Our 2025 Summit Sponsors
Elite Corporate Investors
Consumers Energy partners with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and local and regional organizations to help new and expanding businesses choose Michigan as the best place to grow and thrive. No matter how a business begins the siting process, we’re at the table with the MEDC and local economic development agencies as a team – Team Michigan – to understand a company’s long-term goals. We connect all the dots, resulting in a seamless “we’ve got this” customer experience. That’s why industry leaders invested more than $5.3 billion and created more than 4,000 jobs in Consumers Energy’s service territory in 2024.
An Expanding Site Inventory – Consumers Energy is working alongside state and local agencies to identify, examine and inventory sites of all sizes to help ensure sites are readily available to meet increased electric demand from all industries, including EV battery, battery-component and semiconductor facilities and their supply chains.
Energy Solutions: Attracting businesses to Michigan and keeping them here means keeping upfront and ongoing energy costs competitive. Our goal is competitively priced—or potentially zero upfront cost—energy infrastructure for business customers. When it comes to keeping energy costs low over the long haul, energy efficiency incentives for current and planned upgrades offer competitive energy- and cost-saving advantages.
A Reliability Roadmap: Michiganders are facing more severe and frequent storms, so it’s up to us to step up our game to keep the lights on for our friends and neighbors who count on us. Our Reliability Roadmap is a nearly $9 billion investment in reliability and resilience with the goals of ensuring no customer goes more than 24 hours without power, and fewer outages affect more than 100,000 customers. We are taking steps to trim trees away from power lines and embrace technology, all to reduce the number and length of power outages when Mother Nature strikes. And our efforts are paying off: the average customer experienced 21 fewer power outage minutes compared to 2024, and over 93% of customers saw their power restored in less than 24 hours. With continued investment, technological advances and support from regulators and key stakeholders, our plan can dramatically transform how we serve Michigan.
Powering Businesses’ Goals: Boyne Mountain Resorts, General Motors, Interlochen Center for the Arts and the cities of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are among nearly 50 large employers who’ve joined Consumers Energy’s Renewable Energy Program. The program helps businesses match their energy use with locally sourced renewable energy. Subscribers receive environmental benefits from the renewable resources they’re supporting and receive bill credits to offset subscription fees and potentially lower energy bills. Our Commercial and Industrial Demand Response Program compensates your business for temporarily reducing energy use and lowering grid demand on peak days.
Reach out to Consumers Energy's Economic Development Team today.
DTE is investing in technology to create a smarter, stronger, more resilient grid that delivers the energy customers demand and deserve.
The company is committed to modernizing its electric system to be more reliable and resilient to increasingly severe weather, while also delivering cleaner energy to meet its aggressive carbon reduction goals and the state of Michigan’s new clean energy legislation.
DTE is also committed to creating meaningful impact at the local level and driving economic development. DTE spent $3.3 billion with Michigan businesses in 2024, creating and sustaining more than 14,000 jobs across the state. Last year, DTE also spent $1 billion with diverse suppliers and $955 million with companies based in the city of Detroit. The company continually increases its spending with local businesses. Since 2010, DTE invested $24 billion with Michigan-based suppliers creating and sustaining 92,000 Michigan jobs.
DTE is also providing programs to help Michigan businesses achieve their sustainability goals. MIGreenPower, the company’s voluntary renewable energy program, is the number one program of its kind for large business customers and is helping some of southeast Michigan's most notable organizations achieve their sustainability goals. With more than 1,300 businesses and nearly 100,000 residential customers enrolled, MIGreenPower is accelerating the development of new Michigan-based renewable energy projects - projects that support our state's economy by providing millions of dollars in added tax revenue to participating communities, creating thousands of local jobs, and supplying extra revenue to the landowners that host them.
Our Economic Development team stands ready to help businesses successfully relocate or expand their operations in Michigan. From Infrastructure Financial Incentives, our XL High Load Factor Rate, to our nationally recognized energy efficiency rebates and programs, DTE will help businesses save money by investing in Michigan. You can connect with our team today to learn more about our programs and offerings.
See how DTE is modernizing the grid and serving clean energy…” in their "DTE Best for the World" video.
