Dear Colleagues, 

With companies bringing employees back to the office these past few months, Oakland County businesses have also hosted a large number of ribbon-cutting events, groundbreaking ceremonies, and expansion announcements. The team at Oakland County has been honored to participate in these celebrations of growth and investment in our community!

This month, we are pleased to reintroduce our quarterly Oakland County Economic Development Partner Meetings. I look forward to gathering with the people who are invested in the well-being of Oakland County to share ideas to stabilize, strengthen and revitalize our economy. Together we can achieve great things. More information about the Oakland County Economic Development Partner Meeting can be found below.

ExporTech, the national export growth program, is returning to Michigan this fall in virtual format. During six half-day sessions, Sept. 30 - Dec. 10, ExporTech will help manufacturing and technology executives draft customized strategic plans for export growth based on international market research and expert advice from top international trade professionals in Michigan. Michigan companies are invited to apply. Eight companies will be selected with a preference for current exporters looking to expand export sales. Fee: $1,200–multiple company representatives may participate at no extra cost.  Spots are limited–apply today. 

Congratulations to ProTEC-USA of Troy on the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new PPE facility which began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Oakland County provided a “Saving Businesses, Saving Lives“ grant to assist with this initiative. To learn more, read the news release. 

Founded in 1825, the Village of Franklin is nearing its 200th Anniversary, and the local community is rallying to plan and build for the future. Main Street Franklin is teaming with their local government, volunteers, and Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) to emerge from the pandemic and prolonged “Streetscape” construction with a goal to make the historic village more robust than ever.  

The village encompasses a wealth of assets attractive to small business owners, such as perfectly preserved historic architecture, one-of-a-kind character and a rural-like setting. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the business district was formed in 1830 and designated in 1969 as Michigan’s first historic district. Nothing lasts that long without a community that carefully balances both preservation and change—to create a distinctive sense of place.  

This year, Main Street Franklin, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, created an economic development partnership with the government of Franklin, dedicated to improving the health of the downtown business district. MSOC has invested money and staff expertise to help develop this new funding model. Members from both the Main Street Franklin Board and Village Council will jointly manage this economic development initiative. And, for the first time, a full-time economic development director will be hired to help attract new businesses and visitors and support the current village businesses, many of them independent shops and women owned.  

At the county level, MSOC has also supported Franklin’s economic development by identifying a recruiter to help bring viable and appropriate businesses into downtown Franklin. In addition, the village received funding opportunities through MSOC, including COVID-19 pandemic relief grants, Flagstar and Genisys Credit Union grants, and façade grants. MSOC’s preservation architect is doing architectural renderings and plans to remodel and update the Franklin Village Plaza signage, facade and hardscape landscaping.  

Working with Oakland County, village planners seek to elevate its history, culture and natural resources, including the Franklin River. One idea (Code Name: “Mill to Vill” Trail) is to create a history and nature trail visitors can walk from the Franklin Cider Mill (circa 1837), along the riverbank, through the village’s downtown and Franklin Green, and back. Plaques will reveal Franklin’s hidden history, including its role in the Underground Railroad.  

In addition to its local community, Main Street Franklin receives countywide support, as it’s part of the Main Street Oakland County family of communities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Highland Township, Holly, Holly Township, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon and Wixom. They will all want to celebrate with Franklin come 2025. 

On July 28, 2021, Oakland County Veterans Services announced that a second round of funding has been allocated for the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program, providing financial assistance to county veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic. To learn more read the news release or to apply, visit: OakGov.com/Veterans

On Thursday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, a Veterans Resource Fair will be held at the Hazel Park Community Center. All veterans, active duty, guard and reserves and their families will receive free nonperishable food boxes and information on community resources. Cost: Free | Registration Required at: AdvantageOakland.Eventbrite.com