Your Partner in Growing Your Community

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Thank You 2023 MEDA Sponsors

MEDA would like to show appreciation to those who supported us in 2023.

Please scroll down to see all of the sponsors and visit their websites.

Corporate Sponsors

Bedrock Detroit

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Annual Meeting Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Gold Sponsors

AKT Peerless Environmental Services

Michigan STEM Forward

Opening Reception Sponsor

Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP

Lunch Sponsor

Public Sector Consultants

Breakfast/Coffee Sponsors

Agracel

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

Silver Sponsors

Employee Ownership Expansion Network

Envirologic Technologies, Inc.

ITC

McKenna

Middle Michigan Development Corporation

Oakland County Economic Development

Rockford Construction

Rudolph Libbe Group

Site Selection Magazine

Bronze Sponsors

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Detroit Regional Partnership

Granger Construction

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

OHM Advisors

ROWE Professional Services Company

SME

The Boldt Company

Wayne County Economic Development Corporation

Conference Bag Sponsor

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Tour Sponsor

Butzel Long

DTE Energy

Friends of MEDA Sponsors

Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.

Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

Colliers International Valuation and Advisory Services

Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

International Strategic Management (ISM) 

InvestUP

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)

Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

Michigan Gas Utilities

Midland Business Alliance

Norfolk Southern

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

Pioneer Construction

RACER Trust

Renovare Development

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership

Spalding DeDecker

Basic Course Scholarships

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Capitol Day

ITC

The Fall Economic Development Toolbox

PM Environmental

The Spring Economic Development Toolbox

Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance

University of Michigan - Flint

Emerging Leaders Spring Training

Merit Network

Webinars

GIS WebTech

Michigan STEM Forward

Come Work With MEDA!

HiringThe Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) is looking to immediately fill an education manager/event planner position. 

MEDA is a successful statewide organization dedicated to helping communities grow through economic development activities. We are looking for a dynamic individual who desires to make an impact on the quality of life in Michigan, both locally and statewide. 

As a member of the MEDA team, you will manage and coordinate all aspects of the organization’s yearly events including content, contracts, budget, logistics and program evaluation. You will work with a committed staff, board, and volunteer committees to develop event content and create fun and innovative member experiences in education and networking.  

Please see the full position description for educational requirements, core skills and knowledge, competencies, and essential duties.

Learn more about the Michigan Economic Developers Association at www.medaweb.org. Send a cover letter and resume to Meghan Swain at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Executive Director - Michigan Economic Developers Association

The Michigan Economic Developers Association is seeking an Executive Director who will continue to lead the association’s steady growth and help take MEDA to its next level of success.

Position Summary

Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will act as the chief executive responsible for the management of the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). This is a hands-on position charged with leading a small staff in all areas of association operations including membership growth, training and educational development, information dissemination, strategic planning, finances, and budgeting.

Essential Job Functions

  • Responsible for overall day-to-day management of the Lansing-based Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) and the establishment of priorities and utilization of resources.
  • Evaluates the performance of the total organization and its functional activities. Identifies potential problem areas and directs the implementation of corrective action and recommends appropriate improvements to the Board of Directors.
  • Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors long and short-range objectives and plans pertaining to the goals of MEDA.
  • Acts as MEDA’s representative on a broad array of councils, workgroups, committees and is the liaison with key state and federal agencies, associations, institutes, foundations, and partners.
  • Monitors state and federal legislation, administrative policies and state/federal agencies impacting economic development.
  • Directs the association’s promotion, publicity, and public relations activities and acts as the spokesperson with all news and media outlets.
  • Ensures that all policies and procedures are followed in accordance with the organization’s policy manuals.
  • Responsible for decisions related to employee hiring, training, compensation, benefits management, and performance evaluation of staff.
  • Is responsible for ensuring that committees fulfill their responsibilities, and all activities are relevant to the needs of its members.
  • Acts as the fiduciary and registered agent of the association.
  • Responsible for the overall financial stability of the organization including yearly budgeting, program, and services budgeting, and recommending fee increases to the Board of Directors.
  • Works with auditors to ensure that audits and reviews are completed in a timely manner and that the finances of MEDA comply with standard practices.
  • Oversees all receivables and payables of the organization ensuring MEDA maintains a proper cash flow.
  • Responsible for negotiation and execution of all contracts necessary in the operations of the association.

Compensation

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 (Dependent upon education, certifications and experience)

Benefits: Full Healthcare coverage

Required Qualifications

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, or applicable field. 

Additional Consideration

Experience in the management of an association or nonprofit organization, Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential or a master’s degree is a plus.

Preferred knowledge of economic development theories, financing tools, programs, practices, services, and resources.

A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a membership-based organization.

Process/Schedule

  • Deadline for applicants is May 12th, 2023.
  • Interviews will be scheduled June 19th, 20th and 21st, 2023.
  • Estimated start date mid-August, 2023.

About MEDA

The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA), founded in 1960, exists to advance the economic development profession throughout Michigan, and increase its member’s effectiveness within the economic development profession. The association’s goal is to provide a variety of services and programs that will enhance members’ ability and skills within economic development.

MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to accomplish their goals more efficiently and effectively. This is accomplished through in-person and virtual education on peer-developed topics, legislative updates, in-person and virtual networking opportunities, leadership development, and mentoring.

