EV Battery Plant Near Big Rapids - Featuring: Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

9/19/22

$11 Million Commercial-residential Development Coming to Downtown Grand Blanc - Featuring: Wendy Jean-Buhrer, City Manager, City of Grand Blanc, and Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director, Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

Cornerstone Alliance - Berrien County Receive $2.6 Million through RAP Program - Featuring: Rob Cleveland, President and CEO, Cornerstone Alliance and Dan Fette, Director of Community Development, Berrien County

9/12/22

The Right Place Debuts Tech Strategy for Greater Grand Rapids Region - Featuring: Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

8/26/22

Michigan Invests $5M to Turn 3 Properties Into 'Build-ready' Mega Sites - Featuring: Bob Trezise, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)​​​​​​​

8/22/22

$5.9M Housing Project Planned for Downtown Battle Creek

8/8/22

BuyDetroit Marketplace Brings National Exposure to Detroit Businesses - Featuring: Keyra Cokley, Associate Director, BuyDetroit Program, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Flint NAACP to Honor El-Alamin as Community Unsung Hero - Featuring: Leon El-Alamin, founder and executive director of the M.A.D.E. Institute

8/1/22

Legacy Building in Downtown Bay City Earns Statewide Honors for Historic Preservation - Featuring Jenifer Acosta, Acosta Real Estate and Development

7/25/22

NEW MDARD Business Development Bulletin - Featuring: Jamie Zmitko-Somers, Director, Agriculture Development Division, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

7/18/22

Island Plastics Expands Flint, Michigan, Operations - Featuring: Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

Getting to Know Mecosta County's New Executive Director of Development - Featuring: Kelly Wawsczyk, Executive Director, Mecosta County Development Corporation, The Right Place, Inc.

7/11/22

Business Leaders Urge Strong Investment In Michigan’s Research Universities - Featuring: Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Michigan's University Research Corridor

Christina Frank, VP, External Affairs at Cornerstone Alliance, Top 10 Inspiring Leaders of 2022 | IE Mag

7/5/22

Life Sciences Company Investing Up to $430M to Revive Former BASF Site in Muskegon Twp. - Featuring: Morgan Carroll, Director of Business Development at Greater Muskegon Economic Development

6/28/22

American Recreational Products Will Invest $4 Million, Employ 59 at New Fenton Plant - Featuring: Lynn Markland, City Manager, City of Fenton

Battle Creek Chooses Optimism on Kellogg, Even as it Explores What’s Next - Featuring: Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

6/21/22

Partnership News and Views: Introducing Christopher Germain, LSCP CEO

Housing Project Planned For Downtown TC Parking Lot - Featuring: Jean Derenzy, CEO, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

6/13/22

A Statewide Ecosystem for Workforce Development (Podcast) - Featuring: Ryan Hundt - CEO of the Michigan Works! Association

6/6/22

Design Core Detroit Restructured, New Leadership Announced - Featuring: Olga Stella, Vice President of Strategy and Communication at the College for Creative Studies

Kinexus Group CEO Leads Southwest Michigan Coalition Aiding Ukrainians - Featuring: Todd Gustafson, Chief Executive Officer, Kinexus

6/1/22

Going Clean? - Michigan Delivers Energy Advantages and More - Featuring: Tyler Rossmaessler, Director of Economic Development, Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

City of Hart Awarded $10k for Art Sculpture to "Put Your Town on the Map" - Featuring: Nichole Kleiner, Economic & Community Development Director, City of Hart

Governor Whitmer Announces 184 New Jobs in Auto Manufacturing and EV Testing - Featuring: Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

5/16/22

Legacy Building in Bay City Honored with Governor's Award for Historic Preservation - Featured: Jenifer Acosta, Principal, Acosta Real Estate and Development

Michigan Opportunity Podcast with Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director, New Economy Initiative

5/10/22

Michigan Still Has Room to Grow in Tech - Featuring: Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.​​​​​​​

Bay City Water Works Building Inspires Dreams. Now, It Needs to Inspire Developers. - Featuring: Steven Black, Transaction and Operations Manager, RACER Trust

5/2/22

Lenawee Now Welcomes Daejin Advanced Materials USA to Adrian - Featuring: Jim Van Doren, Executive Director, Lenawee Now

Top 50 Economic Developers in the Nation by Consultant Connect - Featuring: Jack Johns, Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development AND Christina Frank, Cornerstone Alliance

4/25/22

Consumers Energy Foundation, CEDAM Select the City of Hart as a Finalist for the Put Your Town on the Map Competition - Featuring: Nichole Kleiner, Economic and Community Development Director, City of Hart

Systems Control Gets UPMW Funds - Featuring: Lois Ellis, Executive Director, Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance

4/18/22

The Hotel Hayes Building in Downtown Jackson Sells to New Developers - Featuring Scott Fleming, CEcD, CEO, Jackson Anchor Initiative