ITC Holdings Corp., through subsidiaries ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC), owns and maintains nearly 9,100 circuit miles of high-voltage electric lines throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. As the nation’s largest independent electric transmission company, ITC focuses solely on electric transmission to enhance reliability, relieve electric transmission congestion, and connect all energy resources to customers in a non-discriminatory manner. ITC’s investments in power transmission infrastructure lower electricity costs, improve service reliability and safety, and increase economic activity and tax revenues for customers, stakeholders, and communities. Contact Nora Balgoyen, EDFP, Senior Area Manager, PH: 269-792-7228, nbalgoyen@itctransco.com.
ITC Michigan - Click here to watch the video.
Connecting Business to Energy Infrastructure - ITC is different from other utilities in that we focus only on electric transmission infrastructure, which plays a vital role in economic development. That’s one of the reasons ITC invests in a modern, robust power transmission grid. As a result of our sustained investments, ITC’s transmission systems routinely perform in the top tier of utilities nationally for service reliability. Our energy-intensive customers connected to ITC at transmission-level voltage expect nothing less.
Connecting Customers to the Power Grid - ITC’s sole focus on transmission allows us to facilitate the reliable and efficient delivery of electricity to our wholesale customers – regardless of the generation source. ITC is committed to:
- Providing reliable wholesale electric service
- Ensuring system capacity for the demands of tomorrow
- Enabling electric customers and generators access to competitive wholesale markets
Providing a Critical Link to Tailored Power Solutions - Our ongoing assessment of electric transmission needs for the grid is driven by the requirements of energy-intensive customers, and includes:
- Transmission infrastructure investment
- Premier electric reliability
- Focus on power quality
- Knowledge of available system capacity
Facilitating Strong State and Local Economies - ITC connects a variety of industrial customers at transmission-level voltage, including:
- Investor-owned, vertically integrated electric utilities
- Commercial/large load connectors and site selectors
- Municipal utilities
- Co-ops
- Independent power producers or non-utility generators
- Developers and subscribers of contracted, merchant transmission lines
Click here to learn more about ITC.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. Contact an MEDC Representative for assistance.
Make it in Michigan - Click here to watch the video.
Supporting Small Business – In Michigan, nearly every indicator of our success is influenced and reflected by our small businesses. At the MEDC, we value both the financial and community contributions small businesses make by preserving culture, promoting innovation, and attracting and retaining talent to help sustain and grow our great state for generations to come. The MEDC’s Small Business Services and Business Solutions team exemplifies our heightened focus on supporting small businesses of all sizes – from micro to growth stage – across the state. We are inspired by Michigan’s small businesses, and proud to help them thrive. We provide support to Michigan's entrepreneurs and small businesses through grants, loans, and other services. Click here for more.
Building Strong Communities – To be vibrant and competitive, Michigan communities must be proactive, including planning for new investments, identifying assets and opportunities, and focusing limited resources. The MEDC Place, Programs, & Services team is proud to be the first state agency in the nation to produce a comprehensive “toolkit” on such resiliency measures for local communities, and prouder to support them in their journey to get there. Whether you need help through technical assistance programs, financial incentives, or simply knowledge-sharing, we are happy to support you. Click here to learn more.
Select Corporate Sponsor
Plante Moran Cresa and REIA have joined together as Plante Moran Realpoint, a real estate firm that is truly “built different”. More than 125 multidisciplinary professionals bring together comprehensive, end-to-end services and deep industry specialization in corporate, public sector, healthcare, religious institutes and senior living spaces as well as in development and mixed-use projects. Plante Moran Realpoint is seamlessly integrated with Plante Moran, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms. Together, we bring the resources of more than 3,800 professionals across the country. Learn more at pmrealpoint.com.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority serves the people of Michigan by partnering to provide quality affordable housing solutions in support of diverse, equitable, thriving communities. We forge creative and collaborative partnerships, share knowledge and resources, and invest in communities, so everyone in Michigan can afford a safe, quality place to call home in the community of their choice. We have been Michigan’s best way home for 59 years and look forward to opening more doors to housing for generations to come.
MSHDA's Why - Click here to watch the video.
Gold Sponsor
For more than 15 years, Ann Arbor SPARK has served the greater Ann Arbor region as a catalyst for economic development. They accomplish this by building awareness of the region as a community that advocates for business and manufacturing development and growth. The SPARK team of experts attracts, develops, strengthens, and invests in driving industries to help our communities prosper. SPARK partners with and represents local municipalities to support and enhance their economic development efforts, which allows them access to national site selectors and international exposure, the benefit of regional marketing efforts, and superior project management support. SPARK reports on its successes and challenges to local economic development staff and city councils. While Ann Arbor SPARK’s core programs are designed for companies and individuals primarily located in Washtenaw County, the organization’s support extends to the six-county Greater Ann Arbor Region (GAAR) which includes Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Livingston, and Hillsdale counties. Economic development requires collaboration, and SPARK is committed to bringing together partners — like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Works! Southeast, city, and municipal partners, academic institutions, and others — to support the growth of companies and the creation of jobs. Contact Ann Arbor SPARK.