How to Apply

If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume via email to James McBryde: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2024 Annual Meeting Sponsor Spotlight

Elite Corporate Sponsors

Consumers Energy

Consumers EnergyConsumers 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 $4.2 billion and created more than 5,500 jobs in Consumers Energy’s service territory in 2022.

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. 

Economic Development Rate for Michigan - Consumers Energy’s economic development rate is intended to attract new businesses to Michigan and encourage existing businesses to expand their operations in the company’s service territory. Targeted to large businesses with 35 megawatts (MW) or more of new electric load, the economic development rate is especially well-suited to attract energy-intensive activities – such as electric vehicle supply chain or semiconductor manufacturing opportunities – to Michigan.

Energy- and Cost-Saving 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 have saved our customers more than $4 billion since 2009 and offer competitive energy- and cost-saving advantages.

Leading the Clean Energy Transformation: As Michigan’s largest energy provider, Consumers Energy delivers natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. The company’s nation-leading Clean Energy Plan is a roadmap to eliminating coal by 2025, achieving net zero methane emissions by 2030, achieving net zero carbon emissions, and meeting 90 percent of the state’s energy needs with clean resources by 2040.

Contact Consumers Energy Today - Reach out to Consumers Energy's Economic Development Team.

DTE Energy

DTE Logo SmallDTE Overview and Clean Energy PlanDTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. Through its commitment to cleaner energy, DTE Electric plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% and DTE Gas will plan to reduce methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and DTE Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For more information on our investments in solar, wind, battery storage, etc., visit IRP_Executive_Summary.pdf (dtecleanenergy.com). DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.comempoweringmichigan.comtwitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

DTE MiGreenPower Program – In 2022, DTE announced the two largest renewable energy transactions through a utility in the history of the United States. Through MIGreenPower, DTE will add 650 megawatts of new solar energy for Ford, and 400 megawatts for Stellantis. Learn more about our ongoing MiGreenPower efforts.

DTE Infrastructure Investment – In the first quarter of 2023, DTE Electric invested over $750 million on continued improvements in reliability and cleaner energy generation for its customers, while DTE Gas invested over $170 million on infrastructure and main renewal improvements.

Contact DTE Today – Connect with DTE's Economic Development Team.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

MEDC Logo 2022The 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.

The MEDC Supports 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 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.

Michigan Pure Opportunity - Click here to watch the video.

Select Corporate Sponsor

Bedrock Detroit

Bedrock 2023Bedrock is a full-service commercial real estate firm based in downtown Detroit specializing in the strategic development of urban cores. With a portfolio of more than 100 properties totaling over 19 million square feet, Bedrock is the largest real estate partner in downtown Detroit and also has a strong presence in Cleveland.

Bedrock's Expertise - Bedrock’s experienced real estate experts provide a full range of services, with in-house teams for each area of expertise, including Leasing, Acquisition, Finance, Construction, Architecture, Historic Rehab, and Property Management. Our tenants include leading technology companies and startups, world-renowned restaurants, and national retailers, as well as Detroit locals who love the city as much as we do. Whether you represent a business seeking to lease office space in Detroit, or a retailer looking for the right location for a new store or restaurant, our leasing agents can assist you. Bedrock also leases mixed-income residential properties to individuals and acquires and renovates properties for new development. To view a complete list of their properties, click here. To learn more about their services, click here. Contact Bedrock Detroit.

Gold Sponsor

Travel Marquette

TMlogo20HORIZ 1Travel Marquette is the official destination marketing organization for Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula—where business, recreation, and leisure converge to create a #ReMARQable experience. Sitting on 83 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Marquette County is the ideal destination to host your next group retreat or conference. With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, nationally recognized bike trails, over 300 inland lakes and streams, and beautiful sandy beaches, it’s the perfect destination for team building in an outdoor setting. With multiple gear rental outfitters available such as Marquette Outdoors or Marquette Bike Rentals, it’s easy to enjoy all the natural wonders of Marquette County. 

Not only does Marquette County offer stunning natural views, but it has a thriving downtown scene with something for everyone to enjoy. Hit the heart of downtown and you’ll find a delicious selection of local restaurants and food trucks perfect for sharing meals together. Try some local whitefish at The Vierling Restaurant, one of Michigan’s oldest brewpubs, or track down the Dia De Los Tacos food truck for a flavorful Mexican bite. With a top-tier craft beer scene in Marquette County, there are plenty of places such as the Ore Dock Brewing Company or Blackrocks Brewery to unwind and share a drink with colleagues while listening to some live music. Check out the vibrant arts and culture scene by stopping into some of the multiple downtown art galleries such as Zero Degrees Gallery or Graci Gallery. If you’re interested in learning more about the Iron Range history, head to the west end of the county and check out the Michigan Iron Industry Museum or Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, which also offers mine tours. With no shortage of choice venues, the area is ideal for hosting conferences and events any time of the year. Marquette offers a unique opportunity to escape the everyday hustle and bustle, enjoy the simplicity of the natural beauty here, and create a memorable experience for your attendees. Plan your adventure at TravelMarquette.com #MakeYourMarq.

See it for Yourself - There’s nothing quite like fall in the Upper Peninsula. As the air gets crisp and autumn arrives, Marquette County becomes a sea of vibrant red, orange, and yellow. Check out the stunning autumn views Marquette County has to offer in this video.

