- Message from Mark
- Reminder: Shop Local Macomb contest runs through Dec. 4
- Macomb County Food Program receives $50,000 donation to address food insecurity
- Office of Senior Services opens new senior dining site in Fraser
- Human trafficking documentary premieres in Macomb County
- Department of Roads recognized for traffic operations best practices
- Save the Date(s)
- Macomb in the News, Macomb Business Blog
Message from Mark
Hello and happy holidays. We just marked Thanksgiving and now we’re looking ahead to another month of celebrations. Even though this can be a very busy part of the year, I hope that you will carve out some time to enjoy the holiday happenings taking place throughout the County. You can find all types of festive fun, and other regular updates, on the Make Macomb Your Home Events Facebook page. And of course, check out makemacombyourhome.com to find inspiration for the remaining winter months.
With that said, we’ve all got a busy next few weeks. But I hope you’ll make time to tune in to my annual State of the County address on Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m. Every year I share an update on all things Macomb County. From major economic investments and big infrastructure projects, to smaller initiatives and daily County operations, I cover it all. So if you’re interested, you can watch our livestream by visiting macombgov.org. You can also follow along on social media through my Twitter page, where we’ll share notable numbers and information throughout the evening.
In closing, and in the spirit of the holidays, I’d like to share my appreciation for our residents. Thank you for making Macomb your home. It is an honor and privilege to be your County Executive and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together.
I wish you all a happy holiday season filled with family, friends and festivities.
Mark
Reminder: Shop Local Macomb contest runs through Dec. 4
‘Tis the season for shopping! And when you shop small in Macomb County, you can win big!
For the sixth year in a row, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is hosting its annual Shop Local Macomb contest. The campaign again asks shoppers to give business to independently owned and operated retail establishments. In return, participants can enter into a drawing to win one of 10 $150 gift cards donated by First State Bank.
“The Shop Local Macomb contest gives us a chance to highlight one of the County’s greatest assets - its small businesses,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “These independently owned and operated retailers are part of what makes Macomb a great place to call home, so I hope you’ll join me in supporting these establishments this season.”
To enter, participants can:
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Snap a picture shopping with a local retailer Thursday, November 17 through Sunday, December 4
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Submit the entry on MakeMacombYourHome.com
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Share the images on Facebook or Twitter using the #ShopLocalMacomb
Businesses highlighted by consumers through photos will also be automatically entered to win a $1,000 grant. Winning shoppers and businesses will be randomly selected on Monday, December 5.
“It’s always a great way to start the holiday season when we can announce the winners of our Shop Local Macomb contest,” said Vicky Rowinski, director of MCPED. “Both shoppers and businesses benefit from the program in more ways than one and I’m proud of the collaborative effort that it takes to put the initiative together.”
Shop Local Macomb is coordinated by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development with support from area chambers, including the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Romeo-Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce.
For more details visit makemacombyourhome.com.
Macomb County Food Program receives $50,000 donation to address food insecurity
Officials with Macomb County recently announced a $50,000 donation made to the Macomb County Food Program on behalf of the Macomb Food Program 501c3 board. The nonprofit, which is an external organization separate from the County, presented the funds on Tuesday, November 15 at the Macomb County Food Program warehouse.
“We are grateful to have the support of the Macomb Food Program 501c3, especially this time of year,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “It will have a direct impact on individuals and families facing food insecurity and it will help ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.”
Donated funds will be used to purchase food, which will then be distributed to more than 70 food pantries and hunger relief organizations across Macomb County. This network helped the County serve over 11,000 households and 27,000 individuals in the last month alone.
“Donations like these are so important to our program,” said Shannon Mallory, program manager for the Macomb County Food Program. “Not only are we serving three times the number of individuals we served just a couple of years ago, we've tripled our spending on food. With current high costs, we anticipate these numbers will continue to grow and we couldn't continue to meet this need without our pantry partners, the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”
Individuals interested in supporting this cause can make donations through the following options:
- By calling 586-469-6004 or via mail to the Macomb County Food Program Food Bank, 21885 Dunham Rd Suite 10, Clinton Township, MI 48036
- Via mail to the Macomb Food Program 501c3, 51194 Romeo Plank, Macomb, MI 48042, or by visiting https://macombfoodprogram.org/
To learn more about the Macomb County Food Program, visit mca.macombgov.org/MCA-ES-Food.
Office of Senior Services opens new senior dining site in Fraser
The Macomb County Office of Senior Services is welcoming residents aged 60 and up to its newest senior dining site at the Fraser Senior Center (34935 Hidden Pine Drive). Lunch is served Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to Noon, with a suggested donation of $3.
The site offers a variety of menus across the month, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables. Favorite menus include: stuffed peppers, soup and sandwiches, and barbeque chicken. Menus are available online at macombgov.org/seniors and meals are served on a first come, first served basis.
Along with opening the dining site, the Office of Senior Services is asking for volunteers to assist with its Meals on Wheels program in Fraser and Clinton Township.
“We are opening a new location and we are seeking volunteers to assist us in this area,” said Nicole Urban, program manager, Macomb County Senior Services. “This will allow us to serve more seniors in the community and we are asking for support so we can help them.”