Michigan’s Fastest-growing County Remains Committed to Preserving Farmland - Featuring Becky Huttenga, Agriculture and Economic Resources Coordinator, Ottawa County

4/11/22

Kinexus Group Named Among Nation’s ‘Best Nonprofits to Work For’ - Featuring Todd Gustafson, Chief Executive Officer, Kinexus

Farmington Earns Certification as ‘Redevelopment Ready Community’ - Featuring Kevin Christiansen, AICP, PCP, Economic and Community Development Director​​​​​​​, City of Farmington

4/4/22

Listen: The Build Up Featuring DEGC CEO Kevin Johnson (podcast)

3/28/22

Leveraging News Media to Tell Your Region’s Economic Story - Featuring: Craig Clark, Owner, Clark Communications

New Legislation Aims to Allow for Former Industrial/brownfield Sites to be Revitalized - Featuring: Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director of the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance

3/21/22

MEDA Member News and Views
Big Moves in St. Clair County - Featuring: Dan Casey, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County

The Right Place Assists Roll & Hill with Wyoming Expansion - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President of Business Attraction for The Right Place, Inc.

2/28/22

The Right Place Debuts Community Development Division - Featuring: Tim Mroz, Senior Vice President of Community Development; Travis Alden, Senior Director of Community Development; Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

Gov. Whitmer Announces Approval of Multiple Projects Creating Over 390 Good-Paying Jobs and Economic Opportunities - Featuring: JoAnn Crary, President, Saginaw Future, Inc.; Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

$2M Awarded to 11 Businesses in Battle Creek through the Washington Heights Entrepreneurial Fund - Featuring: Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited

2/22/22

Governor Whitmer Expands Access to Child Care, Adding Seven New Programs - Featured: Lisa McComb, Executive Director of Otsego County Economic Alliance

New Community Transformation Fund Invests in First Company - Featured: Birgit Klohs, Founder/Executive Chair, New Community Transformation Fund

2/14/22

MDARD Team Visits Indoor Ag Program - Featuring: Mary Myers, Director of Business Development, Lake Superior Community Partnership

U.P. Downtowns Transformed into Revitalized Destinations - Featuring: Marty Fittante, Chief Executive Officer, InvestUP

1/24/22

How the Ongoing Pandemic Has Impacted Employment in the Ann Arbor Region

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership Accredited by the International Economic Development Council

1/18/22

U.P. Businesses and People Continue to Thrive

1/12/22

Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett Serving as SEMCOG Chair

1/4/22

Detroit Region Aerotropolis Annual Report Shows Strong Growth

12/29/21

Michigan Needs to Improve Short Game, but Long Game is Everything in the End

12/20/21

Busy Legislative Season Brings Opportunities for Economic Development

12/13/21

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast - Featuring Olga Stella, Executive Director – Design Core Detroit & VP of Strategy and Communications – College of Creative Studies

12/6/21

Flint Industrial Park Gets Tax Break for Planned $14M Expansion, Renovation

11/29/21

The Right Place Expands Economic Development Reach to Mason, Mecosta Counties

Whitmer Announces 100 New Jobs, $1M Capital Investment from Expansion of Crest Marine in Owosso Area

11/22/21

Otisco Township Manufacturer Announces $30.4 Million Expansion, Creating 38 New Jobs

11/8/21

Wafa Dinaro Recognized in Crain's 40 Under 40

11/1/21

Governor Whitmer Announces Agribusiness Expansion Bringing Nearly 200 Jobs to Holland, Placemaking Projects Around the State

10/25/21

Macomb County Receives Major Grant, Launches "Macomb Next" Programming Aimed at Advancing Local Manufacturing

10/18/21

EDA of St. Clair County Launches New Podcast

Michigan Is Automobility Report: The Home For Automotive Talent And The Industry’s Electric Future

10/11/21

DTE Energy Awards Grants To Spur Economic Development And Job Creation

10/4/21

Economic Development Project of the Week - Middle Michigan

9/28/21

50 Names to Know in Government: Vicky (Rad) Rowinski

9/20/21

Blackmer Expands Grand Rapids, Michigan, Manufacturing Campus

9/13/21

SmartZone Selects Operators to Manage Technology Incubator Services

8/30/21

Michigan Sugar Company Investing $65+ Million to Build Desugarization Facility at Bay City Factory

8/23/21

HomeStretch Housing Project, Riverfront Plaza Eyed For Downtown TC

8/16/21

Michigan Works! Association Announces Ryan Hundt As Chief Executive Officer 

St. Joseph Automation Manufacturer Expanding, Adding 20 Jobs to Support Growth

West Michigan Reverses Chicago Exodus, Gaining Residents as State Stagnates

8/2/21

Three VB Companies Recognized for Creating Economic Growth

8/2/21

New Opportunities for Small and Mid-size Blue Water Manufacturers to Embrace Industry 4.0