Contact Travel Marquette Today - Have questions about the area? Start your next adventure by reaching out to https://www.travelmarquette.com/contact/.

Opening Reception Sponsor

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

WNJ Blue Logo CenteredBy providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with its clients. An AmLaw 200 firm, they’re one of Michigan’s largest law firms focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. The firm provides client-focused, proactive legal and business counsel to clients of all sizes – from startups to Fortune 500 companies to closely-held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. With more than 230 attorneys working in numerous specialized industries and practice areas, Warner meets the legal needs of clients operating throughout North America and around the world.

Warner’s Economic Incentives Practice Group − When projects powered by economic incentives succeed, they harness human ingenuity, innovative yet airtight investments, and collaborative relationships to fuel commerce, produce profits, generate jobs, build homes and businesses, and enhance cities. Highly regarded for our top-tier, efficient client service, our multidisciplinary team knows how to make multiparty partnerships work, often creating something out of nothing. We collaborate closely with businesses, developers, investors, nonprofit entities, local, state, and federal agencies, and others to secure financial incentives for our clients. We then help them every step of the way on projects that drive development and enrich the communities in which we live, work, and grow.

Setting the Standard in Michigan and Beyond − Warner offers clients the largest economic incentives team in the state of Michigan and, in terms of years of experience and range of expertise, one of the deepest legal-business benches in the nation. Because of our nationally recognized knowledge and strategic skills in environmental, real estate, tax, finance, and administrative law and our history of headline-making success, many consider us an economic-incentive powerhouse. But we remain humble. Our attorneys believe clients deserve the credit for placing their names and livelihoods at risk as we work together to launch and complete projects. Our team serves a wide range of businesses and nonprofits on a full spectrum of enterprises, from $500,000 to $1 billion developments and everything in between. We give every client our undivided focus regardless of the project’s size and dollar value.

Warner routinely works with over 50 types of incentives. Some of the most popular incentives include:

  • Brownfield TIF Funding
  • Community Revitalization Program
  • Business Development Program
  • Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement (Public Act 198)
  • Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
  • Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA)
  • Local TIF Districts
  • New Markets Tax Credits
  • Federal Historic Tax Credits
  • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
  • MDEQ Grants and Loans
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)

Warner uses a variety and a combination of the above tax credits to help numerous clients realize their development dreams. Here’s a snapshot of some of the projects where Warner made an impact:

  • Venue Tower: $32.7 Million Entertainment and Apartment/Condominium Project
    Warner helped secure a Brownfield Michigan Business Tax Credit totaling $4.52 million and tax increment financing through the City of Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority Development Support Program totaling approximately $1.75 for the project. Warner established the joint venture and helped facilitate the land acquisition and drafting and negotiation of myriad agreements, including development agreements, condominium documents, and agreements with neighbors and the City of Grand Rapids.
  • Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, MI: $30 Million Design, Construction and Real Estate Project for Retail, Restaurant, and Agriculture
    Warner helped secure a $5.2 million Brownfield Michigan Business Tax Credit, a $3 million community revitalization loan from the Michigan Strategic Fund, Brownfield Tax Increment Financing of $3.5 million, Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Financing and other grants and loans from the Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. EPA for environmental cleanup. They structured the design and demolition construction contracts for the project and prepared and negotiated the documentation necessary to establish the public-private partnerships of the Downtown Market. Additionally, Warner created documents for ground leases, market hall vendor leases, retail tenant leases, restaurant leases, office users, and myriad other tenancies, and parking on-site and off-site.
  • Lormax Stern Development, Detroit, MI: $33 Million Meijer Grocery and Retail Project
    Warner secured a $3.3 million Brownfield Michigan Business Tax (MBT) credit and $6.5 million in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives in a relatively short period of time. Warner’s team credits its relationship with Detroit officials, state officials, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) for its success.
  • Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Ann Arbor, MI: $6.7 Million Expansion Project
    Warner helped control long-term and short-term costs throughout the project by securing a $1.18 million Michigan Business Tax credit, $817,265 in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing Incentives, and a $407,000 grant from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. No project is too large or too small – and they meet you where you are and where you plan to grow. Every project is unique, and the depth and breadth of experience positions Warner as the law firm best suited to deliver the incentives that work for you and within your timeline and budget.

Contact: Jared Belka, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 1500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, PH: 616-752-2447, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.wnj.com.

Lunch Sponsor

Highline

HighlineReliable, high-speed internet access can keep you connected to family and friends. It can strengthen relationships and build new ones. It can help businesses grow and expose you to new ideas. It can open doors and level the playing field. Simply put, it’s a necessity. Highline believes everyone deserves instant access to every opportunity that comes from fully participating in today’s digital world. They are committed to bringing the power of fiber-enabled internet to communities across the U.S.

Awards Reception Sponsor

Public Sector Consultants

Public Sector ConsultantsPublic Sector Consultants is a certified Women‐owned Small Business and a Women’s Business Enterprise, and we are committed to creating a space for all voices to be heard and understood. We have served hundreds of government agencies, nonprofits, associations, and regulated industries in our more than 40‐year history. We take pride in our role as an independent, nonpartisan public policy consulting firm that is trusted, respected, and engaged in our community. Our skilled team has deep, functional expertise to bridge what’s real with what’s ideal by concentrating on our clients’ most critical needs and opportunities. We don’t just follow best practice, we create it. Contact Kelly Rogers, Vice President, PH: 517-484-4954, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

How can we help you? - Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of Michigan and beyond through the development and implementation of innovative, actionable public policies.

