The Main Event, happening June 12 at the Roxy, celebrates the 25th anniversary of Main Street Oakland County.

April 2025  |  Top Stories:

Data Corner: Changes in County Population | VTM Michigan | Student Loan Debt Support | Revolving Loan Fund | Project Diamond Highlighted at State of the County | MDEX | Oakland County Tech Collaboration Awarded by Site Selectors Guild | Edu2B Event at LTU | MedHealth Summit | Holly Oaks ORV Park Experience | Aeromart Montreal | Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit | OPC Hosts Transportation Presentation | Take Our Transit Survey | Planners Gathering on Barrier Free Design | The Main Event | Take Our Visit Oakland County Survey | 40th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon | Going PRO Talent Fund Sessions | Veterans Resources Fairs

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 40th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon on Thursday, May 22, 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 forecast for the county. It will also feature a panel including Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive representatives sharing what is new in downtown and small business development in the county. Our international connections are another vital path for innovation and growth. For that reason, I invite you to attend VTM Michigan on April 23-24 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac. VTM Michigan is an international B2B forum to showcase our region as the Global Epicenter for Mobility that will bring together the vehicle and transportation community, including manufacturers, tier one suppliers, key decision makers, and disruptive technology specialists. Oakland County business owners, if you are looking for a way to grow and expand your business, we have several upcoming opportunities. If you need to hire and train new employees or apprentices or expand on the skills of existing workers, you can apply for the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund training grants starting April 14. If you want to discover new ways to collaborate with higher education institutions, consider attending our upcoming Oakland County Tech Collaboration on April 17.  For my fellow veterans, Oakland County Veteran's Services will be hosting two more Veteran Resource Fairs on April 24 and May 15. Don't miss an opportunity to learn about valuable resources available to you. On the topic of veterans, I want to wish a happy 117th birthday to the U.S. Army Reserve coming up on April 23. Here in Oakland County Economic Development, we are always looking for ways to support our community leaders who keep our cities, villages and townships vibrant and running smoothly. One such offering is our monthly Planners Gatherings. The next one, on April 29, will focus on barrier free design standards as an integral part of local planning. Last but least, I would like to invite you to a special Main Event on June 12 celebrating the Main Street Oakland County program’s 25th Anniversary. This event is a fun evening to highlight community success stories 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. I hope you can join us in honoring our hard-working community leaders.

Data Corner

Changes in County Population

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released 2024 population estimates for counties and Metropolitan Statistical Areas as well as cumulative estimates of the components of resident population change for counties. In total, 55 Michigan counties saw population increases from 2023 to 2024 while 27 counties saw declines, though no county lost more than 163 residents (Iosco County had net zero growth/decline). In 2024, Oakland County saw its largest annual population increase since 1992. 

Population Estimates and Components of Change:

Percent Change in County Population
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2024

Oakland County Components of Population Change
2015 - 2024

Business Development

Vehicle & Transportation Technology Innovation – VTM Michigan Happening This Month! VTM Michigan is an international B2B forum to showcase our region as the Global Epicenter for Mobility. Taking place on April 23-24 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, it will bring together the vehicle and transportation community, including: manufacturers, tier one suppliers, key decision makers, disruptive technology specialists, entrepreneurs and solution providers for air/land/water.   Thank you to our sponsors: Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Regional Partnership and City of Southfield. oakgov.com/business/business-development/international/vtm-michigan

Retain Talent: Student Loan Debt Support is Available to all Oakland County Residents 

Available for a Limited Time: Take Advantage of the Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund 

Created to provide gap financing for your business growth needs. All are welcome to apply, learn more here: oakgov.com/business/business-development/business-loans/revolving-loan-fund-rlf

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter Highlights Project DIAMOnD as a Key Initiative Driving Digital Transformation for Small Businesses at the State of the County Address Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter delivered his sixth State of the County address on March 19, highlighting the county's investments in local businesses, health care, transit and housing. Coulter gave updates for several initiatives started during his first term. The Project Diamond initiative, for example, was started in 2020 to distribute 3D printers to more than 300 manufacturers. "The future is bright and the county is better off today than it was 10 years ago," Coulter said. To read the full story visit: detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2025/03/19/coulter-says-oakland-county-can-stretch-itself-to-help-residents-amid-abnormal-times/82337366007/

