April 2024 | Top Stories:
Data Corner: Local Unemployment Stats | Michigan Delegation Travels to Asia to Strengthen Automotive Business Connections | Education-to-Business (Edu2B) Tech Collaboration Events | Revolving Loan Fund | CEED Small Business Mixers | CEED Lending Loan Orientations | Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon | April Planners Gathering | Main Street America President Erin Barnes to Attend Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event on June 6 | Green Schools Tri-County Event at Detroit Zoo | Going PRO Talent Fund Training Grants | Veterans Training Workshops | Veterans Resource Fairs | Women’s History Month | Happy Birthday Army Reserve
A Message From Sean Carlson
Oakland County Deputy Executive
Dear Colleagues,
Spring is officially here and so are new opportunities for growth and innovation in Oakland County. First of all, I would like to invite you to join me for the 39th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, myself and an esteemed team of economists from the University of Michigan will present their economic projections for Oakland County during the next three years. It will also feature a panel on the future of manufacturing in Oakland County. Our international connections are another vital path for innovation and growth. For that reason, County Executive Dave Coulter and Director of Economic Development Jeanne Broad traveled to Taiwan and South Korea as part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan delegation to meet with automotive and mobility global leaders.
Oakland County business owners, if you are looking for a way to grow, we have several upcoming opportunities. If you need to hire and train new employees or expand the skills of existing workers, you can apply for the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund training grants starting April 22. If you want to discover new ways to collaborate with higher education institutions, consider attending our upcoming Edu2B Tech Collaboration Event on April 16. For small business owners, consider attending CEED Lending’s Small Business Mixers or one of their upcoming workshops where you can learn more about the Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Finally, for my fellow veterans, if you are looking to start a business or market your existing business, Oakland County Veteran Services is hosting two upcoming workshops covering these topics.
Here in Oakland County’s Economic Development Department, we are always looking for ways to support our community leaders who keep our local communities vibrant and running smoothly. One such offering is our monthly Planners Gatherings. The next one is on April 30 and focuses on utility companies that provide electric and gas services throughout Southeast Michigan – an integral part of the development process.
Last but not least, I would like to invite you to The Main Event on June 6. This event is a fun evening to celebrate Main Street Oakland County communities’ successes and network with local officials, downtown leaders, economic developers, and small business owners—the people who keep the county’s downtowns vibrant and vital. I hope you can join us in honoring our hard-working community leaders.
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 Data Corner
Local Area Unemployment Statistics
In January 2024, the unemployment rate in Oakland County was 3.1%, down slightly from 3.2% in January of 2023 and 3.7% in January of 2022.
In the first quarter of 2020, the county averaged 675,201 participants in the local labor force each month. In the wake of the pandemic, Oakland County’s labor force fell to a monthly average of 625,600 participants in the second quarter of 2020. The county’s labor force has rebounded significantly since then and has been above the pre-pandemic levels since the second quarter of 2023.
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3.1% – Oakland County’s unemployment rate in January 2024
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2.9% – The 12-month unemployment rate in Oakland County for 2023, down from a monthly average of 3.0% in 2022, 4.6% in 2021 and 9.3% in 2020
Oakland County Local Area Unemployment Statistics
January 2020 - January 2024
Job Posting Analytics
According to Lightcast, there were 15,902 unique job postings in Oakland County in January 2024, down 15% from January 2023. In the past 30 days, the most frequently posted occupations were Registered Nurses (618 unique postings), Retail Salespersons (556 postings), and Wholesale Salespersons (395 postings). The industries with the highest number of unique postings were Administrative and Support Services (1,968 unique postings), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (1,500 postings), and Ambulatory Health Care Services (1,216 postings)
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$20.98 – Median hourly wage in postings listed in February 2024 (of postings with advertised wages)
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24.0% – Increase in advertised median hourly wages in Oakland County in the past 3 years
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205% – Increase since March 2020 in number of job postings in Oakland County listed as remote or hybrid work opportunities
Oakland County Monthly Unique Job Postings
January 2020 - January 2024
Interactive resources and related information:
Sources: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget; EMSI/Lightcast
 Business
 Michigan Delegation, Including Oakland County, Travels to Asia to Strengthen Automotive Business Connections
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan delegation, including Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Oakland County Director of Economic Development Jeanne Broad, traveled to Asia on a mission to connect with global leaders in the automotive and mobility industries.