7/26/21

MEDA Members in the News
Grand Rapids Offers Grants to Businesses in Neighborhoods of Focus

Royal Oak Social District Opening Brightens Business Hopes

7/19/21

Christmas in July Campaign Aims to Boost Small Businesses in Macomb County

7/12/21

U-M’s Economic Growth Institute Joins Effort to Ease Disruption from Nuclear Facility Closure

7/6/21

SAGE Club Partners with MADE to Bring Fresh Produce to Northern Flint Community

6/28/21

Governor Whitmer Announces 350 New Manufacturing and Logistics Jobs, Transformational Placemaking Projects in Benton Harbor, Houghton

6/21/21

Get Ready For This Historic Four-Story Renovation Happening in Kalamazoo

6/7/21

Faris Alami Named to Franklin University Advisory Board

Site Readiness Programs Breathe New Life into Neglected Properties 

Vacant Cadillac Stamping Plant Being Demolished to Clear Way for New Industrial Facility; Detroiters Being Prioritized to Fill 450 Jobs Created There

6/1/21

U.P. Perspective: The Housing Issue

5/24/21

Lenawee Now Honored by Mid-America Economic Development Council

5/17/21

Auto Supplier Leasing Former Delphi Facility With Plans to Create Dozens of Jobs

Lakeshore Advantage Receives Grant to Help Local Manufacturers With Industry Readiness

5/10/21

20 Under 40 Overall Winners: No. 7 Jenifer Acosta

Bold Advanced Medical Future Health Plans Grand Rapids, Michigan, Headquarters

DBusiness 30 in Their 30's Class of 2021

This CARES Act Project Gives 3D Printers To Michigan Manufacturers To Make Medical Devices—And A Whole Lot More

5/3/21

Is Your Delegation Building Trust, Engagement, and Opportunity? (Podcast)

Michigan’s University Research Corridor: The Impact of Research Institutions on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

SEDP - SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (Recorded Webinar)

4/26/21

Michigan Venture Capital Association Releases 2021 Research Report

Next Move Group's "We Are Jobs" Podcast Featuring Jeremiah Gracia, Director of Economic Development, City of Grand Rapids

4/19/21

Benton Harbor’s Kinexus Group Tabbed Among Nation’s Best Nonprofits for 5th Year Running

The Most Important Element of Your Economic Development Website – Part 1

4/12/21

Farmington Earns State "Redevelopment Ready" Honors

4/5/21

BuyDetroit Program Launches April 1 

3/29/21

Attracting Remote Workers to Your Community: 3 Must-read Articles

MADE Institute Founder Gains Statewide Attention for Work With Formerly Incarcerated Residents

3/22/21

Macomb County EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Funding Now Available, PM Environmental Selected as Authorized Consultant

Special-Lite Expands Benton Harbor, Michigan, Production Complex

Zach Morris and Tyler Rossmaessler Make DCI 40 Under 40 List This Yea

3/15/21

China Township Entrepreneurs Have a Solution for COVID-era Grocery Drop-offs

3/1/21

Task of Economic Development in 2021 (YouTube Podcast)

2/22/21

Building Detroit: Black Developers Are Key To Detroit’s Comeback

2/16/21

As More People Work from Home, Communities Focus on Attracting Residents

Lake Superior Community Partnership Names Sarah Lucas as Next CEO

​​LSCP Event Will Give Fond Farewell to Long-Time CEO, Amy Clickner, and Welcome Sarah Lucas

2/8/21

Consumers Energy Picks Downtown Royal Oak for ‘Our Town’ Initiative

2/1/21

'Cohabiting Has Already Paid Dividends': Central Location Paying off for Manistee Organizations

Talent on Tap - The Detroit Region's Momentum is Powered by People.

1/25/21

Rural Stakeholders Comment on New Office of Rural Development

1/18/21

Canada-Based AGS Automotive Systems Expands Sterling Heights, Michigan, Operations

1/11/21

How to Promote Your City, County and Region Using Location Advantages Marketing

MARC MILLER: Lakeshore Hotel Will Support Our Economy, Local Businesses

1/4/21

EDA Helps More than 350 Businesses, Manages $1.5M in Grants During Pandemic

Kathy Jo VanderLaan Announces Retirement from The Right Place

12/28/20

Cornerstone Alliance Accepts 20 New Families in “Move to Michigan” Campaign

12/21/20

Manufacturing Expected to Continue Leading West Michigan’s Economic Recovery

12/7/20

Business to Invest $1.5 Million in City

Transforming Manistee

11/30/20

Birgit Klohs: “We have to change to stay ahead of the game.”