Plan to attend the 16th Annual Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX), April 8-10 in Warren 

Oakland County Tech Collaboration: a Site Selectors Guild Award Winner

Congratulations, Oakland County Tech Collaboration! Awarded by Site Selectors Guild for “Community Innovation – Building a Better Business Climate” 

Join the Oakland County Tech Collaboration at Their Next Business Event, Edu2B at Lawrence Technological University April 17, 2025  |  9:00 - 11:30 AM Designed to connect business leaders with higher education institutions. The event will include presentations from the college faculty and a networking session for decision makers to build deeper ties and foster innovation within the following industries:   IT/Computer Services Robotics Integration Research, Engineering & Design  No cost to attend, but registration required in advance here: Eventbrite.com/e/Edu2B-Tech-Collaboration-Business-Networking-tickets-1217032760749?aff=oddtdtcreator

The MedHealth Summit is Where Healthcare Meets Innovation April 23  |  Wayne State University  Since 2017, the MedHealth Summit has transformed the way healthcare innovation is discovered, sourced, and delivered in Michigan and Ontario. Join us on April 23, 2025, for a day overflowing with thought-provoking speakers and curated matchmaking. The summit provides opportunities to engage in dynamic conversations, exchange ideas, and contribute to an energetic community dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in Michigan and Ontario. Whether you represent a health system, medical innovation company, healthcare organization, economic development organization, entrepreneurial support organization, or investment firm this summit will have something for you.  Register today: medhealthsummit.org

Holly Oaks ORV Park - Off-Road Vehicle Experience: You’re Invited to Experience it for Yourself! 

Oakland County Economic Development attends Aeromart Montreal  From March 25-27, Chris Michael and John Wolf-Meyer of the Oakland County Business Attraction team participated in Aeromart Montreal, an aerospace industry conference and exhibition in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Chris and John met with aerospace manufacturing and engineering companies from across Canada, Europe, and the United States, sharing Oakland County’s aerospace expertise as companies consider opportunities for expansion in the U.S. After a successful trip in 2023, Oakland County Economic Development returned to the biennial event featuring over 800 companies from 28 countries. Oakland County is already home to over 90 aerospace firms, and the industry continues to grow by building upon the county’s long-standing manufacturing and engineering experience.

Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit April 10, 2025  |  8 AM - 5 PM Detroit Marriott Troy 200 W Big Beaver Road, Troy  The Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit is a one-day event for analytics, IT, and business professionals that includes keynotes from industry experts, leadership panel discussions, case study sessions, vendor software demonstrations, and plenty of networking opportunities. Attendees will learn about the latest analytics software, best practices, and success stories to help them capitalize on data and analytics strategy, data governance, and extracting business value out of your data assets. This is the only event of its kind in Michigan, so don’t miss out on this valuable learning opportunity.   Learn more and register at: witinc.com/great-lakes-data-ai-analytics-summit

Transit

OPC Hosts Transportation Presentation and Vehicle Showcase in Rochester 

 The presentation will cover:  

• Where transit is available and how to use it  
• Methods to access and pay for different transit services  
• Insights into innovative transit programs and improvements  
• Details on-demand response services coming to the Greater Rochester area and eligibility  

Presentations will be held at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM in the auditorium at the OPC Center (650 Letica Drive, Rochester), and attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of on-site transit vehicles, including a SMART Bus, SMART Flex Van, OPC Bus, and OPC Van.  

Take Our Transit Survey – Help Shape Oakland Transit’s Future! 

Oakland Transit is committed to making your daily travel across Oakland County smoother and more responsive to your needs. Now, we need your insights to build a public transit system that works better for everyone. WHY PARTICIPATE? Be heard: Share your thoughts and experiences on routes, schedules, and services that matter most to you. Drive change: Your feedback directly influences improvements in our public transit system. HOW TO PARTICIPATE It’s quick and easy! Take our brief survey online and help us serve you better.  OakGov.info/TransitSurvey   |  Transit-SurveyFlyer-v1.pdf