In Taiwan, members of the delegation joined Governor Whitmer at a reception announcing the opening of the first Michigan Taiwan Office. The office will focus on investment promotion and building ties between Michigan and Taiwan in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, among others. During the event TYC Americas – a Taiwanese maker of automotive lighting – announced that it will expand its R&D presence at a new location in Wixom. TYC recently bought the former Detroit Public TV headquarters, which is housing its North American Mobility Hub at the time of this publication.
It was with great honor that our team participated in meetings with Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen, President-Elect Lai Ching-te, and Vice President-Elect Hsiao Bi-khim. These meetings addressed opportunities to increase trade and investment between our countries. This was the Governor’s second visit to Taiwan in six months – highlighting the importance of the relationship to Michigan.
County Executive Coulter and Director Broad had the opportunity to interact with several companies that expressed an interest in Oakland County and to participate in a forum with semiconductor companies. The delegation toured the facilities of AUO – a maker of digital displays – which has an office in Farmington.
The team then traveled to Korea to attend InterBattery 2024, where they had the opportunity to tour the exhibits of key battery makers, including Samsung, LG Electric and LT. They also met with investors interested in the US market.
Education-to-Business (Edu2B) Tech Collaboration Events are Building Momentum: Next Up – Lawrence Technological University
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lawrence Technological University
21000 West 10 Mile Road
Buell Building, Room M336 | Southfield, MI
Oakland County businesses: join the discussion with higher education institutions and industry leaders to find new ways to collaborate. This event will include presentations from a local university and a networking session for decision-makers to build deeper ties and foster collaboration within the following industries:
- IT/Computer Services
- Robotics Integration
- Engineering & Design, R+D
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Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund Available for Disadvantaged Small Businesses
The Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was created to provide gap financing to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19, primarily small businesses owned by minorities and/or women, or located in an economically-disadvantaged area. However, all Oakland County small businesses are welcome to apply.
Learn more at: oakgov.com/business/business-development/business-loans/revolving-loan-fund-rlf
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CEED Lending Small Business Mixers
Join CEED Lending for four upcoming Small Business Mixers. Local small businesses are invited to attend events in Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac and Livonia:
Building Bridges for Women in Business
April 9, 2024 | Noon - 1:00 p.m.
920 Huron Street | Waterford, MI
Speaker: Eisha Branner, Women in Business Working Center
Understanding Employment & Contractor Agreements
May 14, 2024 | Noon - 1:00 p.m.
20300 Civic Center Drive #1102 | Southfield, MI
Speaker: Tenicia Moulden, Generation Squared
Marketing Your Business
June 11, 2024 | Noon - 1:00 p.m.
OLSHA | 196 Cesar E Chavez Avenue | Pontiac, MI
Speaker: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone Moments
Strategies to Boost Your Business's ROI
July 9, 2024 | Noon - 1:00 p.m.
33300 Five Mile Road #212 | Livonia, MI
Speaker: Tenicia Moulden, Generation Squared
Learn more and register at:
greatlakeswbc.org/events/?_sft_event_type=ceed
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Save-the-Dates: CEED Lending Loan Orientations
Join CEED Lending for a Loan Orientation to discover the requirements necessary to apply for a loan. Learn about the loan application process and understand the eligible uses of funds. There are four dates available:
April 23, 2024 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.
OLSHA | 196 Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Pontiac
May 21, 2024 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Best Practices Consulting Services | 11189 Shook Road, Romulus
June 25, 2024 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.
