More than 100 employers from across Michigan met with 8,000 students and educators to showcase 210 of today’s hottest careers at the fifth edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast.

December 2025  |  Top Stories:

Data Corner: Annual Economic Outlook Forecasts for the State of Michigan  |  K2B Event Featuring RGBSI in Troy  |  Oakland County Tech Collaboration  |  Solarize Oakland County  |  Amazon Prime Launches Drone Delivery Service to Hazel Park  |  Oakland County Attends MEDA  |   Michael J. Abdallah Interview on MEA TV-Radio  |  2026 Detroit Auto Show  |  Apprenticeship Opportunity at Pipefitter Industry Training Center  |  Project DIAMOnD Academy  |  Oakland County Materials Management Plan  |  Local Gems Sweepstakes Campaign  |  Main Street Benchmarking & Community Exchange Program  |  MiCareerQuest Southeast  |  New Registered Apprenticeship Guide  |  Veterans Services Be A Hero, Support A Hero Campaign

A Message From Sean Carlson

Oakland County Deputy Executive

Dear Colleagues,   I hope this communication finds you well as you all prepare for the holiday season. I am thrilled to recap a successful last couple of months as well as announce exciting opportunities for the future.   Let’s begin with our Planning & Local Business Development team. We closed out our Small Business Saturday Campaign, the "Local Gems" Sweepstakes, which ran from Nov. 1-30. We received over 1,000 submissions, recommending Oakland County small businesses as local gems, and we awarded three lucky participants with sweepstakes prize money. Another way this team is supporting Oakland County communities, is through the new Materials Management Program, which is part of an effort to help Michigan reach a 45% recycling rate. Stay informed and provide your valuable feedback during the planning and development phase. Visit OakGov.info/MMP for more information and to take the resident survey.  On Nov. 18, our Workforce Development team held the fifth edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest career exploration event for high school students. This event hosted 8,000 students and teachers at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Students engaged in a variety of hands-on, interactive activities and met with employers to learn about more than 210 in-demand careers.  Here in the Oakland County Department of Economic Development, our goal is to aid in creating a healthy economy for our residents and business owners, and in this month’s Data Corner you can learn about the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics’ annual Economic Outlook forecasts for the state of Michigan and the United States.  Planning ahead, our Business Development team has some exciting opportunities for our local business owners and entrepreneurs. On Dec. 10, the Oakland County Tech Collaboration will be holding a K2B Event Featuring RGBSI in Troy. Discussion topics will include driving talent and tech, digital engineering, the full product quality lifecycle with AI, and more. Our very own Manager of Business Development, Michael J. Abdallah had the opportunity to be interviewed by Wally Jadan of MEA TV-Radio, to share his personal journey and his commitment to creating jobs and expanding programs that support business growth in Oakland County. You can watch the full interview linked in this month’s newsletter. Also in January, I’d like to invite you to attend 2026 Detroit Auto Show, being held Jan. 14-25, 2026 at Huntington Place.  Last but not least, our Veteran Services team has worked diligently throughout 2025 to bring much needed resources and excellent service to our local veterans. I hope during this season of generosity you will consider donating to our Be a Hero Support a Hero campaign and support our local veterans.

Data Corner

GDP Growth Rates

Michigan Payroll Employment, 2000Q1-2027Q4

Source: University of Michigan Research Seminar on Quantitative Economics, November 2025

Business Development

K2B Event Featuring RGBSI in Troy December 10, 2025 | 1:30-5:30 PM RGBSI | 1200 Stephenson Hwy, Troy, MI 48083 This K2B Event, presented by the Oakland County Tech Collaboration, is your chance to hear from industry leader about what's driving talent and tech, digital engineering, and the full product quality lifecycle with AI. Register at: tinyurl.com/3u6cm7z5

