Oct. 2023 | Top Stories:
Oakland County Veterans By the Numbers | Opportunity to Connect Business Needs with Academia | Oakland County Business Finance Corporation Annual Meeting | AUSA Annual Meeting & Expo | Industry 4.0 | Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference | Automotive Manufacturing Meetings in Madrid | Revolving Loan Fund | Business & Sustainability | Public Transit Update | Local Gems Sweepstakes | Trail, Water & Land Alliance's Fall Celebration | Advantage: Apprenticeships | Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs | Operation Greenlight | Michigan Initiative Opens Thousands of Jobs to Veterans
A Message From Sean Carlson
Oakland County Deputy Executive
Dear Colleagues,
As we close out the month of October, I’d like to honor my fellow Veterans and wish them an early Happy Veterans Day and Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps. As a county, we have several special initiatives planned to honor our over 49,000 local Veterans, including Operation Green Light, two upcoming resource fairs and a special data corner dedicated to our Veteran population.
I am also pleased to announce the return of our Local Gems Sweepstakes – Oakland County Economic Development's annual Shop Small campaign. From Nov. 1-25, encourage everyone—whether they are business owners, community leaders, or the general public—to take part so that we can support our local small businesses and give shoppers the chance to win some extra cash this holiday season.
We have hit some significant milestones this month with two major initiatives: Oakland Transit and Workforce Development's “Advantage: Apprenticeship” program. You can read about the progress below.
Lastly, we hope you will attend the upcoming Oakland County Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference on Nov. 13 where you can learn from defense and advanced manufacturing leaders how your company can profit from new manufacturing, design and engineering methods in the commercial and defense industries.
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 Data Corner
Oakland County Veterans By the Numbers
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I and became a national holiday beginning in 1938. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor all who served. As we approach Veterans Day 2023, let’s take a look at Veterans in Oakland County:
49,943* – The number of military Veterans in Oakland County (5.0% of the county’s adult population).
56.7%* – The percentage of Oakland County Veterans age 65 or older. At the other end of the age spectrum, 7.1% of the county’s Veterans are younger than 35.
$50,987* – The median income for Oakland County Veterans in 2021, 16% higher than the median income for non-Veterans in Oakland County.
$4.9 billion** – The annual value of sales/shipments/revenue of the nearly 2,000 Veteran-owned employer firms in Oakland County. There are more Veteran-owned firms in Oakland County than any other county in the state.
26,559** – The number of workers employed by Veteran-owned firms in the county. These firms also pump more than $1.3 billion in annual payroll into the local economy.
Civilian Population 18 Years and Over
Interactive resources and related information:
*U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year estimates (2021)
**U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Business Survey (2017); figures include wholly veteran-owned employer firms and firms oqned equally by veterans and non-veterans
 Business
Opportunity to Connect Business Skill Needs with Academia
UofM Office Hours at Automation Alley
2675 Bellingham Drive, Troy, MI 48083
We are pleased to share with you an initiative through the University of Michigan Flint, designed to connect small to medium enterprises with academic leadership. This opportunity will give business leaders a chance to share their talent and skill needs and explore how the University can play a role in addressing those needs through workforce development and uptraining workers. Roy Barnes, Ph.D., Director of Accelerated Online Degree Completion Program at the University of Michigan Flint, will be scheduling 30- to 45-minute appointments every third Tuesday of the month.
The next session is on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Automation Alley in Troy. And last one for the year is on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.
Email Roy Barnes at rcbarnes@umich.edu with preferred time to meet between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to secure your appointment. This will be first-come, first-served as time is available.
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Oakland County Business Finance Corporation Holds First Annual Luncheon since 2019
On Tuesday Oct. 17, 2023, the Oakland County Business Finance Corporation (BFC) and Oakland County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) came together for a luncheon for the first time since 2019. The two entities closed out fiscal year 2023 with a healthy agenda of actions and a presentation of successful funded projects. But perhaps the highlight of the event was the opportunity to honor two prestigious retiring members of the BFC Board: Jim Simone and JoAnn Van Tassel. Jim Simone served 12 years as a member of the BFC Board, and during that time shared a wealth of knowledge and exemplified incredible dedication especially during the difficult COVID years. JoAnn Van Tassel has served as a member of the BFC Board for 42 years and was a key member of the BFC since its foundation. Her impact on the BFC as an organization, and on economic development in the region, cannot be overstated and is to be highly commended and celebrated. Congratulations to them both. They will be missed!