OLSHA | 196 Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Pontiac
July 23, 2024 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce | 200 S Washington Avenue, Royal Oak
Learn more: CEEDLending.org
39th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Suburban Collection Showplace | 46100 Grand River Avenue | Novi, MI
The Economic Outlook Luncheon is an opportunity for business owners, elected officials, and community leaders to get insight into the economic future of Oakland County. This event includes special guests: Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson, University of Michigan Economist Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich, and more. There will also be a panel discussion on the future of manufacturing in Oakland County.
 Community Development
April Planners Gathering: Coordinating With Regional Energy Utilities During Development Process
The utility companies that provide electric and gas services throughout Southeast Michigan are an integral part of the development process and will be the focus of the next virtual Planners Gathering, April 30, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
The where, when, how, and how much electricity and gas is available and needed for proposed projects is an early part of any development plan. These representatives will present their new re-development and service planning procedures: Jennifer Whitteaker, manager of regional relations, Corporate & Government Affairs, DTE; Lauren Royston, community affairs manager, Sustainability & External Affairs, Consumers Energy; Adelaide Pascaris, senior area manager, Local Government & Community Affairs, ITC Holdings.
This session will be recorded and available at AdvantageOakland.com and is organized by Oakland County’s Planning, Zoning, and Land Use Unit.
Advance registration is free and required for Zoom link: eventbrite.com/e/692454248297?aff=oddtdtcreator
Main Street America President Erin Barnes to Attend Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event on June 6
 Award Winners from Main Event 2023.
Erin Barnes, president and CEO, of Main Street America (Chicago) will be an honored guest at the Main Street Oakland County’s (MSOC) Main Event, June 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., at The Roxy Rochester in Downtown Rochester. Barnes brings to the Main Street community impressive knowledge and experience in several areas, including leadership, civic technology, community organizing, place, inclusion, water management, and environmental stewardship. She was CEO of a neighborhood development organization, ioby, for 15 years, and along with her co-founders, received the Jane Jacobs Medal for New Technology and Innovation from the Rockefeller Foundation in 2012. In 2018, she was named an inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow. She is a researcher and published writer on environmental issues and was a contributor to Al Gore’s book “Our Choice.” Barnes has served on the boards of the Bronx and Manhattan Land Trusts, EcoDistricts, and was Board Chair of Resource Media. She holds a B.A. in English and American Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University.
MSOC’s annual gala event includes an award ceremony recognizing excellence in downtown revitalization. Twenty-seven Oakland County communities and historic commercial corridors can compete in this year’s award categories, including:
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Spirit of Main Street
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Achievement in Historic Preservation
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Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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Community Engagement
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Downtown Beautification
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Small Business Retention and Attraction
- Volunteers
- Mobility on Main Street
- Main Street Resilience
- Outstanding Partnerships
- Main Street Leadership
The Main Event is a fun evening to celebrate successes and network with elected and appointed officials, downtown leaders, economic developers, and small business owners—the people who keep the county’s downtowns vibrant and vital. This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). Other sponsors include long-time supporters Genisys Credit Union, the Oakland County Business Finance Corporation, Giffels Webster, and Michigan Downtown Association.
Tickets are on sale now, with advance registration ending June 2: eventbrite.com/e/692608218827?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tickets are $35 and include hearty hors d’oeuvres. Attire can be formal, business, or event themed. This year’s theme is “Main Street—Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
Green Schools Tri-County Event at Detroit Zoo, April 23—for Students to Celebrate Their Contributions to Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship
On April 23, students representing school Green Teams from across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties will gather at the Detroit Zoo to celebrate the contributions of their classmates, teachers and administrators to their school being designated a Michigan Green, Emerald or Evergreen school by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).
Over 90 schools from Oakland County will be recognized—an increase from 85 schools last year. To receive designation as an official Michigan Green School each year, individual buildings must participate in at least ten activities from four categories: recycling, energy, environmental protection and miscellaneous.
Schools must re-apply each year for certification.
Designations are in three levels:
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Green includes 10-14 activities listed in statute
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Emerald includes 15-19 activities listed in statute
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Evergreen includes 20+ activities listed in statute
Oakland Schools, the county’s intermediate school district, and Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development administer the program each school year, with support from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
“Projects are often unique to each school building,” says Whitney Calio, principal planner, Oakland County Planning and Local Business Development Division. “The program’s goal is to protect Michigan’s air, land, and water and to teach students in pre-kindergarten through high school about good ecological practices, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.”