Learn More About the Oakland County Tech Collaboration that Unites Tech Leaders to Drive Growth, Innovation and Investment The Oakland County Tech Collaboration is a bold new alliance building on Oakland County’s reputation as an economic powerhouse — uniting over 60,000 professionals across 4,000 high-tech firms to create jobs, spark innovation and promote collaboration. Click here to see how it’s transforming the tech hub here in southeast Michigan: tinyurl.com/ceh9j6d5

Learn How You can Save up to 45% on Rooftop Solar

Solarize Oakland County is a series of free, no-obligation community events that will connect you to vetted solar installers and non-profit solar experts. You’ll learn how to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits and qualify for an event-exclusive, bulk-buy discount up to 15%.

Solarize Oakland County events will take place at different locations throughout the county, with six to eight events between February and August of 2026. Each event covers how solar works, what it costs, and what your potential energy bill savings are — all in a relaxed, informative setting, free of sales pressure.

Learn more at: oakgov.com/community/sustainability/energy/solarize
Sign up for our mailing list at: tinyurl.com/3w485fsz

The program is open to non-profits, businesses, local governments, and houses of worship within Oakland County. Oakland County residents also qualify, but with a max discount of 15%. Federal tax credits are not available to residents.

Questions? Contact sustainability@oakgov.com

Amazon Prime Drone Deliveries in Flight Technology has reached new heights in Oakland County. Amazon Prime launched a drone delivery service in the Pontiac area in early November, and there are now plans to expand it to Hazel Park. Oakland County Economic Development's Deputy Director Sean Carlson, Director Dom Holmes and Senior Business Development Representative Ray Putz were hands on with the drones making this advancement possible. Get all the details here: https://lnkd.in/gQCdmhdd

Oakland County's Business Attraction Team Attended Michigan Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) Fall Conference John Wolf-Meyer and Christopher Michael from our Business Attraction team represented Oakland County at the Michigan Economic Development Association (MEDA) Fall Conference. The two-day event in Traverse City featured panels and speakers discussing some of the most prominent topics in Michigan’s current economic development landscape. The conference was a great opportunity to connect with other economic developers from throughout the state and share details of Oakland County’s programs, strategies, and successes.

Interview on Commitment to Diverse Business Attraction and Investment in Oakland County

Our very own Manager of Business Development, Michael J. Abdallah had the opportunity to be interviewed by Wally Jadan of MEA TV-Radio, to share his personal journey as a Middle Eastern American and his commitment to creating jobs and expanding programs that support business growth in Oakland County. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen the local economy and attract new investment to Michigan.

Watch the full interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=9Xv4thHStBw

The 2026 Detroit Auto Show Returns to Huntington Place, January 14 - 25 The Detroit Auto Show is returning with an expanded footprint, new immersive experiences, and a renewed energy that reflects the momentum of the Motor City. This year’s show highlights cutting-edge mobility technology, stunning debuts, ultra-luxury showcases, and interactive exhibits for families, industry leaders, and car enthusiasts alike. From indoor ride-and-drives to hands-on STEM activities and next-generation displays, attendees will also have the chance to explore the newest vehicles on the market, including finalists and newly crowned winners of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards which are announced at the show. Oakland County businesses, community members, and mobility partners have a front-row seat to one of the region’s signature events. Media and Industry Days (Jan. 14–15) will bring together national and international media, top executives, and policymakers, while Public Show Days (Jan. 17–25) offer guests an unforgettable experience across Huntington Place. From the Michigan Overland Adventure and Visit Detroit Interactive Experience to the Mobility Global Forum and the ultra-luxury gallery, the show offers something exciting at every turn. Detroit’s most celebrated philanthropic evening, Charity Preview, is Friday, January 16, raising millions for children’s charities across Southeast Michigan. Guests will enjoy an elegant night of community impact and entertainment, capped by a special performance from headliner Robin Thicke. Tickets are on sale now at: DetroitAutoShow.com

Apprenticeship Opportunity: Pipefitter Industry Training Center 636 Accepting applications now for their Construction Apprentice Program beginning December 1 through December 20. Please share with those who may be interested in building a strong career path in skilled trades. Application can be found here: pipefitters636tc.org/page-9/

Project DIAMOnD Academy Graduate Creates 3D Printing Company after Taking Course Read more at: automationalley.com/2025/11/18/project-diamond-academy-graduate-creates-3d-printing-company-after-taking-course/

Community Development

Stay Informed and Provide Your Feedback During New Materials Management Plan Development

Let’s work together to send less waste to landfills.