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Oakland County Business Development Attends United States Army’s AUSA Annual Meeting & Expo in Washington, D.C.
October was a month full of national outreach and coverage as Ray Putz and Linnette Phillips – both Senior Business Development Representatives – met with leaders in the defense industry at the United States Army's AUSA 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo in D.C. from Oct. 9-11, 2023. They were joined by Oakland County company, Barron Industries, an expert in the area of Defense Advanced Manufacturing capabilities and innovations.
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Interested in Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0?
The next generation of manufacturing is here, and it’s being led by Oakland County. Learn more about Project DIAMOnD—the country’s largest 3D printing network—and the opportunities awaiting Oakland County businesses.
Follow the discussion on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/showcase/project-diamond/about/
“Thank you for being an integral part of Project DIAMOnD. We look forward to the opportunity to continue this journey of innovation together.”
–The Project DIAMOnD Team
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Oakland County Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference
Nov. 13, 2023
Join Defense and Advanced Manufacturing leaders to learn how your company can profit from new manufacturing, design and engineering methods in the commercial and defense industries, and identify new opportunities, resources and assets to diversify your customer portfolio.
Why you should attend:
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Develop supplier relationships
- Diversify customer portfolio
- Access local resources
- Focus on additive manufacturing and 3-D printing
This all-day event, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. includes networking breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
Cost is $30 to attend, and advanced registration required here: bit.ly/46xwMOI
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Automotive Manufacturing Meetings Madrid, Spain
VTM Michigan partners attended the global automotive supply chain event Oct. 10-11, 2023, in Madrid. Representing the robust Mobility and Advanced Manufacturing hub of Oakland County, Michigan, the partners were successful in attracting potential new leads.
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Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund Available for Disadvantaged Small Businesses
Funding is available for your business needs through the Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This fund places a special focus on providing gap financing to Oakland County small businesses that are: woman- or minority-owned, located in economically disadvantaged areas and/or negatively impacted by COVID-19. However, all Oakland County small businesses are welcome to apply.
Loan Source: Oakland County RLF
Can be Used for: Financing the acquisition and modernization of commercial real estate, the acquisition of machinery/equipment, facility renovations and working capital
Eligible Businesses: For profit, small businesses located in Oakland County
Loan Amounts: $50,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum
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Amortization up to 10 years
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Competitive fixed rates set at funding
- Assets acquired with loan proceeds
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Personal guarantees of the principal owners
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Provides gap funding to help the bank/credit union say “approved”
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Finances up to one-third of project costs
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Minimum of 10% owner’s equity based on project
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Bank/credit union loan combined with owner’s equity make up two-thirds of project cost
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 Business & Sustainability in the Great Lakes Region Event
Oct. 31, 2023 in Detroit
A sustainable Great Lakes region cannot be achieved without the leadership, involvement, and commitment of businesses across all industries and sizes.
Join the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and Sustainable Business Network of Detroit (SBND) for a free networking event in Detroit, MI from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2023.
Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion with Great Lakes business leaders from Corewell Health, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, Fishbeck, and LyondellBasell to gain firsthand insight into how they are integrating sustainability into their operations and corporate strategies.
Transit
Oakland County Public Transit is On a Roll a Year After Voters Approved Millage
Oakland County's public transit is on the move, marking substantial progress nearly a year after the public transportation millage was approved by voters. This initiative has unlocked the potential for easily accessible, reliable, and affordable transportation, making the county an even more attractive destination for residents, employers and visitors.
The transformation of public transit in Oakland County is evident through several key achievements:
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Countywide Integration: Oakland County is breaking down the barriers between communities to create a unified public transportation system. SMART, for instance, introduced new fixed-route services, extending its reach to Novi and Wixom, with a fixed route stop at Woodward and Long Lake in Bloomfield Hills. People’s Express removed the boundaries between the individual communities it serves, enabling residents to travel further in the southwest part of the Oakland County.
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Increased Ridership: Several local operators, including WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People's Express, have witnessed a remarkable surge in ridership, exceeding 20%. This growth is attributed to expanded service areas and extended operating hours.
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Standardized Fare: These operators have standardized fares at an affordable $2 per ride, making public transit more accessible for the County’s most vulnerable residents.
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Expansion and Innovation: The planning process for public transit continues, with SMART exploring new zones in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Waterford, and White Lake as well as new micro-transit zones in additional communities. All Oakland County operators are adopting new software early next year to provide rides more efficiently.