Why Site Selectors Love West Michigan's Medtech Hub

11/23/20

NMU, InvestUP add 31 Jobs to Iron River Call Center

11/16/20

Battle Creek Economic Development Organization to Upgrade Downtown McCamly Plaza Hotel

Ingrid Tighe is a Crain's 2020 Notable Veteran

11/9/20

BCU Unveils $500,000 Program to Draw Talent to Battle Creek

Lansing-East Lansing MSA Ranked Top 25 Midwest Startup City

11/2/20

Gift Card Stimulus Program Raises $120K for Bay County Small Businesses Affected by Pandemic

10/26/20

Detroit Regional Partnership Receives Two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards

10/19/20

From Field to Four Stories, Broadway Lofts Coming Soon

10/12/20

PM Environmental's Elizabeth Masserang Selected as ACG Detroit Board Member

10/7/20

InvestUP Welcomes U.P. Native Amy Berglund as Director of Business Initiatives

9/28/20

Gerber Products to Expand Fremont Manufacturing Facility

Resilient and Responsive - Michigan overcomes a pandemic and historic flood to move business forward.

9/21/20

Detroit Startup Airspace Link Builds Advanced Digital Drone Infrastructure with Industry Partner Detroit Aerotropolis

9/14/20

Cornerstone Alliance Offers Businesses Cleared for ReOpening $5K Opportunity

Excel Engineering Opens Engineering and Testing Facility in Detroit Region

Musician Ara Topouzian Re-appointed to Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs by Governor Whitmer

9/8/20

Officials Announce Effort to Rebuild Sanford Homes

8/31/20

Clearcover, a Leader in Car Insurance Tech Selects Detroit for New Customer Operations Hub

8/24/20

Detroit-to-Ann Arbor Self-driving Vehicle Corridor Aims for National Leadership

HEART Launches Facade Improvement Grants

8/17/20

Flint and Other Areas Get ‘Placemaking Mini-grants’ to Help Transform Communities

Lake Superior Community Partnership Announces Amy Clickner to Retire as CEO in 2021

Lakeshore Advantage Received 887 Restart Grant Applications

Lansing’s Resilient Economy and Midsize Market Status Combine to Make the Region A Top Location in the Post-COVID United States

Public Sector Consultants Receives Federal Women-Owned Small Business Certification

8/10/20

Birgit Klohs Retiring from The Right Place

Jim McBryde | MMDC to Distribute $200K to Small Businesses (video)

8/3/20

New Blog Post! Recovery - a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.

Program to Deliver $1.2 Million in Grants to Struggling Small Businesses Will Provide Economic Relief

7/27/20

New $11 Million Industrial Development Coming to Battle Creek

7/20/20

Amazon to Open a Delivery Center in Sterling Heights

7/13/20

Monique Holliday-Bettie Joins Monroe County Business Development Corporation Board of Directors

7/6/20

Dickinson Economy Draws National Attention

6/30/20

PACE and Economic Development (free recorded webinar)

6/22/20

Detroit Regional Partnership Announces Leadership Change; Maureen Krauss Named New CEO

PTM Corporation Invests $1.7 Million in Growing St. Clair County Manufacturing Plant

6/15/20

Municipalities in Royal Oak, Clawson Rally to Bolster Businesses

‘Tremendous Amount of Grit in Jackson,’ Will Help Economic Recovery, Mayor Says

6/8/20

Battle Creek Unlimited Responds to COVID-19 With $1.6 Million in Local Support

6/3/20

Re-Engaging the Rural Economy (video series)

5/26/20

Bay County Has New Website Designed to Help Local Businesses Reopen Safely

DDA Seeks Business Applications for MEDC Program

5/18/20

Michigan Work Share Program May Help Struggling Businesses (Video)

5/11/20

BCU Expands COVID-19 Emergency Microgrant Fund for Small Businesses

Creative Thinking: Leveraging Area’s Arts/creativity Sector is Key in Recovery

Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, Reopens Manufacturing as Part of her MI Safe Start Plan

5/4/20

Southwest Michigan Company Retools to Make a Million Face Masks

4/28/20

$187,000 Distributed to Small Businesses in Lenawee County Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Businesses Receive Grants from Northwest Small Business Relief Fund Collaborative

4/20/20

Banding Together in Crisis: Funds, Resources, and Webinars Offered in Community Amid Pandemic

Hundreds of Businesses Awarded Coronavirus Relief Grants

McLaren Hospital Lapeer Saves Lives with Industrial Sewer Patriot Manufacturing

Real Estate Development During COVID19 - Moving Forward

Rep. Frederick Announces Mentorship Program for 2020 Graduates

4/13/20

Market Van Buren Greenlights Help for 40 Businesses in VB, Cass Counties

4/6/20

Monroe County Company Devices Program to Help Keep Power Plants Operational During COVID-19