The Materials Management Plan (MMP) is a requirement for all Michigan counties following changes made to Public Act 451, Part 115, which is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The State’s goal is to reach a 45% recycling rate.

Oakland County is reaching out to residents, municipalities, businesses, schools, and organizations while developing the new MMP. Please participate where you can and share your impressions, perspectives, and ideas.  The long-term goal is to send less waste to landfills.

Three public meetings were held in early December.  Planning staff and consultants provided attendees with a project overview, interactive activities, and additional resources with educational materials. Visit the MMP webpage to view the recorded virtual Town Hall and for more details: Oakgov.info/MMP

PLEASE TAKE THE RESIDENT SURVEY
Survey closes on January 5, 2026

Give us your feedback on making improvements to waste collection, recycling, and composting organic materials. Your thoughts can help us develop countywide goals and strategies that will conserve natural resources, create jobs, send less waste to landfills, and support a better quality of life for everyone.

Take the Resident Survey Today:
oakgov.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8AP77SuMoLsbFPg

QUESTIONS? Please contact us at mmp@oakgov.com

The Public Local Gems Sweepstakes Campaign Generates More Than 1,000 Entries Spotlighting Small Businesses in Oakland County

From left to right: Garo Danayan, first prize; Bret Rasegan, second prize; Julie Decker, third prize

To support small businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season, the Local Gems Sweepstakes generated 1,058 completed entries from Michigan residents submitting their favorite shops, restaurants and services.  Some entry photos are posted on the @AdvantageOak Facebook page, #LocalGemOC, and added to the OakGov.com/ShopSmall webpage to provide extra small business visibility.

Garo Danayan of Huntington Woods is the $1,000 first prize winner with his entry of The Rocket in Ferndale. The Rocket’s owner Eli Morrissey will host the Dec. 17 check presentation reception and Facebook Live Broadcast @OakGov.EO from 10-11 a.m.

Bret Rasegan of Rochester Hills is the $500 second prize winner with his entry of McCauley Chiropractor in Rochester.

Julie Decker of Oak Park is the $250 third prize winner with her entry of The Vintage Farmhouse in Holly.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter will be joined by Theresa Doan, director of social responsibility, Genisys Credit Union, in presenting the big checks to the winners.  Genisys Credit Union is a sponsor of the Shop Small campaign and provided the prize money—along with shopper bags and banners for the Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) communities.

“Many of our MSOC communities actively promoted the Local Gems Sweepstakes and developed special incentives and events for shoppers coming to their downtown small businesses during the holidays,” said Erick Phillips, senior business development representative, MSOC and Local Business Development, and program manager for the Shop Small & Local campaign.  “The Local Gem small businesses submitted came from 46 communities across Oakland County—with entrants coming from 92 different Michigan communities.”

More than 675 different small businesses received at least one Local Gem entry—with Lily’s Seafood in Royal Oak receiving the most entries this year.  Vibrant Vizion of Oak Park, All About Women’s Health Boutique of Farmington, Havana Tacos & Burgers of Southfield, and Lake Orion Bike & Adventure rounded out the Top Five businesses receiving the most entries.

The Shop Small & Local Campaign is organized by MSOC in Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development and is supported by many MSOC and other county communities, Oakland Thrive, and Oakland County Chambers.

