December 2023 | Top Stories:
Michigan Economic Forecast | Eurosatory Trade Mission | Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference Recap | Connecting Business Skill Needs with Academia | Join Project DIAMOnD Network | Revolving Loan Fund | Main Street Pontiac's Incubator Kitchen | Community Showcase Recap | 2023 Veterans Services Data Sheet | Operation Greenlight Recap | Veterans Resource Fairs | Michigan Department of Treasury Special Benefits for Veterans | How DAV is Supporting Veterans | Waiver of Business Registration Fees for Vets
A Message From Sean Carlson
Oakland County Deputy Executive
As we close out the year, I am thrilled to recap a successful last couple of months.
I am pleased to introduce the 2023 Veteran Services Data Sheet. I am so proud of our Oakland County Veteran Services staff, who contacted local veterans over 45,000 times, and helped our veterans fill out over 6,000 forms. They also ran ten resource fairs that served over 2,000 attendees.
On Nov. 14, we held MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest career exploration event for high school students. We hosted 8,000 students and teachers from 100 Metro Detroit schools at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Attendees engaged in a variety of hands-on, interactive activities with nearly 1,000 working professionals from 119 businesses, labor organizations and educational institutions to explore 180 high-demand, high-paying career opportunities.
On Nov. 25, we closed out our Small Business Saturday “Local Gems” Sweepstakes. We received nearly 600 entries, spotlighting 317 different small businesses in Oakland County as local gems. On Dec. 13, three lucky people will receive their prize money from our sponsor Genisys Credit Union.
We hope you were able to attend the Oakland County Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference on Nov. 13. We were proud to host over 200 industry leaders who came together to share, collaborate and learn from each other.
Finally, as we look toward the future, we are thrilled to present a unique opportunity for Oakland County companies to participate in a trade mission to the Eurosatory tradeshow in Paris, France, led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This international event, scheduled from June 17-21, 2024, boasts exhibitors from over 60 countries, welcomes over 60,000 visitors, and hosts 200 official delegations – making it a prime platform for Oakland County businesses to showcase their products and services on a global stage.
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 Data Corner
U of M's Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics State of Michigan Michigan Forecast
The University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics recently released their annual Economic Outlook forecasts for the state of Michigan and the United States. Below are a few highlights from the 2023 – 2025 forecasts. Please visit the University of Michigan RSQE website for the full reports.
GDP Growth Rates
 Consumer Price Index
 Quarterly Michigan Payroll Employment
 Personal Income per Capita and Real Disposable Income per Capita in Michigan
 Quarterly Light Vehicle Sales, Total U.S. vs. Detroit Three
2.4% – Forecast of national GDP growth for 2023. Growth is forecast to slow to 1.7% in 2024 and then rebound to 2.0% in 2025.
2.8% – Annualized pace of Core CPI inflation in 2023Q3. Core inflation is forecast to grow by an annualized 4.0% in 2023Q4 before slowing to 3.0% in 2024Q2, 2.8% in 2024Q4, and 2.5% in 2025Q4.
240,000 – Average monthly payroll employment gains through the first 10 months of 2023, slower than the 2022 average of 399,000 jobs/mo but faster than the pre-pandemic 2019 pace of 163,000 jobs/mo.
1.9% – The level by which Michigan employment will be above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025, although the state will still be 169,100 jobs (3.6%) below its all-time peak from the second quarter of 2000/
16.2 million units – The forecasted annualized rate of light vehicle sales in the U.S. in the second half of 2024, up from the current annualized rate of 15.5 million units. As interest rates begin to fall and economic growth accelerates in late 2024, light vehicle sales are forecast to reach 16.5 million units in 2025.
Interactive resources and related information:
Source: University of Michigan Research Seminar on Quantitative Economics, Nov 2023
 Business
 Exclusive Trade Mission Opportunity for Oakland County companies: Join Michigan Economic Development (MEDC) Delegation to Eurosatory 2024 in Paris
Why Eurosatory?
Eurosatory is the world’s premier defense and security exhibition event and attracts key players, decision-makers and influencers from around the world. It's a chance to showcase your products and services to a diverse global audience, fostering potential collaborations, partnerships and business opportunities. The show is not just an exhibition; it's a gateway to new revenue streams, job growth, and investment for your company.
What's in it for you?
-Subsidized Participation: Oakland County is committed to supporting its companies. Leveraging grant dollars, Oakland County and Oakland Thrive will reimburse half ($1,750) of the $3,500 participation fee for participating Oakland County companies, which includes a welcome reception, in-country briefing, exhibitor fees, matchmaking services, and ground transportation to the show site.
- Prominent Presence: Participating companies will receive an individual kiosk with a lockable counter, graphics, and company signage in a 72 square meter Michigan booth within the U.S. Pavilion, providing you with an excellent opportunity to stand out in this international arena.