It feels different to work with PSC because we bring a fresh perspective, mutual trust, and infectious energy to every project. Our research-based, non-partisan approach helps clients move toward the best policies, no matter what stage they're at. We draw from a full suite of services to identify priorities, address conflicts between corporate and community interests, create strategic plans that get results, and improve internal management.

For us, progress is a pathway for discovery that increases your capacity to evaluate, educate, and evolve. Find out what we’ve been working on, thinking about, and learning from.

Silver Sponsors

Enbridge Energy

Enbridge Energy 2023Enbridge exists to fuel people’s quality of life. We operate across North America and beyond—powering industry, empowering society and safely delivering reliable, affordable sources of energy through our four core businesses: liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, gas distribution and storage, and renewable energy. These activities deliver a variety of economic benefits and fuel people’s quality of life, whether they’re:

  • well-paying jobs in towns and cities,
  • tax revenue that can help build schools, hospitals, and roads,
  • procurement spending that stimulates local economies, or
  • grants and volunteer labor for community-strengthening projects.

At Enbridge, we’re committed to lowering emissions while meeting growing energy demand; to supporting our customers today while anticipating their needs tomorrow; and meet that demand, developing new energy sources while keeping energy costs in check. We’re proud to deliver economic benefits in the states where we do business, like Michigan. Learn more at enbridge.com. Contact Paul Meneghini, Manager, Community Engagement, Great Lakes Region, PH: 218-348-8139, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fishbeck

FishbeckSixty years after its founding, more than 500 staff members throughout three states have made Fishbeck one of the premier professional consulting firms in the nation. Engineering, environmental sciences, architecture, and construction management are the cornerstones of Fishbeck’s services and integrated project approach. Like you, Fishbeck's team are innovators, designers, scientists, and visionaries. Architects of the next generation, their work provides the platform for your growth and development. Fishbeck's integrated services in engineering, environmental sciences, and architecture allow them to maximize coordination and collaboration. Then, responsive communication, budget, and schedule sensitivity, and the constant pursuit of technical excellence help them transform your ideas into reality. Above all, Fishbeck believes in harmony between your project and the natural environment, and their approach is created with this balance in mind. Contact Fishbeck’s today at 800-456-3824, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Fishbeck's Team webpage.

Established in 1956, Fishbeck is a 100-percent employee-owned firm with 15 offices throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Our projects range from small feasibility, planning, and regulatory studies to very large design and construction projects. Our civil division ranges from civil engineers to surveyors to stormwater/drainage experts. The environmental division specializes in a broad array of services from due diligence/brownfields to industrial hygiene and remediation. Complete building design capabilities is the hallmark of our architectural division; supported by structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Design/build services and construction management drive our construction division.

Fishbeck’s mission is to meet our clients’ needs and achieve our business goals in a manner that exemplifies our core values. Our mission basics include:

  • Providing innovative and excellent designs within budget.
  • Working in a supportive and synergistic way with other team members of all disciplines.
  • Considering the client a project team member.
  • Knowing the program requirements and meeting them in the simplest, most constructible, cost-effective manner.
  • Aligning expectations with clients’ needs, budgets, and the scope of our services.
  • Conducting preschematic multidiscipline brainstorming.
  • Keeping cost estimates updated, informing the client, and designing to stay within approved estimates.
  • Conducting QA/QC reviews at appropriate milestones to minimize redesign.
  • Minimizing addenda, bulletins, and change orders.
  • Minimizing allowances, alternatives, and construction phase interiors and finishes selections.

We are listeners, collaborators, and partners. Fishbeck’s ability to connect across our numerous in-house disciplines allows us to see the big picture and, because we approach each project from many different perspectives, gives us an unparalleled ability to innovate. We are a hands-on, design-oriented practice at heart. Our experts take pride in our commitment to reliability in design, connection to our clients, and creativity at our core. We take personal responsibility for helping each other, clients, and colleagues succeed, as we fulfill our core purpose; to help our clients realize their vision while benefiting society.

 

Michigan Center for Employee Ownership

MCEOThe 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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 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.

Northern Initiatives

Northern Initiatives is also a Tour Sponsor for this Year's Annual Meeting.

NI Logo SquareNorthern Initiatives is a nonprofit lender headquartered in Marquette with offices throughout Michigan. Northern Initiatives provides loans and business services to entrepreneurs and small business owners who create jobs and help their communities thrive. Contact Elissa Sangalli, President, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (616) 204-2201

Who We Are
Started in 1994 as a program of Northern Michigan University’s College of Business to help build economic resiliency in the face of declining resource extraction in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Northern Initiatives now serves all 83 counties in Michigan.

As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Northern Initiatives has a mission to level the playing field in business ownership. We know that one of the best ways to build generational wealth is through business ownership (home ownership is the other). We also know that small businesses build resilient communities, provide good jobs, and improve quality of life.

Northern Initiatives is unique in the marketplace and one of the most successful CDFIs in the Midwest.

Who We Serve
Northern Initiatives’ typical customer is one with strong growth prospects, but often has a limited track record, limited or insufficient collateral, and is cash constrained. What Northern Initiatives measures as compensating factors are character and cash flow. In 2022, that was reflected in the fact that 67% of our loans were to startups.