3/30/20

Andy Hayes to Retire at End of Year

3/16/20

2020 North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers - Two MEDA Members: Justin Horvath and Robert Trezise, Jr. Named

Laser Access, LLC Announces Acquisition and $1.6M Investment

Michigan Group Wants ‘Rising Income for All’

Michigan Planning Today: "Birmingham Shopping District" (video)

3/9/20

ED Secrets (Podcast)

How to Foster Strong Business Clusters with LEAP and Carol Lauffer (Podcast Series)

Nissan to Build New Crash Test Facility in Farmington Hills

3/2/20

New Medical Center, New Daytime Vigor in Royal Oak

Quentin L. Bishop | Catching Up with Lapeer Development Corporation

2/17/20

After $1B Invested in St. Clair County in 2019, Officials Aim to Grow

Research, Engineering, and Design: The Talent Cluster in a Talent-Focused World

2/10/20

Key Development Projects Slated to Impact Downriver in the Years Ahead

Letter from Our New Co-Chairs; ULI Michigan District Council

2/3/20

Detroit Regional Chamber Releases Findings From Second Statewide Policy Poll

1/27/20

The Right Place and Oceana County Economic Alliance Assist Local Fruit Processor with Major Expansion

1/21/20

Innovate Marquette SmartZone Chosen to Participate in 2020 Rural Innovation Initiative

1/13/20

Potential Aquatic Center in Isabella County Moves One Step Closer to Reality

1/6/20

An Economic Developer’s Wish List

What to Watch: What Will Make Headlines in 2020?

12/30/19

New Staff, Strategy, Funding, and Name: Traverse City's Chamber Eyes Big 2020

12/23/19

Morley Cos. to Hire 500 for Delta Township Facility

12/16/19

2019-2020 State of the Region Report by Detroit Regional Chamber

Detroit Region Aerotropolis Hires New Executive Director

12/9/19

Lenawee Now Names Michael Fox Jr. as First Career Education Navigator

12/2/19

Internet Retail Giant Wayfair to Invest $8.9 Million, Create 500 Jobs in Lansing Area

Northern Michigan Entrepreneurs Win Startup Funds at 'Grand Event'

11/25/19

Downtown Private Investment Surpasses $100 Million

11/18/19

Coldwater Looks to Be Designated Michigan Main Street Community

11/11/19

“Detroit is Open for Business”: Kevin Johnson and DEGC Continue to Power City’s Revitalization

Bay County Growth Alliance to Offer Grants to Encourage Economic Development

11/4/19

Lenawee Now Receives 5th International Excellence in Economic Development Award

New Tool Developed to Help Improve High-Speed Internet Access in Northeast Michigan

10/28/19

Detroit Regional Partnership to Recruit Companies in Industry and Talent Clusters

10/21/19

MMI Engineered Solutions Adds Industrial Complex in Warren, Michigan

10/14/19

Barry County's Career Exposure Tours Coming Soon - Opening Eyes – and Minds – So Great Local Careers Can be Discovered

10/7/19

Three New Lansing Startups "Hatched" Through LEAP

9/23/19

The University Corporate Research Park launches VanCamp Incubator + Research Labs

9/16/19

$240,000 Initial State Site Readiness Fund Will Help Lansing Region Proactively Attract Business

9/9/19

Luna Pier and Southfield: How Two Communities Are Reinventing Themselves to Foster Economic Development

University Research Corridor Remains Tops in U.S. in Number of Medical, Biological Science Degrees Awarded

9/3/19

Bay Future, Inc. Awarded $100,000 for Economic Development Activities in Bay County, MI!

Silverdome Development Seals Deal: 2019 is a Big Year for Big Properties

8/26/19

Barry Matherly Appointed to United States Investment Advisory Council

8/19/19

LEAP Helps Village of Dansville Acquire MSHDA Neighborhood Enhancement Program Grant

8/12/19

Great Lakes Fusion Expanding in Shiawassee County, Adding 40 Jobs

8/5/19

Citing Steel Customers’ Demands, HarbisonWalker Invests $9M in Newaygo County Expansion

7/22/19

American Chemical Solutions to Open Manufacturing Plant in Muskegon

Detroit Regional Partnership Targets Issues That Keep Companies Away

Meridian Township Green Lights Development to Create a Downtown Okemos

7/8/19

LEAP Updates Organizational Structure, Welcomes New Staff in Support of Strategic Vision

7/1/19

Buck Love: Moran Iron Works Gets Grant to Expand Shipbuilding Program

6/24/19

Connect with KB | Glen Stevens, Executive Director of MICHauto

6/17/19

TraverseConnect to Expand its Mission

6/10/19

Upper Peninsula Aims to Lead with Emerging Cybersecurity and Information Technology Markets