- B2B Matchmaking: Take advantage of personalized business-to-business matchmaking services to connect with potential clients, partners, and collaborators, maximizing your networking opportunities.
- Financial Support: Eligible companies may qualify for up to 50% reimbursement for participation and travel expenses through MI-STEP, an MEDC program, further reducing the financial burden of attending this prestigious event. For details, visit michiganbusiness.org/export.
How to Get Involved:
This international event, scheduled from June 17-21, 2024, boasts exhibitors from over 60 countries, welcomes over 60,000 visitors, and hosts 200 official delegations – making it a prime platform for Oakland County businesses to showcase their products and services on a global stage.
For questions related to this trade mission, please contact Chris Bosio (MEDC) at (517-348-9256 or bosioc@michigan.org. For all questions related to subsidized participation for Oakland County companies, please contact Vicki Selva (Oakland Thrive) at (248) 602-0040 or selvav@oaklandthrive.org.
Second Annual Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference Recap
Over 200 industry leaders attended Oakland County's Defense & Advanced Manufacturing Conference on Nov. 13 at the Oakland Community College (OCC) Auburn Hills Campus. Attendees had the chance to collaborate and learn from each other, as well as to grow their supply and customer base here in Oakland County and beyond.
To kick off the conference, Representative Haley Stevens gave her opening comments with great enthusiasm for the conference's mission – to ensure that Michigan stays at the forefront of the manufacturing industry by bringing together diverse innovators.
This was followed by presentations on Additive Manufacturing by GE Additive and the U.S. Army Materials Division. Attendees learned about maximizing the results of their 3D manufacturing efforts by joining the Project DIAMOnD network. Learn more here: ProjectDiamond.org
Oakland Community College Chancellor Peter Provenzano Jr. shared the many options available for employers to address workforce needs: such as OCC's career service portal, as well as apprenticeship and training programs that are available at low or no cost in partnership with Oakland County Michigan Works!
During lunch Senator Gary Peters presented the keynote address on fuel cell research, drones, artificial intelligence and more. Senator Peters provided details on what’s happening in Washington D.C. and the impact it has on Oakland County businesses.
Thank you to our speakers and sponsors:
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General Dynamics Land Systems
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Geofabrica Inc.
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Barron Industries
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U.S. Army Materials Division
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Automation Alley
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DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center
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GE Additive, a GE Aerospace company
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National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)
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Army Futures Command (AFC)
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Roush Defense
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Pratt Miller
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Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
Stay connected to our Advantage Oakland Economic Development team for future opportunities at: AdvantageOakland.com
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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, Dec. 19, 2023 at Automation Alley in Troy.
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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Join the Project DIAMOnD Network
Have you heard how Project DIAMOnD Phase I has transformed small- and medium-sized manufacturers to the next level? The most significant effort of its kind, Oakland County and Automation Alley have partnered to create Project DIAMOnD, the country’s largest 3D printing community. Follow the activity, sign up for the newsletter and get connected by visiting: ProjectDiamond.org
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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 Community
Local Entrepreneurs Get Cooking at Launch of Main Street Pontiac’s Incubator Kitchen
 Main Street Pontiac’s Incubator Kitchen at First Presbyterian Church
Main Street Pontiac is realizing its long held goal of creating a maker space. The “Make It to Scale” Prep Kitchen has food-making entrepreneurs lining up to perfect their recipes and plans for a successful business. Housed in the First Presbyterian Church at 99 Wayne Street in Pontiac, the new incubator kitchen is providing an affordable certified kitchen space for food preparation.
Main Street Pontiac used grant money from Main Street Oakland County to outfit the kitchen and is partnering with the Pontiac Community Foundation and T. Ramsey and Associates to make it a valuable resource for the community.
“Our mission is to provide an equitable food and beverage prep kitchen for the talented citizens of Pontiac who are striving to create an economic future for themselves and their families through entrepreneurial empowerment,” says Athena Dumas, small business project coordinator, Main Street Pontiac. “By partnering with private and public sector partners, we seek to increase ‘the makers’ in the city and continue to build a vibrant downtown.”
The Community Kitchen Program will include guidance on licensing, marketing, grants, and loans. Nearly 40 food entrepreneurs attended the four orientations in the fall.
“This has been years in the making,” says John Bry, administrator, Main Street Oakland County and Local Business Development Unit, Oakland County. “We have provided technical assistance funds to help along the way, knowing this would give small food businesses a competitive advantage when entering or continuing in the local marketplace.”
“In addition to helping long term Pontiac residents, we hope first-generation citizens will see this as a pathway for success, also,” says Lori Crose, who chairs the Main Street Economic Vitality Committee and is the director of Professional and Continuing Education at Oakland University.