Planning & Local Business Development

“Barrier Free Design for Planners” is Focus of April Planners Gathering  

Barrier free design standards are an integral part of local planning. The application of those standards is an essential element of master plans, streetscape plans, site plans, building renovations and new-builds—and everything in between. “Barrier Free Design for Planners” is the focus of the next free and virtual Planners Gathering, April 29, from 10-11 a.m. Speakers include Ron Campbell, AIA, principal planner and preservation architect, Oakland County Department of Economic Development; Erica Coulston, president and co-owner, Walk The Line Recovery Therapy; and Justin Willcock, department aide, Oakland County Department of Economic Development. Discussion topics will include barrier free design, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Michigan Building Code. There will be several examples of what does and does not work, some updates on legislation, and a review of online tools available to convey planning information to the visually impaired. This session will be recorded and available at AdvantageOakland.com.  If you have additional questions, please contact Jim Schafer, Oakland County – Planning, Zoning, and Land Use, at schaferj@oakgov.com or (248) 858-2033. Advance registration is free and required at: eventbrite.com/e/planners-gathering-barrier-free-design-for-planners-tickets-1279795866889?aff=oddtdtcreator

Main Street Oakland County to Host a Special Main Event on June 12 to Celebrate Program’s 25th Anniversary 

Main Street Oakland County’s (MSOC) Coordinating Program is celebrating its 25th Anniversary—which includes a special Main Event, June 12, 6-9 p.m., in Downtown Rochester, the first community to come into the program in 2000. MSOC’s annual gala event will be held at The Roxy Rochester, 401 Walnut Boulevard, and includes an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in downtown revitalization.  Twenty-nine Oakland County downtown and historic corridor districts can compete in this year’s award categories:  Spirit of Main Street  Legacy of Main Street Excellence  Main Street Jubilee  Achievement in Community Character or Historic Preservation  Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship  Community Event of the Year  District Placemaking  Small Business Retention and Attraction  Volunteer of the Year  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, DTE Energy, Downtown Rochester, Giffels Webster, Michigan Downtown Association, and the Greater Rochester Community Foundation. Event contact is Annaka Norris, Oakland County: norrisa@oakgov.com | (248) 858-5447 Tickets are $35 and include hearty hors d’oeuvres. Attire can be formal, business, or black-and-silver themed. Tickets are on sale now, with advance registration ending June 6: MainEvent25.eventbrite.com

Oakland County Launches Visitor Survey to Shape Comprehensive Tourism & Attraction Strategic Plan 

The 40th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon will be held May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson host the annual luncheon for the business, government, and academic communities to hear the latest economic forecast for the county.   This networking event provides firsthand insight into the activities happening locally.

University of Michigan Economist Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich presents the highlights of the most current economic outlook data and a panel representing Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive will share what is new in downtown and small business development in the county.

Tickets are $85 each and include lunch and the Economic Outlook Summary.  Advance registration closes on May 15, 2025 or when sold out.  Register at:  OakGov.com/EOL

The event is organized by Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development, Main Street Oakland County, and Oakland Thrive. Oakland Community College is a diamond sponsor.

Contact Brandi Evans at Oakland Thrive with general questions or for more information on sponsorship opportunities at evansb@oaklandthrive.org 

Workforce Development

Going PRO Talent Fund 2025 Cycle 2 Information Sessions 

It is that time of year! The application period for Cycle 2 of the Going PRO Talent Fund opens on Monday, April 14. In preparation, the Oakland County Michigan Works! Business Services team is hosting a series of information sessions to help Oakland County companies learn more about the program, eligibility, and funding available!

We are looking forward to another strong round of applications from Oakland County companies to help them train their existing employees and new hires! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Business Services Coordinator, Denise VanHee at dvanhee@troy.k12.mi.us

QUICK FACTS
• State of Michigan program with millions of dollars in training funds available for 2025 (Cycle 2)
• Assists companies with a demonstrated talent need 
• Private or non-profit businesses eligible 
• Partners design real-time training models that adapt to changing employer needs 
• Short-term training that leads to a credentialed, industry-recognized skill 
• Employers actively participate in development of training and commit to retaining trainees Learn how to connect with Oakland County Michigan Works! representatives and get the information you need to apply online for the Going Pro Talent Fund. 

Learn more at OakGov.com/GoingPRO

REGISTER AT: GoingPRO-InfoSessions.EventBrite.com

Veterans Services

Join Us at our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs 

oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland/events-calendar

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