Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

November 13, 2024

Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter

Dear Friends, 

Oakland County had the extraordinary honor of co-hosting a naturalization ceremony, joining the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in welcoming 25 new citizens to this great country.

It was an incredible event last month at Waterford Oaks County Park, filled with the hope and promise that is emblematic of both the United States and the people from 13 countries around the world.

Their journeys may have been different, driven by a desire to reunite with family, gain a college education, escape a war-torn country or pursue economic opportunities. But whatever their reason, we welcomed them to Oakland County with open arms and rejoiced with them as they took the citizenship oath and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

They are now part of the narrative of Oakland County and Michigan, places that are rich in culture and diversity. But they have been part of our community for years. The naturalization ceremony just made it official.

We were privileged to be joined by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion, who administered the Oath of Allegiance as well as one of my Deputy County Executives Madiha Tariq, who came to the United States by herself from Pakistan so she could get a college education. She became a naturalized citizen 10 years ago.

“Becoming a citizen is not simply about receiving a document. It’s a symbol of our collective commitment and love for this nation,” she told the new citizens and their families. “It represents the strength of my mother who dared to send her teenage daughter to a land unknown to pursue those dreams.”

It was such a joyous day for these families and for all of us who attended this ceremony, filled with emotion, a few tears and the knowledge that our community just got a whole lot richer.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank Oakland County for your support on election day and I look forward to serving you for the next four years. I intend to continue to do what we do best — set differences aside and work together to tackle our challenges, enhance our strengths and preserve what is so special about our communities.

With gratitude,

Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive

Oakland County Launches 2024 “Local Gems” Sweepstakes to Support Small Businesses During the Holiday Season

Oakland County is once again encouraging residents to shop small and local during the holiday season with the launch of its annual “Local Gems” sweepstakes. Running from Nov. 1-30, sweepstakes participants who submit selfies taken at their favorite small businesses in Oakland County will be entered for a chance to win cash prizes. This initiative aims to boost visibility and foot traffic at local businesses throughout the county.

“Supporting our local businesses during the holiday season is crucial,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This program not only encourages residents to explore and support these local gems but also strengthens the community by keeping dollars circulating within our local economy.”

Participants can enter by visiting multiple small businesses, taking selfies, and submitting their photos online at OakGov.com/ShopSmall. Each visit to a different business increases the chances of winning, with three cash prizes up for grabs:

• 1st Prize: $1,000 
• 2nd Prize: $500
• 3rd Prize: $250 

Oakland County and Michigan Partner to Help Businesses Access $400 Billion in U.S. Defense Technology Opportunities

There is still time for technology innovators to register for the Defense Innovate and Integrate (Di2) Summit on Thursday, Nov. 14. This event aims to guide technology-driven businesses in navigating the $400 billion U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) market, offering insight into how the Armed Services and Homeland Security find, acquire and integrate new technologies.

The summit, which takes place at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy, provides attendees with a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, government officials and defense experts. All technology innovators in advanced manufacturing, defense, engineering, IT, mobility, robotics and R&D industries are welcome to attend.

“Oakland County is committed to opening doors for our technology businesses to explore new markets, and the Di2 Summit is an excellent opportunity for them to connect with the Department of Defense,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This event will help our businesses understand how they can contribute to national security while driving economic growth right here at home.”

The program begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and concludes with a reception at 4:30 p.m. The event fee is $150 for Oakland County firms and $200 for non-Oakland County companies.

Know someone who would like to see this newsletter? Click the button.