“Shopping small and local in the county’s downtowns can be particularly fun during the holidays,” said John Bry, administrator, MSOC’s coordinating program in the Planning and Local Business Development Division.  “Many MSOC communities have special events and activities, like Rochester’s “The Big Bright Light Show” and the Village of Holly’s “Holly Dickens Festival.  Each downtown in the county is worth exploring.”

The Department of Economic Development extends a deep appreciation to all the county small businesses, communities, organizations, and people who participated in this year’s public campaign.

NOTE: Oakland County ran a special Local Gems Sweepstakes this year for county employees and contractors. Genisys Credit Union sponsored the prize money—with 274 unique small businesses being entered.

Main Street Oakland County Launches Main Street Benchmarking & Community Exchange Program

Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) has launched an innovative new initiative, the Main Street Benchmarking & Community Exchange Program, designed to strengthen local community leadership through immersive learning, peer networking, and on-the-ground exploration of successful revitalization strategies.

In November, MSOC and City of Southfield officials embarked on the inaugural exchange with a visit to Carmel, Indianapolis, and Columbus—three Midwest cities in Indiana recognized nationally for their transformative downtown development.

The Southfield delegation included Terry Croad, director of planning; Rochelle Freeman, director of community and economic development; and Molly LaLone, executive director of the Southfield DDA. They were joined by MSOC Program Coordinator John Bry and Assistant Program Coordinator Annaka Norris, Southfield’s MSOC liaison, for an intensive multi-day tour.

The benchmarking journey highlighted adaptive reuse of Mid-Century Modern architecture, downtown tourism strategies, large-scale trail connectivity, public art integration, and innovation-district development.  Participants explored the acclaimed Glick Cultural Trail and Monon Trail, both national models for linking neighborhoods, parks, cultural assets, and commercial districts through walkable, beautifully designed corridors. The group also examined how public art, creative placemaking, and pedestrian-oriented streetscapes have elevated quality of life and spurred investment in these communities.

A key highlight of the visit was the tour of Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District—showcasing how research institutions, creative industries, entrepreneurship hubs, and public spaces can be woven together to support economic development and talent retention.

Delegates also met with peers in community development, tourism, downtown management, and architecture, discussing strategies and challenges common to growing municipalities like Southfield. For example, Columbus and Southfield both have internationally known collections of Mid-Century architecture as a common community asset to be leveraged.

The Main Street Exchange program, conceived and led by Main Street Oakland County, is the first initiative of its kind among Main Street coordinating programs nationwide. Its purpose is to introduce Oakland County’s designated Main Street communities to colleagues across the U.S. Main Street network and beyond—fostering shared learning and the exchange of practical ideas and best practices  with professional peers that will help them achieve their local goals.

Workforce Development

Local Employers Engage 8,000 Students and Educators at MiCareerQuest Southeast in November

More than 100 employers from across Michigan met with 8,000 students and educators to showcase 210 of today’s hottest careers at the fifth edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast, held on November 18, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

During their two-hour visit, students engaged in a variety of hands-on, interactive activities in four career quadrants: advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences and technology.

“By giving young people hands-on exposure to high-demand careers, we’re not only helping them imagine their futures, but we’re also building the skilled workforce that will keep Southeast Michigan growing and thriving,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “MiCareerQuest Southeast is what collaboration looks like when it’s done right – educators, employers, labor organizations, and workforce partners coming together to open doors for our students.” The students came from 132 schools in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Monroe, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. “Hands-on events like MiCareerQuest open our students’ eyes to real-world career paths and inspire them to imagine their futures,” said Lisa Butts, director of K-12 Career Focused Education at Oxford Community Schools.  “Oxford High School is committed to connecting students with meaningful opportunities, and this event helps them explore, engage and envision their next steps.”

More than 700 students completed a post-event survey and the results illustrated the event’s success:

• 88 percent of students felt exhibitors provided engaging and interesting demonstrations.
• 83 percent of students reported learning about new career and education or training opportunities they did not know existed.
• 73 percent of students shared that MiCareerQuest helped them begin making plans for life after high school.

