Dear Colleagues,  

Happy New Year! 2023 promises to be a year of new beginnings, partnerships, and growth in Oakland County's Economic Development.  

As we wish Ingrid Tighe the best in her new role as the Executive Director of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the search for a new Director of Economic Development is underway. The new director will work with myself and the rest of Executive Coulter's team to ensure Oakland County has a thriving and inclusive economy. For more information about the Director of Economic Development posting view the posting brochure at  https://www.govhrusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Oakland-County-MI-DED-Brochure-121422-2.pdf or visit the job posting https://www.govhrusa.com/careers-page-govhr/?rpid=gFqD8pcZung.

The economy of Oakland County relies on a strong network of partners helping to support our businesses, communities, and citizens. As we strengthen partnerships between local economic development professionals, Oakland County Michigan Works!, Downtown Development Authorities, Primary Shopping Districts, chambers of commerce, and other organizations, we will work to ensure every person can thrive and prosper in Oakland County.   

VTM Michigan is a mobility technology event that brings together the vehicle and transportation community in one venue. Plan to join the Oakland County Economic Development team at this two-day conference for a chance to meet with global automotive and mobility leaders. Local economic development and community partners will be hosting Michigan’s first international B2B forum on innovations in mobility to showcase our region as the Global Epicenter of Mobility. This event is patterned after the successful VTM Turin, which attracted over 300 companies and organizations.  

Informational Webinar
February 9, 2023  |  9:30 - 10:30 AM OR 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Want to learn more? We are hosting a webinar to see what it’s all about. We have morning and afternoon sessions available. Choose the time that works best for you: tinyurl.com/ypw82pru

Learn More and Register Today at: michiganvehiclemeetings.com/ 

Building Vibrant Communities  
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 by the MEDC provides matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of Dec. 19, 2022, MEDC has provided more than $10.9 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 335 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $12.6 million raised from 59,519 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.

Before applying for PSCP matching funding, you are encouraged to have established public awareness and local momentum for your project.  Eligible project examples include: 

• Streetscape beautification and walkability 
• Public plaza development 
• Access to public amenities (e.g., riverwalks, canoe livery, pier enhancements) 
• Farmer’s markets, community kitchens, pop-up retail and incubator space (community or nonprofit) 
• Alley rehabilitation 
• Park enhancements 
• Bike paths and non-motorized infrastructure 
• Bandshells and amphitheaters 
• Community theater rehabilitation (community or nonprofit) 
• Public Wi-Fi 
• Place branding and event implementation 
  
  

To support small businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season, the Shop Small “Local Gem” Sweepstake generated 952 entries from people submitting their favorite shops, restaurants and services.  Each eligible entry photo is posted on the Facebook Album @AdvantageOak and added to the OakGov.com/ShopSmall webpage. 

Sam Bishop of Lathrup Village is the winner of the $1,000 first prize. He entered Vibrant Vizionz in Oak Park, and they hosted the check presentation event.  Wynn Shamily opened her business seven years ago and provides graphic design services and custom embroidery work for t-shirts, ball caps, hoodies and other items. 

Norma Okanski of Pontiac is the winner of the $500 second prize. She entered Oakland Hope of Pontiac, as her Local Gem. This food pantry and thrift store was started by a coalition of 10 churches and has been providing food assistance and necessities to thousands of families each month.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan, and Theresa Doan of Genisys Credit Union attended the check presentation. Genisys provided the prize money—along with shopper bags, banners, and posters to Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) communities.  Erick Phillips, senior business development representative for the MSOC and Local Business Development Team, was the program manager for the campaign. 

“There are more than 39,000 small businesses in Oakland County and 95 percent of them have fewer than 50 employees,” said Coulter. “These small businesses are lifelines for our residents, run by our neighbors, friends and family.  Our economy could not succeed without these small businesses.”

Many of our MSOC communities actively promoted the Local Gems Sweepstake and developed special incentives and events for shoppers coming to their downtown small businesses during the holidays.  Of the Top 10 small businesses getting the most entries seven were from Main Street communities.  Some of the favorite local gems include:  

1. Irresistible Boutique, Southfield 
2. Little Things Country Store, Ortonville  
3. Impact North, Ortonville 
4. Hobbytown, Southfield 
5. Bags and Beads, Ferndale 
6. Essence on Main, Clarkston
7. Vibrant Vizionz, Oak Park 
8. Top of the Line Barbershop, Southfield 
9. The Stone Loft, Village of Holly 
10. Dagwoods Deli & Eatery, Farmington 

The Department of Economic Development appreciates everyone who participated in the campaign and is continuing to use the submitted photos for social media posts to promote these “local gem” small businesses.  

Cold Weather Safety Resources 

Fresh snow and crisp air can be lovely, but when temperatures drop, it is essential to know how to stay safe indoors and outside. The resources linked below discuss ways to protect health during cold weather conditions. Additional information on climate health hazards can be found at the Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP) website: michigan.gov/climateandhealth.  

• Cold Health and Safety Fact Sheet – This fact sheet explains some health risks associated with cold weather and how you can protect yourself and your family. This fact sheet is also available in Spanish.   
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning – This fact sheet explains why CO poisoning happens and how to prevent it.    
  
  

School playgrounds are not the only settings for bullying. Such situations can arise at work, too, resulting in a hostile work environment. Nobody should have to endure it. Join us in February for a free, virtual workshop on effectively handling such harassment at work. The key for leaders is to launch intentional and crucial conversations about bullying, including the identification of common workplace bullying characteristics, sharing insights into addressing such situations, and imparting change-based knowledge to end bullying on the job.

Register at: tinyurl.com/4mcn3yy2

Oakland County Michigan Works!, in partnership with the City of Pontiac and the Pontiac Collective Partnership, launched the iamPontiac Summer Internship Program last week.  The goal is to program valuable work experience and training opportunities for eligible Pontiac-area youth ages 16-24.

The paid internships last eight weeks, from June 26 – August 18.  There are employment opportunities within various Pontiac city government offices and the parks and recreation department, as well as other local employers who rely on summer interns.

Jobs include office/clerical, parks and recreation, customer service, construction/building trades, manufacturing and retail positions.

The deadline for students to register for the program is Friday, March 3. They must participate in a required information session beforehand.  They take place on January 25, February 1, 11 and 15.

For more information or to RSVP for an information session, persons should visit: OakGov.com/iamPontiac

This month, the United States Department of Defense announced a newly expanded paid leave policy for military parents. Military service members will now have 12 weeks of paid parental leave. This policy applies to those who have given birth, adoptive parents, and long-term foster parents. 

Check Out This Story on USAToday.com: tinyurl.com/y37cxzxn