But access to capital is only part of Northern Initiatives’ mission. We also support our customers with training, education, and technology systems that we’ve been building for years.

Early on, Northern Initiatives saw the need for online technical assistance to serve our expansive geographical footprint, not to mention the varied needs of entrepreneurs. That’s why we created Initiate, our online small business education platform with hundreds of interactive tools, templates, videos, and guides available in both English and Spanish. In 2017, we expanded access to other entrepreneur support organizations nationwide and now Initiate used in 42 states.

We also work with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to train partner organizations throughout Michigan, so they can in turn help their community’s businesses utilize Initiate. In 2022, Initiate supported 1,600 entrepreneurs who utilized 14.000 resources.

At the Annual Meeting
At the MEDA Annual Meeting, Elissa Sangalli, President of Northern Initiatives, will be leading a tour of downtown businesses in Marquette. These small businesses, all Northern Initiatives customers, are making an impact in the community in multiple ways. One has brought together a community; another has literally built a community.

To learn more about Northern Initiatives’ approach to community development, visit www.northerninitiatives.org.

Rudolph Libbe Group

Rudolph Libbe Whole LogoThe Rudolph Libbe Group is a one-stop 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 is headquartered in Toledo with offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Lima, Ohio, and the Detroit, Michigan area. Contact Ben Eisel, General Manager, Rudolph Libbe Group, 419-601-3718 or 734-455-3131.

Rudolph Libbe Group, Southeast Michigan office – 2022 has been an unprecedented year in terms of our customers’ growth, expansion and emergence into new markets and sectors. Our chemical sector clients are receiving orders at new levels and utilizing our turnkey services to maintain plant operations. The energy sector has been roaring and we have supported a number of clients through control room and conference room renovations. Several customers are rearranging their campuses and integrating new energy solutions. 

We also are supporting a huge wave in the auto sector. The large automotive companies and their Tier 2s, from steel manufacturers to sub-assembly providers, are expanding rapidly. This rapid growth phase is restricted only slightly by the supply of materials and manpower. We see this trend as the limiting factor going forward through 2022 into 2023. Our company has the capacity for additional work utilizing a strong network of supporting companies that use pre-purchases and large-scale buying power. When plans change or emergencies arise, long-term partnerships and turnkey solutions become more important than ever. Facility maintenance is key to keeping buildings fine-tuned for productivity, energy efficiency, comfort and reduction in operating costs. It’s essential to keep planning for the future.

When it’s time to grow – with new construction, renovations, new equipment or processes – knowing all the design and construction options is fundamental. RLG’s discretionary property and real estate services can help you source land and facilities with a keen eye toward state, municipal and workforce-based incentives. And, for every project, safety is a core value for everyone on-site, especially in these challenging and stressful times. For more information about Rudolph Libbe Group and our Southeast Michigan office, please visit www.rlgbuilds.com.

Site Selection Magazine

Site Selection LogoThe amazing first edition of the Michigan Guide was produced by the experienced team at Site Selection Magazine. https://siteselection.com/cc/michigan/

For almost 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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to learn about marketing opportunities.

Conference Bag Sponsor

Agracel LogoAgracel, Inc.

Agracel provides industrial development services to communities, companies, and investors. With expertise in site selection, economic development, leasing, engineering, construction management, and financing, they can provide a solution to any build-to-suit, sale-leaseback, or redevelopment project. Visit www.agracel.com for more information.

Bronze Sponsors

Accelerate UP/Eagle Mine

Accelerate UP Eagle Mine CombinedAccelerate UP offers free, confidential, and personalized consulting and coaching services to individuals and business owners, who want to start, expand, or diversify a business in Marquette County. ​Vision 2023: Entrepreneurial start-ups and small businesses are thriving, strengthening the economic fiber of our community, and creating jobs and financial well-being for individuals, families, and the community. Per its Mission Statement, Accelerate UP empowers entrepreneurs and propels small businesses to start, build, and expand through a system of business coaching, peer assistance, and community support. This service is free to the community through a partnership with Eagle Mine and Michigan Works.

Eagle Mine is an underground, high-grade nickel and copper mine located in western Marquette County of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is the first mine to be permitted under Michigan’s Part 632 Non-Ferrous Mineral Mining Law. The mine is expected to produce 440 million pounds of nickel, 429 million pounds of copper, and trace amounts of other minerals over its estimated mine life (2014 – 2027)

AKT Peerless 2020 LogoAKT Peerless Environmental Services

AKT Peerless Environmental Services has environmental consultants and redevelopment experts who are proud to help build sustainable communities. Their services – environmental, sustainability, economic development incentives, and construction loan consulting – are tailored to the needs of each of our clients. Contact Samantha Seimer, Vice President, Economic Development Services, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., PH: 248-615-1333 to connect with AKT.

Ann Arbor SPARK

SPARK Stacked Logo OfficialFor 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 in order 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 to 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.

Champion, Inc.