Redevelopment of Battle Creek’s Historic Record Box Building Gets State Support

6/4/19

Hannah Sanderson: Foundation's Support Helps NLEA Provide Internship Opportunities

5/29/19

Michigan Ag Commission Awards $400,000 in Grants

5/20/19

The Right Place Assists Cyber Security Company With Expansion

5/13/19

New Rehab District Will Help $6.2 Million Doherty Renovations

5/6/19

Growth is in the Forecast for Bay City Economy

The Right Place receives Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development

Three Reasons Rail Lines are Important for Michigan’s Economy

4/29/19

Downtown Businesses Tap Into Community Support, Funding

4/22/19

State Representative Ben Frederick Discusses Economic Development With Justin Horvath, President, Michigan Economic Developers Association (YouTube Video)

4/15/19

The Great Transformation: From Analog to Digital, Detroit Regional Partnership Leads New Business

Vicky Rad Appointed New County Director of Planning and Economic Development

MEDC Joins LEAP and Insurance Industry Leaders to Announce a New Statewide Economic Development Initiative

4/8/19

2018 Top Livingston County Successes

Giant Gains: Port Huron Becoming Strong Destination for Young Grads, Talent

4/1/19

Osprey Technologies Receives Business Distinction

Kinexus Group Announces Van Buren County’s First Economic Development Organization, Market Van Buren

3/25/19

Hoyden Creative Principals Certified as Brand Strategists

3/18/19 

Plus One Program Recognizes Marquette County Businesses

3/11/19

Downtowns Find They Have a Cool Factor

Historic Building in Benton Harbor Expected to be Redeveloped

Troy Chamber President to Leave for Position at Michigan Venture Capital Association

3/4/19 

Alliance Says Bay County Plays an Important Role in Regional Growth

Cornerstone Alliance Recruits Developer for Major Project in Downtown BH

Detroit Economic Growth Corp. Bolsters Team With Promotion, New Hire

2/26/19

Laying the Foundation for Growth, Falcon Industries Opens New Headquarters

2/18/19

Macomb County Tops Country for Manufacturing Job GrowthSpotlight: Success Stories from the Underground Incubator

2/11/19

How Three Metro Detroit Communities Are Turning Commercial Districts into New Downtowns

2/4/19

Ready for Redevelopment: Meridian Township Receives Community Certification

1/21/19

Hotels are Booming in Southeast Oakland County

Opportunity Zones

1/16/19

Economic Development Arm Detroit Regional Partnership Launches

1/7/19

Kinexus Provides Further Details on $1.9M Going Pro Talent Fund Grants in SWM

|MiBiz Crystal Ball 2019: What's Inside

1/2/19

Michigan Works! Southeast Receives $2.3+ Million to Help Area Businesses

Take NDC's Economic Development Finance Professional Series in Michigan 2019-2020

2019 NDC Marketing Piece WebsiteThe EDFP Certification Program is a rigorous, four-course training series that explores the skills essential for the successful practice of economic development – business credit and real estate finance analysis techniques, loan packaging procedures, negotiating and problem-solving skills and deal structuring techniques. Participants in the EDFP Certification Program build the capacity to translate development opportunities into results for their communities.

Topics covered in the EDFP Certification Program include the following:

  • Business credit
  • Real estate finance analysis
  • Loan packaging procedures
  • Negotiating and problem-solving skills
  • Deal structuring techniques

You will learn from the real world examples of NDC course instructors. In addition to lessons drawn from actual projects, you will learn through hands-on exercises. You will be presented with projects and will be challenged to complete them successfully.

Certification candidates must complete all four courses and pass the examination administered on the final day of each class. You may attend the courses at your own pace but may not enroll in any course until you have met all prerequisites.

Register for Courses

Use the links below to learn about the courses, their locations, prerequisites, cost, content, and to register.

Economic Development Finance (ED101) April 29 – May 3, 2019 

Business Credit Analysis (ED201) July 22 – 26, 2019

Real Estate Finance (ED202) October 21 – 25, 2019

The Art of Deal Structuring (ED300) January 27 – 31, 2020

Cost Per Course

MEDA Members: $1,275/Non-Members: $1,375

Recertification

A majority of MEDA's programs held throughout the year qualify for the EDFP recertification program.

Completing one of the above courses will meet requirements for an entire recertification period.

Learn more about EDFP recertification.

For American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP's), these courses qualifty for recertification credits for that certification.

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Contact MEDA if you have any questions.

We may refer you the NDC Training Office if your questions about certification, recertification, or past courses taken.

Advocacy Overview

Part of MEDA's mission is to lead Michigan's economic development through advocacy on economic development.

Providing education and information regarding the legislation that impacts economic development helps MEDA's members stay on top of changes to their operations and the tools that they can provide that have a positive outcome for their communities.