Source Advisors has helped CPA firms and their clients maximize specialized federal and state tax incentives for more than four decades. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Source Advisors collaborates with accounting firms throughout the country to bring Cost Segregation, Energy Efficient Building Incentives (§179D, §45L and other energy consulting), R&D Tax Credits, automated R&D platform (GOAT.tax), Sales and Use Tax, Property Tax, LIFO solutions to their clients. With a global team of more than 280 professionals, Source Advisors serves many of the most prominent accounting firms, associations, and Fortune 1000 companies and has earned a reputation as a trusted tax incentive solution partner and recognized for delivering unmatched expertise and client experience. For more information, contact Al Schmitt – Senior Business Development (Great Lakes Region) Al.Schmitt@sourceadvisors.com or visit www.sourceadvisors.com.
Opening Reception Sponsor
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a Michigan-based law firm where client service and collaboration drive results. With more than 230 attorneys across numerous industry and practice areas, Warner delivers top-tier legal counsel to businesses, nonprofits and individuals statewide, nationwide and internationally. Our team leads the state in economic incentives law, drawing from nationally recognized experience in environmental, real estate, tax, finance and administrative law. We support projects of all sizes — from $500,000 initiatives to billion-dollar developments — providing strategic guidance through litigation, transactions, regulatory matters and beyond. Warner’s attorneys are known for their deep legal acumen and practical business sense, helping clients navigate complex challenges with confidence. While our success has made headlines, we stay grounded, always crediting our clients’ vision and risk-taking. At Warner, we believe every project deserves our full commitment — regardless of scope — because economic growth starts with trusted partnerships.
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a premier Michigan-based law firm committed to driving economic growth through strategic legal counsel and collaborative client partnerships. With more than 230 attorneys spanning a wide range of practice areas, Warner combines deep legal expertise with practical business insight to support businesses, nonprofits and individuals across Michigan, the nation and around the globe.
Our firm is widely recognized as a leader in economic incentives law. Drawing on nationally ranked capabilities in environmental, real estate, tax, finance and administrative law, we help our clients unlock transformative opportunities. From $500,000 community revitalization efforts to billion-dollar industrial and commercial developments, Warner provides end-to-end guidance through litigation, transactions, regulatory processes and beyond.
Warner’s economic development team is known for turning vision into viable, thriving projects. We actively partner with developers, investors, businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities at all levels to identify, secure and implement financial incentives that spark development and enrich communities. Whether navigating brownfield redevelopment or maximizing historic and low-income housing tax credits, we’re with our clients every step of the way.
With experience across more than 50 incentive programs, Warner offers comprehensive knowledge of tools including Brownfield TIF, the Community Revitalization Program, New Markets and Federal Historic Tax Credits, OPRA, PA 198 abatements, LIHTC, CDBG funding and more. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures clients can capitalize on every available resource to move projects from concept to completion.
At Warner, we believe every initiative — regardless of scale — has the potential to deliver lasting economic and social value. Our role is to help build the foundation: Navigating the complexities, forging critical partnerships and shaping solutions that serve not only our clients but also the broader community. Through responsive service, creative thinking and a relentless commitment to results, Warner is helping shape Michigan’s future — one successful project at a time.
Contact: Jared Belka, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 1500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, PH: 616-752-2447, jbelka@wnj.com, wnj.com.
Happy Hour Sponsor
Haworth believes great spaces empower people to thrive and work their best. As a leading global 
furniture maker, the company partners with customers, dealers and influencers to create spaces that result in effective people and efficient real estate. Haworth’s customer-first approach comes from an entrepreneurial spirit, design-forward thinking and multicultural perspectives. With a heritage in the workplace, Haworth is the founding brand of the Haworth Group. The Haworth Group designs at the intersection of people and environments with brands like Haworth, BuzziSpace, Cappellini, Cassina, Ceccotti Collezioni, Hushoffice, Interni, JANUS et Cie, Karakter, Luminaire, Luxury Living Group , Poltrona Frau, Tuohy and Zanotta.
