Dear Colleagues,  

I hope you were able to attend the 39th Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on May 8th held for the first time at the Suburban Collection Showplace. I think I speak for everyone when I say I was proud to hear Oakland County’s economy has nearly reached a full recovery following the pandemic, with more growth in the forecast. And, here at Oakland County Economic Development we are committed to doing our part in making this continued economic growth a reality.  

One way we are securing this positive outlook is through higher education. One program we continue to promote is Michigan Reconnect, where Michigan residents can receive free tuition to earn a two-year associate degree or certificate. I am happy to say that there are currently over 5,000 Oakland County residents enrolled in Michigan Reconnect and taking classes at Oakland Community College. This state program is key to the success of Oakland80, the county’s groundbreaking post-secondary education initiative, featuring a goal of 80 percent of working-age residents obtaining a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030. 

I hope you were able to attend the Main Event, a celebration for our Oakland County Main Street communities that work so hard in their historic downtown districts and neighborhood commercial corridors to improve residents’ quality of life and help local small businesses thrive. Congrats to Main Street Oakland County and the Planning and Local Business Development Division for putting on this successful event at the Roxy Rochester. 

And, I wish to take a moment to remember the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country; let us never forget the cost of freedom.  To my fellow Oakland County veterans, I hope you will take advantage of the offerings, events and resources that our Oakland County Veterans’ Services Department has to offer, including our brand new “This Ride’s On Us” program:  Between, June 1 and August 31, veterans residing in Oakland County can receive free rides to any location within Oakland County. Thank you for all you have done for your country.

These Oakland County businesses are part of the first wave of approved companies in Phase 2 of the program. Phase 2 will accelerate digital transformation by distributing 3-D printers and training to small- and medium-size manufacturers.  

Welcome to the Project DIAMOnD Network! Companies include: 

Have you heard about Automation Alley's Essential Membership? It's a free membership level specifically designed to support manufacturers in their digital transformation journey.  

While everyone has access to cultivated articles and blog posts, the Essential Membership will grant you exclusive opportunities to Interact with a growing community of Michigan manufacturers like yourself.

Trade Missions: Travel to manufacturing hotbeds and let our staff help you expand your business and get a huge discount as a member.

Roundtable Discussions: Network with our community and provide the insight that will help Michigan manufacturing navigate the challenges of Industry 4.0 adoption.

Grant Opportunities: Find out about funding and talent opportunities that will help you grow your business like the MEDC's Industry 4.0 Implementation Grant.

Concierge: Have an Industry 4.0 problem? Let us connect you with SMEs who know exactly what you're facing by reaching out to us at info@automationalley.com

What happens next? Your next step is to explore our website and check out some of the contributions the Essential Membership has already made including their digital playbooks and online content to see how your expertise can help tackle Industry 4.0 as a state.

Remember, Essential Membership is exclusively available for FREE to Michigan small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

Learn more at: automationalley.com/become-a-member

The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) will hold its annual AeroOne summit Sept. 4 - 6, 2024 in Oakland County. This year’s summit will focus on developing the right relationships for success in building a strong aerospace industry. OEMs, suppliers, and thought leaders will gather at Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester, MI for two-and-a-half days of keynotes, panel discussions, and small group roundtables with industry leaders and suppliers to network with internationally renowned companies and speakers.

“We’re very excited to be holding AeroOne 2024 in Oakland County,” said AIAM President, Tony Vernaci.  “It’s a tremendous aerospace business environment. AeroOne has become an indispensable opportunity to connect one-on-one with the people who are shaping aerospace across the globe. This is an ideal location."

Last year’s conference drew attendees from more than 150 companies across 20 states. It featured top space, defense, and aerospace suppliers as well as leaders from global OEMs and Tier 1s such as Airbus, Boeing, Eaton, Woodward, and Pratt & Whitney along with representatives from the US Department of Defense.

Registration is now open. Attendance will be limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register or to learn more, visit aerooneshow.com

Join us there to gain insights into how we are shaping North American manufacturing towards a lean, sustainable and flexible future. Connect with manufacturing leaders and experts as they steer automotive production towards greater innovation, flexibility and sustainability than ever more.

Learn more about the event: https://tinyurl.com/yjbvc963

As a valued member of our community you can save 20% by registering here: https://evbk.link/8mPXDr

Or simply use the code 'OAK20' at checkout. 

OAKLAND COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND
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, women or located in an economically, disadvantaged area. However, all Oakland County small businesses are welcome to apply.

Learn more & get started here: tinyurl.com/3mpvwwvt 

Together with Oakland County Parks on May 16, 2024, Oakland County Economic Development welcomed automotive and mobility companies to explore the 250+ acres that Holly Oaks ORV Park has to offer. From drone activity to off-roading; testing in a variety of terrains to the top peak of mount Magna; there are endless opportunities for your business needs. Check out this brief video captured from the event: youtu.be/VAsLeF9FJ-Q 

Special pricing and hours available for industry visits: tinyurl.com/3nvchua3

In 2004, five cities (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Pontiac and Sylvan Lake) signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” and solidified their commitment to support the Clinton River Trail (CRT) as a contiguous 16-mile-long community amenity in Oakland County—this milestone is recognized as the official establishment of the CRT.