Economic developers not only need timely education and information but ongoing support from the State Legislature, who make decisions on key funding programs that are needed for their work. Recognizing that, MEDA provides information to help facilitate the connection between Michigan's economic developers and their legislators.

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MEDA Blog

Green Space Investments Spur Placemaking Economic Development

September 2022

Park development in a community can provide a substantial return on investment and parks and trails often are an important placemaking strategy. The International Economic Development Council has defined placemaking as “the practice of enhancing a community’s assets to improve its overall attractiveness and livability.” Placemaking is defined as large-scale projects like the creation of new public or revitalized public spaces, alternative transportation infrastructure, pop-up retail, housing, or Downtown beautification projects. Bike trails, public beer gardens, parks, and other public spaces often mix uses and are attractive to residents and visitors alike. However, successful placemaking strategies require the use of multiple tools as well as an overall improvement in the quality of life available to area residents and visitors that create accessibility to employment centers, healthcare services, educational campuses, commerce centers, and recreational assets.

Five tools drive placemaking economic development strategies that transform communities, including:

  • Historic preservation redevelopment.
  • Parks and trail development.
  • Landbanks that spur housing redevelopment.
  • Housing development; and
  • Economic development incentives drive Downtown district redevelopment.

Public parks are drivers of substantial economic impact. Can anyone argue that the property around Central Park in New York City or Grant Park redevelopment in Chicago has not increased the property values in the area? According to the National Recreation and Parks Association, local park and recreation agencies generated more than $166 billion in U.S. economic activity and supported 1.1 million jobs from their operations and capital spending in 2017. Trails provide an economic benefit as well. Trails increase the value of nearby properties, boost spending at local businesses and can serve to link communities along trails, often called trail towns, creating a benefit from the influx of visitors going to restaurants, snack shops and other retail establishments. On longer trails, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and outdoor outfitters benefit, and trails make communities more attractive places to live, and trails encourage exercise often reducing resident medical costs. Studies in Wisconsin found residential lots near a trail system sold 9% faster and similar studies by the National Association of Realtors and National Home Builders Association found that trails ranked as the second most important amenity for homebuyers. Public spaces transformed into parks and trails create a location that brings residents and visitors together and develop a density of customers for restaurants, bars, arts centers, and other retail companies as well as drive up property values for the surrounding properties.

Often referred to as “active transportation routes,” trails, biking, and walking routes require creative and strong partnerships for building effective funding strategies and building an integrated trail system in your community. The states of Michigan and Ohio have robust active transportation route programs funded through federal, state, local, and private sources. 

Michigan. The state of Michigan has more than 2,100 miles of multi-use trail systems that stretch throughout the state and is one of the most scenic multi-use trail systems in the country. The state has been successful in extending multi-use trails through the utilization of federal funding programs but also using a robust menu of statewide funding and private funding programs.

State Funding Sources

Section 10k of Public Act 51 of 1951, as amended in Michigan’s transportation law (MCLA 247.660k), reserves 1% of state transportation funds for nonmotorized transportation. However, any improvement in a road, street, or highway, which facilitates nonmotorized transportation by the paving of unpaved road shoulders, widening of lanes, or any other appropriate measure is considered a qualified nonmotorized facility for the purposes of this section.

The objective of the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund is to provide grants to local units of government and to the State for the acquisition and development of lands and facilities for outdoor recreation or the protection of Michigan’s significant natural resources. Applications are evaluated on established criteria such as resource protection, water access, and community recreation and require at least a 25% match on either acquisition or development projects from local applicants. Recommendations are made by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board (members are appointed by the Governor) to the State Legislature for final approval.

Michigan’s Recreation Improvement Fund is for the operation, maintenance, and development of recreation trails, restoration of lands damaged by off-road vehicles, and inland lake cleanup. There is no open application process and most of the money is used on DNR projects, so communities interested in accessing these funds must secure support from the local DNR Division which can sponsor local projects. 

Local Funding Sources

Transportation Improvements Program (TIP) and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) funding should be considered for nonmotorized improvements, especially those located within road rights-of-ways, which are most likely to be incorporated into and funded as incidental parts of larger transportation projects, and thus should qualify for the same transportation funds as the rest of the roadway construction or improvement project.

Downtown Development Authorities are formed to promote and fund investment in downtown areas. Districts are defined that qualify for TIF (Tax Increment Financing) and other special funding formulas. Local businesses both benefit from and contribute to these authorities. The public infrastructure improvements that are part of downtown revitalization often include pedestrian facilities and amenities. Bicycle facilities, including bicycle parking and bikeway implementation, could also be accomplished within these infrastructure improvements.

Millages, Bonds, and Assessments are often utilized by local, county, and state units of government through millage approvals or bond issues which are passed by voters or governing bodies. Several Michigan communities – for example, Ann Arbor, Rochester Hills, Grosse Ile, Novi, and West Bloomfield Township – have millages in place for park operations, maintenance, development, and land acquisition which can be one of the most effective approaches for funding a greenway or local trailway system initiative.