Champion IncjpgIn almost 100 years of business, Champion, Inc. continues to strive for and attain the ideals first set forth by its founders. With careful guardianship, the little company that started out with only gravel to sell has developed into a multi-divisional company with close to $110 million in revenue. Divisions have grown to include Ready Mix, Mechanical Supply and Construction. Champion Concrete has supplied over 5,000,000 cubic yards as a nationwide on-site Ready Mix Concrete producer. Since 1948, Champion Charter has been offering solutions in the mining, utility, industrial, and commercial markets. Founded in 1898, Gundlach Champion is one of the oldest construction firms in the nation and provides a broad range of construction services in the Midwest for both public and private owners. Our diversity enables Champion, Inc. to weather economic downturns in various sectors of the economy, with a pulse on multiple industries and the capacity to respond immediately to customer needs. Contact Champion.

DRPDetroit Regional Partnership

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.

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

MC PlanningandEconomicDevelopmentThe Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion, and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace & defense, agriculture and food processing, automation and robotics, automotive and mobility, and distribution & logistics. Macomb County is investing in the next generation of our workforce to fuel the talent pipeline while helping our young people discover careers that best match their interests and abilities. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: macombgov.org/business-home.

McKenna

MCKENNA logo horizontal RGBIt all starts with listening. McKenna engages with community officials to identify their challenges, then develops creative, thoughtful solutions to realize the unique vision of the project. Whether it’s a community-wide master plan or economic development strategy, their multidisciplinary team brings a hands-on approach, seamlessly working with municipal executives, or on their behalf. McKenna's people bring an array of expertise, with backgrounds ranging from municipal policy to design to commercial construction. They build proactive and lasting relationships with the public executives they serve as they help build communities for real life. McKenna's team is ready to take on any planning challenge! Our experience includes: Economic Development and Redevelopment, Master Plans, Sub-Area Plans, TIF Plans, Parks and Recreation Plans, Zoning Ordinance Updates/Re-Writes, Form-Based Code, Non-Motorized Transportation Planning, and Placemaking and Branding. Check out some examples of our work and contact us at: www.mcka.com.

 

URC 2023Michigan's University Research Corridor

The University Research Corridor is an alliance between the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University to transform, strengthen and diversify the state’s economy. The URC partners have formed this alliance to improve understanding of the vital role the three universities have played, and will play, in revitalizing the state’s economy. The collaborative effort will disseminate useful information for key stakeholders, including the business community, researchers and students, policymakers, and other investors. In doing so, the universities hope to enhance our outreach and collaborative efforts, speed up technology transfer and development, and communicate the advantages of doing business here. Contact the URC team to learn more: https://www.urcmich.org/contact-us

EDCALogo horizontal Coulter 01Oakland County Economic Development

Oakland County, Michigan is a world-leading center for business that is home to leaders in the mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries. With over 1,000 foreign-owned companies from 39 countries, Oakland is a highly diverse and international community that boasts one of the highest concentrations of commercial designers and industrial engineers in the U.S.A. Companies located in Oakland lead the world in next-generation automotive manufacturing and automotive-related research and development. Oakland County is home to approximately 12% of Michigan’s population and accounts for over 20% of the state’s GDP, making it the State of Michigan’s economic engine. Strategically located in the center of the Southeast Michigan region, Oakland provides innovative programs and access to resources to support local industry and build its economic base. Contact the Oakland County team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to learn more visit:  https://www.oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland

ROWE Logo Black TextROWE

ROWE Professional Services Company, founded in 1962 and based in Flint, is one of Michigan’s leading professional consulting firms, employing more than 220 people in Michigan and South Carolina. ROWE provides civil engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, planning, and aerial imagery services to its valued clients nationwide. Contact Jason Ball, Senior Planner, PH: 810-341-7500, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SME

SME LogoSME is recognized for creatively solving facility and infrastructure performance problems, adding value, and reducing life cycle costs. For more than 55 years, SME has provided professional services at over 100,000 projects in the Great Lakes region and beyond. We are passionate about building and revitalizing our world, and our experts provide practical solutions for the natural and built environments. Whether developing a new greenfield site or redeveloping an existing brownfield site; constructing or rehabilitating infrastructure including roads and bridges and other utilities; or acquiring, rehabilitating or managing existing facilities, SME can help. We specialize in geotechnical, environmental, pavement, building and construction materials, building enclosures, and metals and coatings consulting and design services. We recognize your projects are never easy. Challenges abound, risks are inherent, and budgets and schedules are tight. The tougher the challenge, the more SME can help. For more information, visit www.sme-usa.com or contact Davin Ojala, Senior Project Consultant, PH: 269-323-3555, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Boldt Company

Boldt bwThe Boldt Company is one of the leading construction management firms in the United States. The firm is a nationally recognized leader in Integrated Lean Project Delivery® within a variety of markets including industrial, healthcare, commercial, and energy and power. Boldt is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and has 18 offices nationwide. For more information www.boldt.com. Boldt is helping the world by challenging construction norms. Seeing what can be and achieving every vision. We develop and build the extraordinary. From straightforward to technically complex, our focus goes beyond building great things. It’s bringing together people, ideas, and innovative methods to blaze new trails and improve tomorrow’s landscape. It’s helping the world build boldly. Contact Linda Rosati, Director of Business Development, PH: 947-465-9092, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Woda Cooper Companies

Woda Cooper LogoWoda Cooper is the country’s first employee-owned, vertically-integrated affordable real estate company. They create high-quality housing at fair prices, from the initial idea, to the first shovel into the ground, to finding the right resident and maintaining the property. Their focus areas are Development: Researching, planning, and financing the future of affordable new constructions and rehabilitations; Construction: Building the quality homes that transform every community of which we are a part.; Property Management: Maintaining every property to the highest standards for both our residents and investment partners; and Design: In-house architecture focused on new construction, historic renovations and rehabilitation, and retrofits. Contact Craig Patterson, Senior Vice President - Development, Woda Cooper Companies, Inc., PH: 989-464-8195, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Michigan Works AssociationBreakfast/Coffee Sponsor

Michigan Works! Association

The Michigan Works! Association provides services and support to Michigan’s workforce development system. Through the Association, members can access timely, relevant professional development opportunities and ensure high-quality programs for all customers. Contact their team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today!