Founded in 1948, the Haworth Group is a privately-owned company operating in more than 150 countries through a global network of 400 dealers and 8,000 employees. Headquartered in Holland, Michigan, U.S.A., the company has sales of $2.57 billion USD. Contact Haworth today!
Silver Sponsor
Since 1996, Anderson Economic Group, LLC, has offered economic consulting in economic development, market and industry analysis, valuation, and public policy. From our offices in East Lansing and Chicago, we have helped clients that include local and state governments, large corporations, small businesses, universities, non-profit organizations, and trade associations across the U.S. and around the world.
The firm’s expert consultants have extensive knowledge conducting benchmarking, economic development and market analyses, and economic and fiscal impact studies in industries that include (but are not limited to) real estate development, automotive and manufacturing, alcoholic beverages, energy and environment, K-12 and higher education, and franchised businesses.
Because our work is rooted in our core values of professionalism, integrity, and expertise, our consultants are frequently quoted by the country’s most respected news outlets, and our expertise is often relied upon to inform government hearings and court proceedings.
Learn more by visiting https://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/ or contact Dr. Cristina Benton, director of market and industry analysis, at 517-333-6984.
Antero Group is a multidisciplinary planning, engineering, and strategic consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Denver, Colorado, and Dallas, Texas. We offer integrated services in urban planning, civil engineering design, economic development, and branding and marketing. Our diverse team of urban planners, designers, housing and economic development specialists, and engineers is passionate about solving complex challenges and delivering implementable, community-centered solutions.
Antero adopts an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, consistently evaluating project feasibility and costs throughout the planning process to deliver solutions that optimize opportunities and enhance both economic well-being and quality of life. We distinguish ourselves through our commitment to building authentic and collaborative partnerships with our clients. By combining technical expertise with innovative thinking, we deliver comprehensive services that exceed typical consulting offerings and foster long-lasting relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared vision for resilient, thriving communities.
To learn more, visit www.anterogroup.com. Contact: Eric Neagu, Principal, PH: 773-403-5137.
Bludot is a technology company offering cloud-based software solutions for local governments’ economic development teams. Bludot is purpose-built to meet the needs of any communities’ business retention and attraction efforts. Our software suite includes three core products:
- Bludot CRM - Our CRM allows communities to track all of their local businesses, easily sort by industry or NAICS code, manage projects, do targeted email outreach, create and send surveys and forms & more
- Bludot Business Directory - Our public-facing business directory is a great way to promote businesses in the community and give business owners the ability to add special promotions and job openings
- Open Rewards - Our shop local program, Open Rewards, allows cities to offer the community cash back rewards (5%, 10%, etc.) on their purchases which can only be redeemed at other businesses in the community
To schedule a demonstration or learn more, please email jake@bludot.io
Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
At Convergent, we conduct funding feasibility studies and manage large-scale fundraising, endowment, operational, comprehensive and capital campaigns. We demonstrate your value by emphasizing strategic alignment between fundraising objectives, outcomes delivered, and your organization's mission.
Our Philosophy
Hundreds of campaigns have proven that our process of raising money for your nonprofit results in shorter campaign lengths, less burden on your board and staff, and most importantly, more money raised. These are some of the tools in our toolbox that allow us to raise more money than you may have thought possible. A new mindset = better results.
A Focus on Outcomes
Not only do we work with your organization to translate your good work into language that is easily understood and relatable, we work with you to highlight your outcomes. Nonprofit investors want to know what impact you will have on the lives of those you serve, so we work to turn your efforts into what we call Investable Outcomes™, and Investors respond with larger and more sustainable dollars.
Positioning As a Community Asset
Because we position your organization as worthy of funding because of the good work you do, we can therefore position your nonprofit as a community asset, which can be a game changer for many organizations. This is the foundation of our Investment-Driven Model™, which clearly connects your outcomes with the money we are raising, allowing us to monetize your good work. The best part… when you deliver you have the right in the future for even more investment, providing a sustainable funding conduit.
Asking for Big Dollars
Since we focus on Investable Outcomes™ and transform them into dollars through our Investment-Driven Model™, you will have earned Asking Rights™, which is the ability to deliver outcomes that are valuable to Investors. We discover what is valuable to them in the Feasibility process, and when you deliver what they value, you earn the right to ask for larger dollar amounts.