Utility Leases are another creative approach to funding public greenway/trailway corridors where communities can obtain lease revenue from compatible uses, such as buried pipelines or communication lines. There can be one-time payments for acquisition or development or annual payments for operation and maintenance.

Private Funding Sources

American Greenways Dupont Awards Program is administered by the Conservation Fund, in partnership with Dupont, and the National Geographic Society, and provides grants of $500 to $2,500 to local greenways projects. These grants can be used for activities such as mapping, conducting ecological assessments, surveying land, hosting conferences, developing brochures, producing interpretive displays and audio-visual material, incorporating land trusts, and building trails. Grants cannot be used for academic research, general institutional support, lobbying or political activities.

The DALMAC Fund was established in 1975 to promote bicycling in Michigan and is administered by the Tri-County Bicycle Association and supported by proceeds from the DALMAC (Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw) bicycle tour. The Fund has supported safety and education programs, bicycle trail development, statewide bicycle organizations, and route mapping projects.

In Southeast Michigan, the GreenWays Initiative helps connect the communities of southeastern Michigan through the creation of connected green infrastructure, including biking and hiking paths, conservation corridors, and habitats among and between communities. The GreenWays Initiative was developed to create opportunities for collaboration and shared environmental awareness and appreciation by the residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, and Saint Clair Counties. A five-year program of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, the GreenWays Initiative is a comprehensive effort that will expand and enhance the region's natural landscape. Two types of grants are available: GreenWays Predevelopment Grants for predevelopment activities and GreenWays Land Grants for the physical construction of greenways and trails.

Ohio. Ohio is home to several creative funding mechanisms for building alternative transportation routes, many of which fall within the state’s Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation; recreational trail program projects; and safe routes to school projects. The TAP program funds up to 80 percent of eligible costs for construction and/or acquisition of property for eligible TAP projects.

Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) is a federally funded program run through states that provides resources, technical assistance, and project funding to encourage and enable students in grades K-8 to walk or ride their bikes to school. A comprehensive approach to SRTS includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure countermeasures and programs. 

This program is funded at $4 million annually for projects in 5 categories: Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation. Funds are available for:

  • Infrastructure projects within two miles of schools serving K-8 students. ODOT will reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs for all phases, including preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way, construction, and construction engineering. Project limit: $400,000.
  • Non-infrastructure activities such as education, encouragement, enforcement, or evaluation. Non-infrastructure funding may be requested for assistance with the development of plans. ODOT will reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs for items such as training and materials, program supplies, small safety and education incentives, and public awareness campaigns. Project limit: $60,000.

NatureWorks projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue which was approved by Ohio voters in November 1993. The NatureWorks grant program provides up to 75% reimbursement assistance with a $150,000 maximum award for local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas.

The Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) seeks to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans by funding trails for outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Local governments, park and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservation districts, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for COTF funding of up to 75 percent of eligible costs and a grantee match of 25 percent. Eligible projects include:

  • Land acquisition for a trail
  • New trails or connector-trail development
  • Construction grants also might cover the cost of engineering and design

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded program through the Federal Highway Administration where cities and villages, counties, townships, special districts, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for up to 80 percent matching funds for a variety of eligible projects with a maximum award of $150,000.

Eligible projects include the development of urban trail linkages, trailhead, and trailside facilities; maintenance of existing trails; restoration of trail areas damaged by usage; improving access for people with disabilities; acquisition of easements and property; development and construction of new trails; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; environment and safety education programs related to trails.

The PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program supports bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. PeopleForBikes accepts grant applications from non-profit organizations with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development; from city or county agencies or departments, and from state or federal agencies working locally. PeopleForBikes funds a maximum of $10,000 for projects throughout the United States, with most grant funds awarded for bicycle infrastructure projects, such as:

  • Bike paths, lanes, trails, and bridges
  • Mountain bike facilities
  • Bike parks and pump tracks
  • BMX facilities
  • End-of-trip facilities such as bike racks, bike parking, bike repair stations, and bike storage

PeopleForBikes can also fund limited advocacy projects, such as programs that transform city streets and campaigns to increase investment in bicycle infrastructure. PeopleForBikes will fund engineering and design work, construction costs including materials, labor and equipment rental, and reasonable volunteer support costs. For advocacy projects, the program will fund staffing that is directly related to accomplishing the goals of the initiative.

Funding for parks and trail projects can be an important resource for community’s seeking to develop placemaking initiatives that tie communities together and encourage public health.

Please contact Jamie Beier Grant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need assistance with any greenspace, parks, or trail funding initiatives.

To view previous MEDA blogs, visit our Blog Archive page.

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Michigan Economic
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