However, the origins of this beloved rail-trail began further back.  The Oakland County Planning Division began to envision and promote the benefits of a countywide non-motorized network circa 1975.  In the 1970s and 1980s, the I-275 Metro Trail and the Paint Creek Trail helped to pave the way for linked, long distance walking and biking corridors in Oakland County.  Local organizers for the CRT were able to glean important lessons from both of these early projects, including trail ownership, organizational structure, funding opportunities, and how to work to gain public support.

In 1998, a group of loosely organized citizens recognized a great opportunity to convert a soon to be abandoned Grand Trunk railway into a recreational trail.  Led by Rochester Hills resident Dan Keifer, the group began their campaign to build public awareness.  Numerous residents expressed interest and teamed up with staff from Oakland County Planning and city representatives to make this vision become a reality.

Around 2001, Friends of the Clinton River Trail (FCRT) was formalized and became a non-profit corporation with the vision to create a trail that would be “a safe and enjoyable recreational feature for the communities through which it passes.”

Funding came in and piece by piece, city by city, the CRT started to take shape.  “Although some of the faces have changed over the years, the FCRT has remained a 100% volunteer organization,” says Melinda Hill, president of FCRT.

“Our 20th Anniversary Celebration on May 22 at Goldner Walsh Garden & Home in Pontiac attracted numerous supporters,” continues Hill.  “A nice combination of past, present and hopefully future supporters of the CRT.  With some of the earliest volunteers no longer with us, we must rely on this next generation of talented volunteers to take the torch for the next 20 years.”

Guest speakers at the celebration included Todd Scott, executive director, Detroit Greenways Coalition; and Andrea LaFontaine, executive director, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. 

Learn more about brownfield programs in Michigan at virtual Planners Gathering, July 24, 10-11 a.m.

Speakers include Michelle Bakun, brownfield coordinator, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Lansing; Brad Hansen, senior business development representative, Planning and Local Business Development Division, Department of Economic Development, Oakland County; and Dominic Romano, community development manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lansing.

They will cover brownfield programs at the state, county, and local levels—including what brownfields are, implications for development and re-development, and the programs that are available to provide reuse incentives and assistance.

Advance registration is free and required for Zoom link at: tinyurl.com/ycxmx6pb

Oakland County Planners Gatherings are organized by Jim Schafer in the Planning, Zoning, and Land Use Unit.  Topics covered this year include stormwater standards (January); sidewalk system maintenance programs (February); building transit-friendly communities (March); coordinating with regional energy utilities (April); workforce development services (May); and addressing the impacts of malls and big box stores going dark (June).  For recordings of these sessions, visit: 

oakgov.com/community/community-development/planning-services/planning-events-trainings/planners-gathering  

Registration is still open: June 26 | Planners Gathering
“When Regional Malls and Big Box Stores Go Dark”

Hear how two communities addressed the impacts of two large retail centers going dark:  Redeveloping Northland Mall (Southfield) and long-vacant Kmart center (Waterford).

Advance registration is free and required for Zoom link: tinyurl.com/37x6r7zd

Oakland County employers are encouraged to introduce their team members interested in post-secondary education the Michigan Reconnect program, where they can receive free tuition to earn a two-year associate degree or a skills certificate.

There currently are 5,294 Oakland County residents enrolled in the Michigan Reconnect program and taking classes at Oakland Community College.  (Statewide, this number is 46,324.)  

This state program is key to the success of Oakland80, the county’s groundbreaking post-secondary education initiative, featuring a goal of 80 percent of eligible adult residents obtaining a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.

In addition to the cost of tuition, Oakland80 Career and Education Navigators are meeting with Reconnect participants weekly to explore what other obstacles they may be facing in their educational pursuits.

The navigators often turn to partner Oakland County Michigan Works! to provide a variety of supportive services to address these challenges, including help with books, classroom supplies, uniforms, transportation, childcare and other related needs.

Last year, the Career and Education Navigators provided individual counseling, resource recommendations and other support to 1,200 people enrolled in or considering post-secondary degrees or certified training programs. 830 individuals received additional supportive services from Oakland County Michigan Works! through leads provided by the Oakland80 navigators.

“Our goal is to increase the number of highly skilled workers available to Oakland County employers,” said Oakland80 Administrator Rana Al-Igoe.  “There are a variety of resources available to help people achieve their educational dreams and, in turn, boost their careers.  This includes the Michigan Reconnect program and services offered through Oakland80.”

Employers interested in learning more about the Michigan Reconnect program or scheduling a time for an Oakland County Career and Education Navigator to speak with employees should contact Al-Igoe at al-igoer@oakgov.com. There are funds available to help employers cover costs for Michigan Reconnect outreach to employees.

To apply to Michigan Reconnect, employees should visit: Michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college