The Convergent Difference – Our Process
Our success in raising money is what sets Convergent apart, but how do we achieve such positive results? We lead the solicitation process with professional requests for financial support.
We minimize the burden on staff, board, and volunteers. Because we are active daily in making solicitations, you can get back to your mission and delivering outcomes. We don’t ask you to do our job. We are not just coaching you; we are in the trenches raising money.
Our Timeframe
Our campaigns are measured in months, not years. Most of our engagements are completed in less than a year, which is measurably shorter than most campaigns.
Convergent’s Investment-Driven Model™ represents a paradigm shift in the way organizations approach fundraising. By focusing on impact, aligning missions with investor interests, and the outcomes delivered, this model offers a robust framework for achieving sustainable financial support and maximizing impact. With Convergent, we transform your fundraising from a transactional experience to a sustainable funding stream. Contact Andy Coe, Principal, PH: 919-518-3223.
Since its founding as a family-owned company in 1959, Granger Construction has fostered an atmosphere of integrity, inclusiveness and ingenuity. Granger has been ranked among the top workplaces in Michigan, and places the utmost value on relationships and community. By applying the Golden Rule in our interactions with clients and employees, Granger’s workplace culture – whether in the office or on the jobsite – advances and strengthens our most valuable asset – our people. At Granger Construction, we strive to truly understand our customers’ vision and aspirations. We listen intently, collaborate closely, and consistently build results that make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Our experience across multiple market segments – from healthcare and industrial to education and government – brings to our customers a deep and broad range of expertise. This informed approach together with our guidance makes a significant difference in the ultimate success of any building endeavor. Contact Jim Johnson LEEP AP, Senior Director of Business Development, PH: 616-454-2900.
Michigan Center for Employee Ownership
The Michigan Center for Employee Ownership serves as the central hub for information and resources around employee ownership in Michigan. Employee ownership is a business model in which employees collectively own a percentage of the business for which they work. Two of the main forms are Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and worker cooperatives. In both, employees are given a financial stake in the business. As the business prospers, employees prosper.
- Over the next 10 years, more than 4 million U.S. businesses owned by retiring baby boomers will change hands or dissolve
- More than half of all small business owners do not have a succession plan
- Many businesses will be sold and leave the state of MI, or close their doors permanently, resulting in lost jobs, tax base, and community impacts
Contact Roy Messing, Executive Director, Michigan Center for Employee Ownership, PH: 440-567-1060, rmessing@miceo.org, to learn how you can help companies make a successful transition of ownership and keep businesses active in your region.
The Silver Tsunami: A Looming Threat to Communities Across Michigan
Economic developers are working hard to attract and retain businesses in their communities. They have to offer very competitive packages to attract new businesses and ensure that the existing businesses are properly incentivized to stay. While such threats are rightfully front and center for most economic developers, there is another threat that is slowly building that has probably not been addressed.
Michigan, like the rest of the country, is facing the “Silver Tsunami.” That is, as business owners aged 55 plus approach retirement, what comes next for them and for the enterprises they run?
How concerned should your agency be about the Silver Tsunami? Let’s break it down. Here are the statistics of the privately held businesses owned by individuals who will retire in the next ten years:
- Total firms: 80,000 firms
- Number of employees: 1,000,000
- Annual revenues: $2 billion
- Annual payroll: $40 billion.
The impact on the community and those who work with the business can be huge. The issue is more acute in many rural communities across Michigan. About half of the counties in Michigan have over 50% of the privately held businesses owned by these individuals. What is the impact on your community if 25% of the private businesses disappeared in the next 5 or 10 years?
There are three general ownership transfers when the existing owner exits the business:
- Internal - someone already involved in or associated with the business
- External – a competitor, a strategic buyer, or a financial buyer (has resources and wants to experience running a business)
- Cease operations, liquidate, layoff the employees, shutter the business
Far too often the outcome of an owner exiting the ownership of their business is negative for the community. In the case of an “external” sale, especially when private equity is the buyer, the bulk of the local business operations cease or are greatly diminished within a few years. The local community suffers the loss of the financial and ancillary impact when the company just ceases operations.
Most company owners haven’t planned for their exit from the business. A recent life insurance company survey indicates that 75% of business owners don’t have an exit plan. Unfortunately, many of them don’t know where to start with planning their exit. An economic developer who is knowledgeable about the exit planning process and options can encourage the business owner to become educated about how to transition the business to the next owner(s).