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Federal Investment: The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan submitted a regional federal grant application for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties, as well as the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and SMART. This initiative aims to attract federal investments in transit, including the much-anticipated Woodward Bus Rapid Transit project.
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Ongoing Improvements: Next year, WOTA, NOTA and OPC plan to incorporate service for the general public, beyond the traditional service only for seniors and individuals with disabilities, further enhancing the transit network.
Despite facing challenges related to hiring and equipment delays, Oakland County and its transit providers are committed to strengthening the system. The public transportation millage, with 79% of funds directed towards transportation services, is transforming Oakland County into a model of seamless, accessible, and equitable transit. The future promises even greater coordination among transit providers, expanded services, and the transition to low/zero-emission vehicles, ultimately supporting transit-oriented development.
Oakland County's relentless pursuit of public transit improvements underscores its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors while fostering economic growth and regional competitiveness. As the county moves forward, we can anticipate more exciting developments in the world of public transit.
Read the Press Release
To learn more about Oakland Transit, visit: oakgov.com/OaklandTransit
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 Community
Nov. 1 Marks the Launch of the 2023 Small Business Saturday “Local Gems” Sweepstakes
 Tina’s Local Gem is Irresistible Boutique in Southfield (2022) | Maggie, using selfie frame, submitted Hamilton’s Feed & Fuel in Ortonville as her local gem. (2022)
Due to positive responses last year from Oakland County small businesses and communities, the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes returns and runs Nov. 1-25. The sweepstakes incentivizes Michigan residents to promote the small businesses in Oakland County they consider to be “local gems” by taking and submitting a selfie of the business’ exterior, sign, or interior.
Each eligible entry increases a participant’s odds of winning $1,000 for first prize, or $500 for second prize, or $250 for third prize. All prize money is awarded by sponsor Genisys Credit Union.
The sweepstakes is part of the Department of Economic Development’s annual Small Business Saturday Campaign to help build visibility, foot traffic, and sales for small businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.
An eligible participant must be 18 years or older and a Michigan resident. Participants—including business owners and their employees and community leaders and their staff—can submit one photo of each of their favorite small businesses. A small business is defined for this sweepstakes as an independently owned and operated, legal, brick-and-mortar business physically located in Oakland County. Participant is not required to make a purchase at the business.
Photographs deemed to be from a copied source or plagiarized will be disqualified. Each entry must include a separate and distinct photograph from the participant’s other entries submitted.
Shopping small and local in the county’s downtowns can be particularly fun during the holidays. Many Main Street Oakland County communities have special events and activities, like Rochester’s “The Big Bright Light Show” and the Village of Holly’s “Holly Dickens Festival.” Each downtown in the county is worth exploring.
“We thank our sponsor Genisys Credit Union,” says Erick Phillips, senior business consultant, Main Street Oakland County and Local Business Development, Oakland County. “In addition to the sweepstakes prize money, they provided shopping bags and banners to our Main Street communities.”
Printed sweepstakes cards and posters are available to communities, chambers, and businesses while supplies last. Contact Erick Phillips to place your order at phillipse@oakgov.com
Beginning Nov. 1, participants can find the sweepstake entry form at OakGov.com/ShopSmall.
Employees of Oakland County, Genysis Credit Union, and subcontractors of either are not eligible to enter or win the sweepstakes.
Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy Receives 2023 Oak Land Award During the Trail, Water & Land Alliance’s Fall Celebration Conference
The Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy’s (BHHC) Executive Director and Land Specialist, Sue Julian, accepted the 2023 Oak Land Award from the Oakland County Trail, Water, Land Alliance (TWLA) Chair Kristen Myers during the Fall Celebration Conference at Bowers School Farm on Oct. 5.
Photo: The Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy’s Executive Director Sue Julian and her staff accept the 2023 Oak Land Award.
One of the first conservancy organizations in Michigan, BHHC was originally established in 1972 under the name Independence Township Land Trust. BHHC’s mission is to protect the land, water, and wildlife in the headwaters region of the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron, and Flint rivers through preservation, stewardship, and education.
TWLA’s Oak Land Award recognizes and celebrates a local community or partner organization for their contributions toward supporting Green Infrastructure in Oakland County. Award recipients, like BHHC, have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated successful efforts toward the planning, promotion, design, development, and support of connected open spaces and natural features in the county.
“We are honored and delighted to accept this award,” says Julian. “Our organization has evolved in name and scope during the last 50 years, but consistently at our core is the preservation of our natural resources. Through our staff and dedicated volunteers, we work to protect 60 properties covering some 1,550 acres of land in northern Oakland County.”