Other members of Main Street Pontiac’s Economic Vitality Committee include Bry; David Darbyshire, local business entrepreneur, Pontiac; Joy Dockham, program operations manager, Pontiac Community Foundation; Dumas; Laura Kelsey, pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac; Tameka Ramsey, owner and principal associate, T. Ramsey and Associates; Timothy Hodge, School of Business Administration, Oakland University; and Deborah Younger, manager, Economic Development, City of Pontiac.
Participants Say They Made Useful Connections at the Oakland County Community Showcase
 Due to positive feedback from Community Showcase participants, the Oakland County Planning & Local Business Development Division plans to hold another showcase in Fall 2024.
Nearly 100% of attendees and exhibitors responding to a post-event survey said that they made useful connections and would attend if a showcase is held next year.
“We were thrilled with the turnout of close to 200 participants, and we are looking forward to continuing this great event next year,” says Ryan Dividock, supervisor, Oakland County’s Planning, Zoning, and Land Use Unit. “All the investors, developers, brokers, bankers, real estate agents, homebuilders, business owners, and community representatives attending seemed to enjoy the networking opportunities. The atmosphere was very upbeat.”
Communities presenting development opportunities were Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Commerce Township, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Independence Township, Lathrup Village, Lyon Township, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Orion Township, Oxford Village, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, Waterford, and Wixom.
Brad Hansen, senior business development consultant, was also on hand to discuss the Oakland County Brownfield Redevelopment program.
Interested participants also had an opportunity to discuss the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund (HTF) with the county’s Neighborhood & Housing Development Division and community partner representatives. HTF supports the funding, development, and preservation of affordable, attainable, and mixed-income housing.
 Veterans
2023 Veterans Services Data Sheet
The numbers are in! Learn how Oakland County Veteran Services has served Oakland County Veterans in 2023.
Operation Greenlight Reception Recap
 Executive Dave Coulter welcomed veterans, who are also Oakland County employees, to the lighting reception where they watched the Courthouse light up in green.
In recognition of Operation Greenlight, Executive Dave Coulter welcomed veterans, who are also Oakland County employees, to the lighting reception where they watched the Courthouse light up in green. He also offered them challenge coins to thank them for their service, their courage and their dedication to our country. The Courthouse remained swathed in green light from Nov. 8 through dawn on Nov. 13.
“Oakland County is home to nearly 50,000 veterans and I’m really honored to be here to help pay tribute to all the sacrifices you have made to serve our country,” Coulter said. “And our Veterans Services employees deserve so much credit for all the help and resources they provide thousands and thousands of veterans every year.”
Story Courtesy of Allan Adler, HR Project Advisor, Oakland County
Oakland County Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson speaks to local Veterans at an
Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair
Join Us at our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs
Dec. 14, 2023 | 9:00 AM - Noon
Novi Civic Center | 45175 W 10 Mile Rd Novi, MI 48375
Register at: tinyurl.com/2s4apzvp
Jan. 18, 2024 | 9:00 AM - Noon
White Lake Oaks Golf Course | 991 Williams Lake Road White Lake, MI 48386
Register at: tinyurl.com/3fmpjkfh
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.
Michigan Department of Treasury Provides Special Benefits to Military Members and Veterans
On Nov. 9, the Michigan Department of Treasury released the following information in a Veterans Day Press Release.
As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, the state of Michigan extends its gratitude to current and former military members by reminding them of the special benefits they may be entitled to receive through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Current and former military members may be eligible to receive:
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Property Tax Relief during Active Military Service. Property owned by a serviceperson cannot be sold to pay delinquent property taxes during a tour of active duty.
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Summer Property Tax Deferment. A serviceperson, veteran or widow or widower whose income outside of military compensation is no more than $7,500 per year may be eligible for a summer property tax deferment.
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Federal Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The spouse of an individual in the military may not be subject to the state's taxation if they are a nonresident of the state, the service member is present in the state due to military orders, the spouse is solely in the state to accompany the service member, and the spouse maintains a domicile in another state. This act was amended in December 2018 to alternately allow military spouses to elect the same state of domicile as their service member spouse, even if they are not present in that state.
"The Michigan Department of Treasury has a commitment to work closely with our military members past and present to ensure they get the tax benefits and other resources they’ve earned," Chief Deputy State Treasurer Jeff Guilfoyle said. "If you have questions about any of these benefits, please contact us so we can talk about your options."
Individuals with questions about tax relief and other benefits for current and past military members should go to Michigan.gov/Treasury and click on "Contact." Program-specific phone numbers can be found on the "Contact" webpage.
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Veterans Serving Veterans: How DAV is Helping in Life-Changing Ways
Waiver of Fees for Veterans Looking to Register a Business
Gov. Whitmer has signed legislation to reduce barriers to professional licensure creating an expedited path for veterans and their families to practice their licensed profession in Michigan, easing the pathway to reciprocal licenses through expedited processing and waiving initial license and application fees.
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