September 9, 2021
Bi-Weekly County Executive Newsletter
Dear Friends,
I’m so excited about an event that’s coming to Oakland County in a couple weeks: the first ever Motor Bella auto show at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.
But this is not your traditional auto show. It’s an interactive experience that will allow car enthusiasts to not only kick the tires of more than 400 of the newest models at the Concourse, but cruise in an electric vehicle, take a thrilling ride on the mile-long “hot lap” track or climb over some rocky terrain in a utility vehicle.
It may not be what we’re all used to at the North American International Auto Show at the TCF Center in Detroit. But the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily paused the iconic auto show for the last two years and we’re thrilled that the Detroit Auto Dealers Association has chosen Pontiac for Motor Bella, providing a different game plan to showcase all that’s new and exciting in the latest lineups of cars, trucks, electric vehicles and advanced automotive technology.
First, the event is mostly outdoors across 87 acres from Sept. 21-26, providing an environment where social distancing is more readily available. The first two days are reserved for the press and industry with Sept. 23-26 set aside for the public.
Second, this is an opportunity for Pontiac and its automotive history to shine. From the horseless carriages built in the city at the turn of the century to the bustling Oakland Motor Car Company, Fisher Body, and General Motors assembly plants that built trucks and cars in the city, Pontiac has rich and long ties to the automotive industry.
And we’re so glad to be able to continue to contribute to the future of the auto industry as well.
I’m really looking forward to all that Motor Bella has to offer, from the opening ceremonies and panels geared toward mobility issues, which are so crucial to our economic and transportation future to taking a spin myself on the track.
The folks at DADA tell me that Motor Bella was conceived as an off shoot to run alongside Detroit’s traditional auto show – a tribute to the more exotic cars from England and Italy with the name derived from the British term for driving, “Motoring,” and the Italian word for “Beautiful.” And Motor Bella was born.
The 2020 version may have been paused because of COVID, but we’re all looking forward to Version 2021 and there will be so much to see with 39 auto manufacturers represented, including GM, Ford, Stellantis and Toyota, and more than 40 automotive technology companies ready to show off the latest the auto industry has to offer.
I’ll be there and hope you will check it out as well. For all the details on Motor Bella, go to Motorbella.com.
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Ready to ride!
David Coulter
Oakland County Executive
Oakland County preparing for Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week, which begins on Sunday, Sept. 12, is a time to come together to celebrate the wonderful things that each of our different cultures and backgrounds bring to the community. Oakland County, a member of Welcoming America, is pleased to join the celebration with other Welcoming Communities across the country as we reflect on what the theme of Belonging Begins with Us means.
Oakland County will hold an in-person event Friday, Sept. 17 outside at Rahma Worldwide, 31333 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills. This refugee services-centered event will feature representatives from agencies and county departments that work with community members, including Oakland County Workforce Development, Rahma Worldwide, Oakland County Board of Commissioners, ACCESS, Samaritas, the Office of Global Michigan, and many others.
There will also be a walk-in vaccine clinic (for everyone 12 years and older) at the event along with some wonderful cultural performers and a food truck provided by the county for the guests to enjoy.
Oakland County Executive David Coulter will kick off the event at 6:45 p.m.
This Welcoming Week has even more meaning this year as communities across Michigan and the nation prepare to welcome people who are fleeing Afghanistan. Let’s declare that Belonging Begins With US — that each and every one of us has the power to help others feel like they belong, regardless of their background.
Oakland County announces COVID protections for county employees, schools
With the number of cases of COVID-19 on the rise and hospitalizations increasing, the Oakland County Health Division issued an emergency order requiring students, faculty and staff in the county’s K-12 and vocational schools and day cares to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control has categorized Oakland County as at high risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially the highly contagious Delta variant and recommends that masks be worn indoors.
The order will stay in place until the county drops to a moderate level of transmission and follows a requirement that Oakland County employees resume wearing masks inside county buildings regardless of vaccination status.
Coulter announces appointment of county’s first sustainability officer
Oakland County Executive David Coulter announced the appointment of Erin Quetell as the county’s first environmental sustainability officer. She brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in the same role in the city of Ferndale as well as working on environmental issues in both the private and non-profit sectors.
In her new role, Quetell will focus on sustainability best practices for county operations and facilities and develop action plans for the county to reach carbon neutrality on the county government campus by 2030 and in the county overall by 2050.
Board of Commissioners approves new Corporation Counsel
Solon Phillips, Oakland County Executive David Coulter’s selection for Corporation Counsel, received unanimous approval last week from the Board of Commissioners.
Phillips brings 20 years of municipal legal experience to the job, including leadership positions in county, schools and courts in southeast Michigan.
And the job brings Phillips, a resident of Farmington Hills, full circle. He was born and raised in Pontiac and his first job was a cashier at Waterford Oaks County Park during his teenage years.
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