Upper Peninsula Michigan WorksUpper Peninsula Michigan Works!

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is a team of dedicated specialists who help people and businesses be more successful. Across the Upper Peninsula, we join together to help maximize the state and federal resources to help companies improve their workforces and our people to be better employees. Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is committed to supporting and constantly improving the U.P. economy. Contact their team today!

Early Arrivals Reception Sponsor

InvestUP Official logo 245wInvestUP

InvestUP is the lead regional economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. Our mission is to drive prosperity across the Upper Peninsula. Core Values: Proactive, collaboration, leveraging, relationships, thought leadership, and most important to us – results.

Tour Sponsors

Butzel Long

Butzel 2021 Logo RGBFounded in 1854, Butzel Long has played a prominent role in the development and growth of several major industries. Business leaders have turned to Butzel Long for innovative, highly-effective legal counsel for over 165 years. Butzel Long has a long and successful history of developing new capabilities and deepening our expertise for its clients’ benefit. Butzel Long strives to be on the cutting edge of technology, manufacturing, e-commerce, biotechnology, intellectual property, and cross-border operations and transactions. Contact Butzel Long.

Northern Initiatives

Northern Initiatives is also a Silver Sponsor for this Year's Annual Meeting.

NI Logo SquareNorthern Initiatives is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working throughout Michigan. We provide loans and technical assistance for small businesses. Often, these small business owners might not qualify for loans from traditional banks for a variety of reasons. Many times, our lending is focused on low-income, disadvantaged, and underserved communities. Each of our loans includes coaching and a vast array of constantly updated resources to help businesses – and their communities - thrive. For more about our approach to community development, visit www.northerninitiatives.org.

Friends of MEDA Sponsors

Albert Kahn 100 Years LogoAlbert Kahn Associates, Inc.

For 125 years, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. has committed to designing and engineering innovative facilities that surpass the needs of its clients. Guided by the legacy of our founder Albert Kahn and a passion for architecture and engineering, Kahn commits to putting their clients first and delivering a remarkable product. Having designed over 45,000 projects around the world, Kahn’s expertise starts with architecture, engineering, interior design, program management, and master planning, and spans through commissioning, business and management needs, strategic facilities planning, value, and sustainability analysis.

City of Negaunee

City of NegauneeThe City of Negaunee is a safe, friendly community with award-winning schools, first-rate medical clinics, unique shopping and dining experiences, and abundant entertainment and recreational opportunities. Located in Marquette County, this city is home to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, beautiful Teal Lake, the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival (a celebration of all things winter), plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and much more. With help from a revitalization and placemaking downtown enhancement grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the City of Negaunee is going through a massive Streetscape Project and can't wait to have you there for the Opening Reception.

Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission

CUPPADThe mission of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission is to foster cooperative analysis, planning and action for economic, social and physical development and conservation within the central Upper Peninsula. Their staff of dedicated planners, economic developers, and GIS professionals are passionate about the prosperity of our region. They understand the rigors of local governance and the disparity of resources. As your advocate, they can help your community prosper with sound planning practices, federal funding opportunities, technical assistance, and much more. For the most up to date information, please follow us on Facebook or sign up for our quarterly newsletter.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

DEGC LogoThe Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is the City of Detroit’s chief economic catalyst. For nearly half a century, the DEGC has provided a robust pipeline of initiatives, programming and financing to attract investment and create economic opportunity for all who call the city home. With a diverse team representing the communities it serves, the DEGC is helping eliminate economic barriers and build a prosperous and inclusive city for residents. If you’re a business looking to make Detroit your home, the DEGC is the first step on your path to success. For more information, please visit the Services section at DEGC.org.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

GS FCSGreenStone Farm Credit Services is one of America’s largest rural lenders. Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, GreenStone is the country's seventh-largest association in the Farm Credit System. GreenStone owns and manages $11 billion in assets and serves over 27,000 members with 36 branches throughout Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.

Luce County Economic Development Corporation

Luce CountyThe Luce County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was incorporated pursuant to Act 338, Public Acts of Michigan, 1974 as amended. The EDC was formed in 1978. Their mission is to facilitate economic development through business expansion and location assistance, infrastructure development and community development planning. The EDC is ran by a team of change-driven individuals and is overseen by a passionate board of directors that is eager to improve Luce County through the attraction of talent, retention of business, and growth of industry. The county has one of the largest opportunity zones in the state, which includes its industrial park, the Village of Newberry, and beyond. have the best land prices, lowest utility costs, high-speed fiber internet, and rail spur access.

Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

MSG LogoThe 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, and Surveying. 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 has played a major role for over 20 years in the City of Detroit’s ongoing revitalization.