This year, projects and events included working with a company to make environmentally friendly yearbooks; collections of old school supplies for others to use; creating pollinator gardens; river testing; collecting socks, sneakers and more for reuse and recycling; and creating honor cords for graduation from old yarn.
For more information about the Michigan Green Schools program, visit:
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 Workforce Development
Employers can Apply for Latest Round of Going PRO Talent Fund Training Grants Starting April 22
Later this year, several million dollars will be awarded to employers across the state for short-term training through the Going PRO Talent Fund, administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The application window for the second cycle of grants for FY2024 starts on April 22 and runs through May 10.
The grants enable Oakland County employers with demonstrated talent needs to hire and train new employees, including apprentices, plus expand the skills of existing workers. Training must result in a participant obtaining a credentialed, industry-recognized skill.
Nearly 90 county employers shared a record $4.1 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants as part of the first cycle of FY2024 awards announced in January.
Companies interested in applying for a Going PRO Talent Fund grant are encouraged to participate in special information sessions scheduled for April 3, 9,10 and 16. Register at GPTF-2024-InfoSessions.eventbrite.com. To start the application process, employers should contact their nearest Oakland County Michigan Works! center and speak with a Business Services Professional.
“A key ingredient for Oakland County and its businesses to grow and thrive is a skilled and talented workforce, who can adapt to the evolving technology of the future,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter earlier this year. “We’re happy to partner with the state and employers to help connect people to training and workers to the high-paying jobs.”
Since the Going PRO Talent Fund’s launch in 2014, 650 Oakland County employers have received more than $18 million in program grants, to train 16,000-plus people.
“Training is so important to what we do as a business,” said Aaron Tassell, vice president, DeMaria Building Company, which received a $67,940 training grant earlier this year. “With technology changing so fast in construction management, it’s critical to our company’s success. But training also is key to our employees’ professional development. They build their own training paths based on their interests.”
Register at: GPTF-2024-InfoSessions.eventbrite.com
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 Veterans
Upcoming Veterans Training Workshops
How to Start a Business
April 11, 2024 | Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Hazel Park Community Center | 620 W Woodward Heights, Hazel Park
Register at: tinyurl.com/mryexjr3
Lunch is served at noon.
How to Market your Business
May 9, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon
American Legion | 4819 Mary Sue Avenue, Clarkston
Register at: tinyurl.com/bdhtxue3
Lunch is served at noon.
Are you a veteran looking to explore entrepreneurship? Look no further. Our startup business training program is specifically designed to empower veterans like you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the world of business. Led by experienced mentors, this startup training will provide a checklist of action items to accomplish in order to get your business off the ground.
We understand the unique challenges and strengths that veterans bring to the table, and our program is tailored to leverage those strengths while addressing any gaps in knowledge or experience.
Join us and embark on a rewarding journey towards building your own successful business. Invest in your future today.
Questions? Contact: Tyrone Jordan, Oakland County Veterans Services
jordant@oakgov.com | (248) 285-8016
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Join Us at our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs
April 25, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Troy Civic Center | 3179 Livernois, Troy
Register at: tinyurl.com/45whdwrk
May 23, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Costick Center | 28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills
Register at: tinyurl.com/7zmx2mez
All Veterans and their families are invited to attend a resource fair to learn more about the benefits available to them, including housing counseling, career planning, training programs, boxes of food, information on community resources, and more.
Women’s History Month
As Women’s History Month comes to a close Oakland County would like to give a final salute to our female Veterans of past and present and hope to continue honoring them throughout the year through Oakland County Veteran Services’ many programs and opportunities.
Watch our Oakland County Women Veterans tribute video here:
facebook.com/OakGov.VS/videos/373424818913600
Happy Birthday to the Army Reserves – Turning 116 on April 23!
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