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Planning and Economic Development
(586) 469-5285

Focus Macomb

 

 

Message from Mark

 

 

 

Hello and welcome to the February edition of Focus Macomb. Today I’d like to shine a spotlight on our County employees – the public servants who work on behalf of the residents of our 27 communities. Oftentimes these individuals are behind-the-scenes, but these last few months we’ve seen some of them receive recognition for the important work they do. 

For instance, Deputy Thorne and Deputy Parisek from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office recently received widespread media attention for their response to a motorist in need. A driver in distress asked for help, and a hug, and our deputies provided just that. They showed understanding, and offered support when this individual needed it the most. I was so proud to see this, and even more proud to see the coverage this story received – even reaching CNN. Now people all over the country will see Macomb County employees as they truly are: Kind and caring people who go above and beyond for the residents they serve. 

That’s just one example of our workforce in action. But in sharing this message, my hope is that you remember that we are here to help. No task is too small, and no request is too large. Macomb County employees always do their best to respond to the needs of our community. So please reach out. A good starting point is macombgov.org, where you can find programs and resources available for residents. You can also call our main phone number at 586-469-5100 and our team will be happy to point you in the right direction. 

 

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your county executive. Take care,

Mark Hackel

 

Low-priced trees, plants and shrubs available through Macomb County sale

 

Green Macomb and the Blue Water Conservation District have announced the return of their annual tree and plant sale, an opportunity for the public to purchase young trees, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, wildflower seed and other fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. The sale is now open and will run through Thursday, April 6. Interested individuals can visit green.macombgov.org to browse available stock, place their orders and make payments. 

“We created this tree and plant sale seven years ago to help us reach our goal of increasing tree canopy in Macomb County,” said Gerard Santoro, program director for Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources. “The response from residents has been tremendous. So we are proud to once again offer this to our community, providing an affordable opportunity for homeowners to spruce up their gardens and green spaces for spring and summer.”

Items available for order include paper birch, black cherry, norway spruce, red osier dogwood, douglas fir and many more choices. Prices range from $7 to $25 while supplies last.

“As always, we will have an incredible offering with a range of products,” Santoro said. “But ultimately, we just want our customers to know that they are investing in a resource with real benefits – like increasing property values and reducing home energy usage.”

All items purchased can be picked up in person or shipped to your home. There will be two pick-up locations in Macomb County:

  • April 25 and 26 - Armada Fairgrounds
  • April 28 and 29 - Clinton Township Civic Center

 A limited stock of trees and plants will be available for purchase on site.

Since the sale began seven years ago, more than 100,000 trees and plants have been purchased by residents, businesses and communities throughout Macomb County. For more information on the tree and plant sale, visit the Green Macomb website.

 

Nominations for Macomb Business Awards open through March 3

 

Macomb County has announced that the annual Macomb Business Awards will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023. The event, which is now in its eleventh year, will return to the historic Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens to recognize local businesses in a variety of categories.

“We were so proud to host the Macomb Business Awards in Mount Clemens, our County seat, last year,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “This year we’re thrilled to bring the event back to downtown so we can again highlight the city’s transformation, while celebrating local organizations that are outstanding in their field. From large manufacturers to small nonprofits to microbusinesses, we hope to put a spotlight on the best of Macomb County.”

Businesses and organizations can submit themselves for consideration in one of the following categories now through March 3: 

  1. Hidden Gem: A business with up to 50 employees that offers a unique Macomb County product or service that more people should know about.
  2. Hometown Hero: An organization that goes above and beyond to help their community by providing assistance, donations, volunteer and/or promotional support to a cause or for a local need.
  3. Manufacturer of the Year: A manufacturer of any size in any industry that is achieving success through its efforts to diversify its customer base and implement new technologies or efficiencies.  
  4. Small But Mighty Award: A microbusiness with less than ten employees that is addressing a consumer need through its products or services. Must have a brick and mortar presence in Macomb County.
  5. Trailblazer of Future Talent: A company that c​reates opportunities for the next generation of Macomb County’s workforce to explore career possibilities and experience work-based learning.
  6. Workforce Champion: A company that demonstrates creativity in response to workforce needs, including talent attraction, employee retention and making a conscious effort to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

Nominations can be entered at MacombBusiness.com. All nominees will then be reviewed by a panel of judges. Recipients in each category will be announced during the awards program.

The Macomb Business Awards recognizes outstanding businesses that have made Macomb County their home. It will feature networking opportunities and presentations from leaders who will discuss relevant business topics. 