Let’s face it – when business owners are looking to retire, they start exploring their options. Maximizing the sale proceeds is often a key goal. Many are also concerned about the impact on various stakeholders in the enterprise (family, employees, customers, vendors, and community). Transfers to a family member are becoming rarer, so owners must consider other options. Selling to a third party, especially in the case of private equity, doesn’t always generate the owner’s desired outcome for the stakeholders. The owner may want to consider Employee Ownership, which is a lesser-known option. Either through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a Worker Cooperative, or an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), a retiring business owner can use employee ownership as an exit strategy depending on the owner and company’s goals and circumstances. The Employee Ownership option is a great way to leave a legacy in your community. Of course, there may be potential tax advantages for the selling owner.
Nonprofit groups like ours can offer owners and their advisors a manageable pathway to exploring exit planning and employee ownership if that is a viable option. The Michigan Center for Employee Ownership provides the information you can use to help your customers explore the employee ownership option. Our educational information is provided in a self-paced format, so business owners don’t feel like they’re drinking from a fire hose. We can also provide a preliminary assessment to determine if employee ownership is a potential exit strategy. We can refer your clients to qualified partners to address advanced aspects of employee ownership transitions.
While employee ownership might not be the ideal exit strategy for every business owner, it can be the right fit for many. Our experience and research show that employee ownership helps small business owners leave a legacy, preserve local jobs, and protect income over time.
Roy Messing is the Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership. Go to www.miceo.org for more information.
Oakland County Economic Development
Oakland County Economic Development, a.k.a. Advantage Oakland, is Oakland County's economic development department. Oakland County has a total of 63,800 businesses and, in 2024, the leading industries in Oakland County were Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Services, and Retail. With more than $127.3 billion in economic activity, the county accounts for 20% of MI’s GDP. Oakland County boasts a strong, resilient economy fueled by a highly educated workforce, with a large percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The robust labor force drives innovation across key industries, while an affordable cost of living ensures businesses and employees thrive. With world-class schools, vibrant communities, and strategic resources, Oakland County is a premier destination for growth and opportunity. Contact their team to learn about opportunities today.
The Rudolph Libbe Group is a single-source provider of construction and facility services that range from site selection and construction to energy solutions and ongoing facility management. The full-service contractor, comprised of Rudolph Libbe Inc., GEM Inc., GEM Energy, Lehman Daman, and Rudolph Libbe Properties, is focused on ensuring that its customers succeed. The Rudolph Libbe Group has locations in Greater Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, and Lima and is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Contact Ben Eisel, Business Development Manager, Rudolph Libbe Group, at 419-601-3718 or 734-455-3131.
DESIGN/BUILD
Based on complexity, traditional construction methods are not always the best answer, particularly when a design needs to be created around the owner’s process, budget, or timeline and not done to spec. By using the design/build method of construction delivery, projects can be done more affordably, faster, and safer.
RLG’s design/build approach optimizes participation among all the project stakeholders. It brings everyone involved in the planning, design, and construction together earlier rather than later.
Each member of this preconstruction team – which includes the owner, architect, engineer, and design/build contractor – considers key questions to help optimize the project. Critical design changes needed to prevent or correct potential problems before they become “baked in” to the design are discussed upfront. This communication mitigates the high risk of cost overruns and construction delays before they happen.
SELF-PERFORM
The trade construction capabilities that RLG self-performs — Civil, Concrete, Mechanical, Electrical, Carpentry, Masonry, Millwright, Boilermaker, and Structural Steel — directly translate into positive outcomes for our client's business. Employees who work directly for us mean better control over safety, on-time schedules, and successful delivery.
RLG’s multi-discipline trades, with decades of preconstruction and consulting experience, ensure project and job site safety, accurate budgets, high-quality services, and minimized risk and disruption to a facility’s daily operations.
For over 70 years, Site Selection Magazine has consistently been an award-winning, top-rated, and highly respected publication. The publication covers all things economic development, offering actionable insight into corporate and industrial expansion worldwide.
Site Selection Magazine is published every other month and mailed directly to almost 42,000 C-suite level corporate executives, providing exclusive insight into strategies, real estate markets, industry trends, and all major key factors involved in corporate facility planning.
Contact Cathy McFarland, Regional Director, PH: 770-325-3444, Catherine.McFarland@conway.com, to learn about marketing opportunities.