Marquette Downtown Development Authority

Marquette DDA CroppedMarquette Downtown Development Authority, also known as Downtown Marquette, actively promotes the unique and enjoyable aspects of the downtown district’s community, including shopping, dining, events, and parking. Their purpose is to prevent property value decline, boost property tax valuation, eliminate causes of deterioration, and drive economic growth. Celebrating the city's history while embracing innovation, Downtown Marquette nurtures a thriving community with diverse businesses, cultural attractions, and events. They work to preserve the district's charm and create a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Michigan Gas UtilitiesMGv 4color wtag

MGU delivers natural gas to about 181,000 customers in southern and western Michigan. They had their start in pre-Civil War days when gas was manufactured from coal and used to light streets, homes, and businesses. Since that time, they have grown and changed along with the communities they serve. Their employees are dedicated to delivering natural gas safely and reliably. They look for ways to reduce costs for our customers. And they help our local communities grow even more.

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern CroppedNorfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,300 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including agriculture, forest, consumer products, chemicals, metals, and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

nlea logoThe Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), established in 1984, is a public/private non-profit organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties in Northern Michigan. The NLEA works directly with local units of government on infrastructure projects, facilitates local company growth and expansion, and assists many local companies on a wide range of issues that help retain existing jobs and create new jobs. They proactively approach economic development as a “team sport” and work hard to strengthen partner relationships, network public and private sectors, and work collaboratively to address economic development challenges and opportunities in our area.

RACER Trust

Racer Trust LogoRACER 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.

Saginaw FutureSaginaw 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. As an organization, SFI is focused on these key areas: Strengthening existing Saginaw County businesses and helping them to grow; Leveraging major corporations, entrepreneurs and assets to attract world-class businesses; Promoting Saginaw County as a premier location for local and foreign investment; Engaging in local and regional initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; and Recruiting talent by demonstrating the incredible opportunities that are available in Saginaw County. SFI is only one of 64 economic development organizations accredited by the International Economic Development Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. Established in 1992, SFI is a private, nonprofit alliance of local businesses, the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, the County and City of Saginaw, 16 local municipalities, labor organizations, educational institutions and local foundations. Saginaw Future assists companies with Financial and Incentive Packaging, identifies State Business Opportunity Programs, Government Contracting, Site Location Assistance, Shovel-ready land, Industrial Site Development, Business Advocacy and Community Liaison assistance, Workforce Development needs and more!

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership

SEDP LogoThe mission of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership is to improve Shiawassee County’s economy through business attraction, retention, and expansion. They cultivate a business-friendly environment in Shiawassee County and provide our clients with access to resources, tools, and knowledge to empower decisions that will lead to their success. 

Upper Peninsula Construction Council

UPCCThe Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) is made up of over 250 quality construction contractors located across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The . They are signatory contractors and building trades professionals working together to advance our industry by supplying the safest, highest quality, and most cost-effective construction services at the best possible value.

Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance

UPEDAlogoThe Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance (UPEDA) provides a network for its members and partners to connect and accomplish economic development activities throughout the region. The group works together to share information, provide ongoing education, and support businesses and entrepreneurial growth across the region.

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Thank You 2022 MEDA Sponsors

MEDA would like to show appreciation to those that supported us in 2022.

Please scroll down to see all of the sponsors and visit their webpages.

Corporate Sponsors

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Annual Meeting Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Platinum Sponsors

Bedrock Detroit

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Gold Sponsors

AKT Peerless Environmental Services

Comcast Business

Michigan STEM Forward

Opening Reception Sponsor

Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP

Lunch Sponsor

Public Sector Consultants

Bonus Session

Resource Development Group

Breakfast/Coffee Sponsors

Agracel

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

Silver Sponsors

Employee Ownership Expansion Network

Envirologic Technologies, Inc.

GIS WebTech

ITC

LoopNet/CoStar

McKenna

Member Marketplace Inc.

Middle Michigan Development Corporation

Oakland County Economic Development

PM Environmental

Rockford Construction

Rudolph Libbe Group

Site Selection Magazine

Bronze Sponsors

CIB Planning

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Detroit Regional Partnership

Granger Construction

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

OHM Advisors

ROWE Professional Services Company

SME

The Boldt Company

Wayne County Economic Development Corporation

Conference Bag Sponsor

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Tour Sponsor

Butzel Long

DTE Energy

Friends of MEDA Sponsors

Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.

Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc.

Colliers International Valuation and Advisory Services

Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

International Strategic Management (ISM) 

InvestUP

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)

Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

Michigan Gas Utilities

Midland Business Alliance

Norfolk Southern

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

Pioneer Construction

RACER Trust

Renovare Development

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership

Spalding DeDecker

Basic Course Scholarships

Consumers Energy

DTE Energy

Capitol Day

ITC

The Fall Economic Development Toolbox

National Development Council

The Spring Economic Development Toolbox

Michigan STEM Forward

Emerging Leaders Spring Training

McKenna

Webinars

GIS WebTech

Michigan STEM Forward

Member Login

Corporate Investors

Consumers Energy DTE Logo Small
ITC Logo MEDC 2020 Resized
MSHDA vertical TM Plante Moran Realpoint

Contact Us

Michigan Economic
Developers Association
P.O. Box 15096
Lansing, MI 48901-5096
PH: 517-241-0011
cjorae@medaweb.org