MCPED is also seeking sponsors to help cover program expenses. For more information, please contact Chelssee Moreno at chelsea.moreno@macombgov.org or click here to learn more. 

 

Walk For Warmth to help Macomb County residents facing heat-related emergencies

 

Registration is now open for Macomb Community Action’s 33rd annual Walk for Warmth 2023 (#W4W2023). This self-paced walk supports income-eligible Macomb County residents in need of assistance during the winter months. All funds raised during the event stay in Macomb County, assisting families and individuals with heat-related emergencies. These emergencies can include paying a utility bill or replacing a broken furnace.

“I am proud to see the return of Walk for Warmth and grateful for the organizers and participants who make it possible to host the event year after year,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “I hope you’ll join me as a participant so we can raise funds to help our neighbors in need.”

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Walk for Warmth 2023 will again be held virtually, at the discretion of the walker, at a location of their choice from Saturday, March 4 to Saturday, March 11, 2023.

“Every year, Macomb County residents and employees show up for one another by committing to Walk for Warmth, raising funds for their neighbors in need,” said Julie Hintz, Program Manager, Macomb Community Action, Action Centers. “As the COVID pandemic continues to have negative ramifications on our most vulnerable families, our 33rd Annual Walk for Warmth is more important than ever.”

“Macomb Community Action is thankful for the outpouring of community support throughout the pandemic,” stated Hintz. “We are beyond grateful for the support of our Walk for Warmth community sponsors and the individuals that will pledge their support this year.”

Since it began, Walk for Warmth has raised over $770,000 that has helped local families stay warm in their homes throughout the winter. In 2022 alone, the event helped support over 25 households with electric and/or natural gas assistance. It also assisted 5 households with furnace repairs and replacements.

Participants who pledge to walk are encouraged to take selfies and photos throughout their experience, and share them using hashtag #W4W2023 and tagging Macomb Community Action on Facebook (@MacombCommunityAction). The first 100 walkers to sign up will receive a Walk for Warmth magnet.

For more information about Walk for Warmth 2023, or to sponsor this event, please visit mca.macombgov.org/mca-W4W.

 

Medicare enrollment assistance offered to individuals turning 65

 

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services will offer Medicare enrollment assistance to individuals turning 65. The support, provided in partnership with MMAP (Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program), will include a series of presentations from trained, unbiased experts who will share their knowledge and offer tools to ease the transition to Medicare.

“Enrolling in new health care programs can be an incredibly stressful time,” said Sheila Coté, director, Macomb County Office of Senior Services. “Our goal is to relieve some of that burden by providing guidance and support. We know that it can be a complicated process, but we’re here to help. Our experts are skilled and experienced in navigating the ins and outs of Medicare enrollment.”

Individuals can begin the Medicare enrollment process in the three months before a 65th birthday, or in the three months after. 

“There are a number of things to consider when starting the enrollment process,” Coté said. “It may feel overwhelming, and that’s why we’re offering our support services.”

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services will be hosting several webinars for individuals approaching and within the enrollment window. Webinars will be held: 

  • Thursday, March 16 at Noon
  • Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m.
  • Monday, April 17 at Noon
  • Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m.

To attend one of the webinars, visit macombgov.org/seniors and complete the registration form. An email will be sent with login information for the presentation. Contact the Senior Services office at 586 469 5228 with questions.

 

Macomb County and local communities select road projects for federal funding consideration

 

The Macomb County Federal Aid Committee (FAC) voted to approve road projects for federal funding consideration as part of the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which is administered through the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). The TIP package will now head to SEMCOG for formal approval by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

“These are community driven projects that were prioritized by local municipalities,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Utilizing available federal funds allows Macomb County to maximize improvements in our infrastructure while allocating County resources where they are needed most.” 

The approved TIP includes more than $85 million reconstruction, rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements scheduled between 2023 and 2026. Federal aid eligible projects are selected every three years by the Macomb County FAC, which includes representatives from SEMCOG, MDOT, MCDR and every city, village and township within Macomb County. 

With approval anticipated from MDOT and FHWA, a list of projects was submitted for federal funding consideration.

“We are committed to improving Macomb County's roads, bridges, and transportation network through a sustainable mix of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvements,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “From reconstructing important corridors to enhancing the safety and efficiency of our roadways, these projects are critical to the infrastructure needs of our region.”

For additional information regarding the 2023-2026 TIP, visit semcog.org. For a complete list of Macomb County construction projects, maps, and information, visit roads.macombgov.org.

 

    Save the Date

 

 

Sprint and Splash

Saturday, August 12, 2023
Lake St. Clair Metropark

 

 

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