Bronze Sponsor
For nearly 130 years, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. has been a trusted partner in shaping environments that inspire and elevate. Our journey is grounded in the belief that exceptional design arises from a thoughtful understanding of our clients' visions. Guided by our core values of ingenuity, curiosity, and belonging, we approach each project with a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. is more than a design firm; we are a community of innovators, continuously exploring new ways to make a meaningful impact. Our legacy of award-winning designs and historic projects stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. As we move forward, we remain passionate about creating environments that inspire, engage, and endure. For more information on Albert Kahn Associates, please visit albertkahn.com or contact Heidi Pfannes, Director of Business Development, Heidi.pfannes@akahn.com.
For over 50 years, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) has been instrumental in fostering economic opportunities in Southwest Michigan. As the economic development entity for the City of Battle Creek, this private nonprofit organization has been recognized for its commitment to enhancing the city's growth and prosperity. Recipient of the 2024 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development and other accolades, BCU offers a range of services to support new and expanding companies as well as those considering relocating to Battle Creek. These services support their overall mission of generating investment in their community and include providing resources such as site selection, redevelopment assistance, community development, access to financing, and other essential tools within the city. Contact Battle Creek Unlimited.
The Detroit Regional Partnership is a regional economic development nonprofit serving Southeast Michigan’s 11-county region. Founded in 2019 by a group of business and philanthropic CEOs, the organization is laser-focused on marketing the region to out-of-state and international companies to attract investments and jobs. Contact DRP.
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
With many partners across the mid-Michigan region comprised of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) has played a significant role in evolving and stabilizing the regional economy to shift away from a traditional overreliance on the education, automotive, and government sectors. Though all three remain crucial to a strong regional economy, LEAP’s strategic efforts to diversify industry have paved a sustainable path toward continued growth. Learn more about LEAP's work here, and contact their dynamic team to grow in Mid-Michigan.
The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG) offers an innovative and solution-oriented approach to helping clients complete successful projects by employing creativity to solve problems, maximizing value, and reaching cost-effective client solutions. MSG offers a full array of consulting services for both the public and private sectors including, but not limited to Civil/Structural Design and Permitting, Construction Engineering, Cultural Resources, Environmental, Geotechnical, Landscape Architecture, Planning/Funding Strategies/Grant Writing, Program Management, Surveying, Mechanical Electrical Processes, and Instrumentation, Controls & Automation. MSG offers an unparalleled diversity of infrastructure-related services to public, private, energy, institutional, and philanthropic clients. The firm’s mission is to help clients overcome hurdles to get their projects developed quickly while addressing infrastructure needs and regulatory requirements. Infrastructure is very expensive – and solving infrastructure needs most cost-effectively is their primary value to their clients. The firm currently has 9 offices throughout Michigan! Visit www.MannikSmithGroup.com or contact Steve Mihalec, Business Development Leader, PH: 734-598-1810, smihalec@manniksmithgroup.com today!
Friends of MEDA Sponsors
Pioneer Construction builds exceptional facilities that perform for our clients, on time and on budget. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pioneer provides commercial construction solutions throughout the continental United States. As a true builder, employing over two-hundred talented craft and trade professionals, we offer extensive self-performance abilities that enable us to provide unsurpassed budget, schedule, and quality control. With expertise in a variety of delivery methods, we customize our approach based on the specifics of each project and the goals of our clients. Our commitment to sustainable design and construction, technology, safety, inclusion, and community involvement set us apart in our industry.
RACER Trust's mission is to clean up and position former GM locations for redevelopment and beneficial reuse. They are responsible for conducting safe, effective environmental cleanups at approximately 60 locations. RACER is one of the largest holders of industrial property in the United States, and when it was formed was the largest environmental response and remediation trust in U.S. history.
Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) provides proactive and focused economic development assistance to business executives, site selectors, developers and investors. We strive to create diversified economic growth that includes new and retained jobs, increased business investment, a growing tax base, and a positive environment for businesses to thrive. Since 1992, Saginaw Future Inc. has accomplished these goals, generating over $8 billion in new investment.
Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP) works in collaboration with public and private partners to improve Shiawassee County’s economy through a program of business attraction, retention, expansion, and entrepreneurial development.
Join Our 2025 Summit Sponsors
Visit our Sponsorship Benefits and Levels page. There are many levels of sponsorship to meet the needs of companies and organizations that want to support the conference.
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Go to the Summit page for general information about the event.
Go to the Event page for cost, location, hotel reservation, and registration information.