“The interactive career exploration event engages high school students in discovering possibilities for the future, while connecting to institutions that can help prepare them for this work, as well as the local employers who offer these meaningful, high-demand job opportunities,” said Macomb Community College President James O. Sawyer, Ed. D.

Planning for MiCareerQuest Southeast in 2026 begins in January. Employers interested in learning more about the event should visit: OakGov.com/MiCareerQuestSE

Oakland County Publishes New Registered Apprenticeship Guide

Earlier this month, Oakland County introduced its new, completely updated Oakland County Registered Apprenticeship Guide, featuring 72 U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs in a variety of industries. County workforce leaders shared the new guide with employers, labor partners, educational institutions, and state and local workforce development professionals at a special Race To Talent apprenticeship event, held at the Plumbers Local 98 and Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit Training Center in Troy. “We are so excited to share this new, completely updated Registered Apprenticeship Guide with all of you,” said Oakland County Workforce Development Manager Jennifer Llewellyn at the event. “It is full of valuable information for both people exploring Registered Apprenticeship opportunities to launch or enhance their careers, as well as employers and our labor partners, who want to showcase their programs to apprentice candidates across the region. The goal is to build a highly qualified, skilled workforce in a variety of fields across southeast Michigan.” The Guide includes important information on what a Registered Apprenticeship is, how to become a Registered Apprentice, Pre-Apprenticeship Programs and the Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate. It features a robust catalog of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in both traditional industries that use apprentices, including construction and advanced manufacturing, and new sectors, including healthcare, information technology, professional services, K-12 education, agricultural and legal professions.  Each program entry includes: Job Description Job Titles Community College Training Partner(s) Labor Union Program(s) Trade School(s) Length of Program Jobs Forecast through 2032 Entry Level and Median Wages In addition, the new Guide includes a detailed appendix, including contact information, of all of the community colleges, labor partners and other key organizations that are referenced in the publication.  The Guide will be distributed to a variety of organizations early next year, including all public and private high schools in Oakland County, the six Oakland County Michigan Works! Centers, Oakland80 Career and Education Navigators assigned to schools, Workforce Development Boards, labor partners, community colleges, employers (upon request), community organizations, the Oakland County Department of Economic Development, elected officials, media and the public (upon request). The Oakland County Registered Apprenticeship Guide also can be accessed via the Oakland County Michigan Works! website: OaklandCountyMiWorks.com

Veterans Services

Oakland County Veterans’ Services and Oakland Thrive Launch Campaign to Aid Local Veterans

 Oakland County Veterans’ Services, in partnership with Oakland Thrive, has launched the “Be a Hero, Support a Hero” campaign, calling on businesses, organizations and individuals to financially stand beside those who have served in the United States armed forces. 

To donate, visit oaklandthrive.org/SupportAHero or call (248) 858-8016. Every dollar will go directly to support veterans’ transportation, resource fairs and food distribution events. 

“As grant funding for veterans’ programs is getting cut, this is the time to come together as a community to ensure our Oakland County veterans are supported, provided resources and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said County Executive David Coulter. “With community support, we can ensure no veteran in Oakland County goes hungry or struggles to access the resources they’ve earned.” 

Local businesses and major corporations can also make a difference through sponsorship opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 w for digital billboards, newspaper and streaming advertisements, radio or event engagement. 

• Oakland County Veterans’ Services made a significant impact on the lives of local veterans in 2024: Hosting seven veterans resource fairs which connected more than 2,500 attendees to earned benefits
• Distributing more than $242,000 in Meijer food cards and 2,500 food boxes
• Providing 10,000-plus free rides for medical appointments, family visits and essential errands
• Holding five large-scale food distribution events, serving 2,000 veterans facing food insecurity

To learn more about Oakland County Veterans’ Services, visit: oakgov.com/government/veterans

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

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