The conference’s morning presentations included:
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“Planting a Seed to Build for the Future,” by Alan Jaros, director, Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center.
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“Beyond the Basics – Incorporating Naturally Sustainable Improvements Into Urban Park Design,” by John DeLisle, principal ecologist, Natural Community Services, LLC.
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“Charting a Course – Davisburg Mill Pond Dam Removal and River Restoration Project,” by Mike Losey, natural resources manager, Springfield Township; Melissa Prowse, manager of planning and development, Oakland County Parks; and Eric Diesing, natural resources program coordinator, Oakland County Parks.
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“On the Right Path – Nine Mile Corridor Urban Trail Feasibility Study,” by Vince Ranger, senior technical specialist, OHM Advisors.
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 Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center Director, Alan Jaros (far right) takes Fall Celebration conference attendees on tour of property.
In the afternoon, attendees were invited to take a tour of Bowers School Farm. “Where is Bowers School Farm,” you ask? Well, you have likely driven by this hidden gem for years if you have ever traveled I-75 just south of Square Lake Road. This small-scale working farm is in the northeast corner of Bloomfield Township and has been owned and operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools since 1967. K-12 students and visitors can come and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage. The property includes 93 acres of forest, fields, gardens, historic buildings, and farm animals.
To learn more about the farm and upcoming special events, visit: https://www.schoolfarm.org/
 Workforce
Oakland County’s Advantage: Apprenticeship Program Attracting Variety of Employers
The Oakland County Michigan Works! Advantage: Apprenticeship program has enjoyed significant growth this year, with a number of new registered apprenticeship programs being supported and $500,000 still available for more opportunities in the future.
Resources to support registered apprenticeship programs will be highlighted during National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 13-19, at a special event at the Oakland County Executive Office Building. In addition, Oakland County workforce development officials will provide details on the RAPTOR system, a free, digital platform that allows employers to track the progress of registered apprentices as they learn and earn on the job.
Since its launch in 2021, Advantage: Apprenticeship has drawn the attention of both employers in the skilled trades and non-traditional companies interested in launching their own registered apprenticeship programs to build their workforces.
“We started with one employer two years ago, picked up steam last year and, in 2023, we have assisted 15 companies with expanding their registered apprenticeship programs,” said Liz Rivard-Weston, the Oakland County Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Success Coordinator.
“Most of them are in the manufacturing sector, but we’ve helped develop non-traditional registered apprenticeships, as well, including software engineers, accountants, childcare providers, telecom tower technicians and electric vehicle charging station installers.”
Rivard-Weston noted that registered apprenticeships are customized to meet employer needs and highlighted the direct support specialist apprenticeship program, as an example. This program trains people to help those with severe developmental disabilities.
In addition, several Oakland County departments have launched registered apprenticeship programs: help desk technician in the information technology department and clarifying plant operator with the Water Resources Commission.
“It’s great to see Oakland County set an example as an employer by creating registered apprenticeship programs,” Rivard-Weston said. “Hopefully, it will inspire other employers around Oakland County to do the same.”
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said the apprenticeship balances on-the-job training with classroom instruction to build a foundation for success.
“Our program paved the way for an entry-level career path and included interaction with experienced staff to maximize the apprentice’s learning potential,” he said.
Funding to support a portion of an apprentice’s pay and/or classroom training through the Advantage: Apprenticeship program comes from a number of state and federal sources. Other short-term training funding for apprenticeship programs comes from the state’s highly successful Growing PRO Talent Fund program.
For more information on registered apprenticeship programs, persons should contact Rivard-Weston at rivardwestone@oakgov.com
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 Veterans
Join Us at Our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs
All Veterans and their families are welcome to learn more about their available benefits, including housing counseling, career planning, training programs, boxes of food, information on community resources and more.
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Operation Green Light – Nov. 6-12
By shining a green light, we aim to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported. Join us in #OperationGreenLight for Veterans by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb. At sunset on Nov. 9, the county’s main courthouse building will be illuminated in green light to show honor and support for our nation’s veterans.
The campaign, started by the National Association of Counties, will let veterans across the county know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
The building will remain awash in green light through Nov. 12.
Learn More at: naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans
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Michigan Initiative Opens Thousands of Job Opportunities for Veterans
Michigan is waiving a bachelor's degree requirement for many state jobs for a certain group of Veterans (those who have completed at least two years of active federal service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above).
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