Please consider delivering meals to seniors in your area. Applying is easy. Just go to Macombgov.org/seniors and select “volunteer” or email volunteeer@macombgov.org with questions.
Human trafficking documentary premieres in Macomb County
Officials from the Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task Force ("MCAT") and the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team ("G.H.O.S.T.") hosted a premiere screening of the human trafficking documentary ‘It’s Happening Right Here’ at Emagine Theater in Macomb on Thursday, November 3. The film, which was shown in select theaters nationwide, highlights human trafficking taking place in cities, neighborhoods and homes across the country. It aims to help audiences learn about the prevalence of the crime and how to recognize at-risk children while protecting loved ones at home.
“We recognize that human trafficking is a concern for all of us,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Anyone can be a victim of this crime. With law enforcement and advocacy groups, like our Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task Force (MCAT), we can continue to educate our community and prevent these criminal activities from happening right here in Macomb County. And as always, if you see something, say something.”
‘It’s Happening Right Here’ was created by Emmy Award-winning director Nick Nanton, who saw hope in the organizations fighting to end trafficking and those sharing their experiences to protect others.
"Making this film was an eye-opening experience for me and I'm so grateful to the survivors, law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations that took part in filming," said Nick Nanton, CEO of DNA Films. "Thanks to their interviews, we are able to inform about the dangers of online grooming, trafficking and more, while sharing preventative tools and ultimately a message of hope. We are excited to get this film out to the world."
The latest statistics about human trafficking and sexual exploitation show that:
- There are almost 28 million people trapped in forced labor and sexual exploitation worldwide, a 10.8 percent increase since 2016. (International Labour Organization, WalkFree, International Organization for Migration)
- More than 3.3 million of these people are children. (International Labour Organization, WalkFree, International Organization for Migration)
- There was a 97.5 percent increase in online child sexual enticement reports during the pandemic. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)
“Human Trafficking has grown into a substantial problem throughout our area,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is working to put a team together to combat this illegal activity. This team will work together to locate and prosecute those involved in these illegal activities and bring victims to safety. If you suspect human trafficking is happening near you, please contact your local law enforcement.”
“Macomb County and Sheriff Wickersham are leading the way in southeast Michigan against the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, human trafficking,” said Genessee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson. “This initiative is proven to save lives and give a powerful voice to victims. I stand with them on this courageous journey.”
Individuals experiencing or witnessing human trafficking should report any and all activities to the 24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling (888) 373-7888 or texting 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO"). For additional information on human trafficking, including statistics and resources, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
A trailer for the documentary can be viewed here
Department of Roads recognized for traffic operations best practices
The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) was recently presented with two Transportation Achievement Awards for Traffic Operations and Planning from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Michigan Section. The annual ITE awards program honors outstanding achievements and excellence in the advancement of transportation.
“By analyzing data and implementing the latest traffic and safety technologies, the team at the Department of Roads works relentlessly to ensure safe and efficient travel for the residents, motorists, and visitors traveling on our roadways,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Macomb County is leading the way with the use of state of the art communication networks, vehicle and mobility detection, traffic monitoring, and connected vehicle technology to deliver a high-performing county road system.”
MCDR was recognized for best practices in traffic operations for the agency’s use of data analysis and innovative solutions to identify traffic patterns and improve cross street and left-turn operations throughout the Macomb County road network. Reducing delays on the roadways reduces the potential for motorists to increase their speed or make aggressive and unsafe maneuvers.
“The use of technology is critical to monitoring real-time traffic, signal operations, and maximizing safety on our roadways,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “The Department of Roads is equipped to monitor, manage, and respond to everything from a routine traffic crash to an escalating emergency event, allowing MCDR to deliver a safe, efficient, and informative traveling experience to the motoring public.”
ITE also recognized the Department of Roads for the agency’s study of available vehicle data to monitor and manage congestion along important arterial corridors. MCDR analysis examined the travel times of 26 corridors in Macomb County and ranked them based on mobility performance metrics, which provides critical data to the department to help plan and prioritize transportation improvement projects.
“The Department of Roads has made significant investments in transportation infrastructure while incorporating the use of latest traffic technology,” said John Abraham, MCDR Director of Traffic and Operations. “We are committed to enhancing our transportation network to support the long-term needs of Macomb County's residents, businesses, and communities.”
Macomb County’s advanced communications network is the core of the Communications and Technology Center (COMTEC), a 25,000-square-foot state of the art facility at the Department of Roads that monitors road conditions for the department, residents, motorists and first responders. Under the direction of MCDR, the Traffic Operations Center at COMTEC serves as the hub of activity for operating, maintaining, and monitoring of Macomb County’s deployments of advanced traffic signal systems, cameras, and the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) communications network.
To learn more about the Department of Roads use of transportation technology, visit roads.macombgov.org.
Save the Date
2022 State of the County Address
Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
Watch the Livestream at www.macombgov.org
Macomb in the News
Macomb County Department of Roads ready to take on winter
New trail opens by Red Run Drain
Macomb Business Blog
Velocity Center makes its identity and goals crystal clear