eMacomb - Department News, Spring 2016

Department Happenings

In February, we welcomed Shannon Chappell to the staff as account clerk I. She assists the front office staff with filing, answering phones, greeting customers and completing special projects. She formerly worked at Beaumont Hospital in patient registration services and as a secretary for the city of Center Line. Shannon has an associate’s degree in business management from Macomb Community College. She is married with two sons and enjoys reading in her spare time.

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Much of the Planning & Economic Development staff kicked off the New Year by attending the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), working to highlight the resurgence of the auto industry in Macomb County, promote advancements in mobility and manufacturing, and strengthen and develop business connections. Read more about Macomb County’s participation in the NAIAS.

In January, Deputy Director Vicky Rad and Program Manager Michael Connors traveled to New Orleans to attend the International Economic Development Council’s Leadership Summit. They participated in workshops focused on ethics, inclusion and professional development in economic development. Vicky also attended an Economic Development Strategic Planning workshop that counted toward her Certified Economic Developer certification.

On Feb. 9, many staff members were in attendance at Fern Hill Golf Club for the department-sponsored Macomb Business Awards. Director John Paul Rea spoke at the event and presented the Economic Development Partner of the Year award to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

As members of the Lake St. Clair Tourism Initiative, Program Manager Gerry Santoro, Senior Planner Amanda Minaudo and Associate Planner Brent Geurink handed out Circle the Lake St. Clair Tour maps at the Detroit Boat Show Feb. 13 through 21 at Cobo Center.

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In March, Vicky and Senior Planner Alyssa Tracey spoke to students at the L’Anse Creuse School District Career Night, encouraging them to explore careers in government and STEM-related industries.

Our department was pleased to cohost a mixer on March 16 with County Executive Mark Hackel and the Detroit Economic Club’s Young Leaders at the newly-opened Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. location in Clinton Township.

March 18 marked the grand opening of the Velocity Hub of the Michigan Cyber Range. The department collaborated with the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator, the Michigan Defense Center of the MEDC and the city of Sterling Heights to launch this secure cyber range available to companies to test their connected products.

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Michael, Chef Anita Lo and Gov. Snyder

At the beginning of this month, Michael traveled to New York City with the MEDC and other regional partners to participate in the Pure Michigan Showcase. This event, also attended by Gov. Rick Snyder and MEDC CEO Steve Arwood, showcased the strategic assets of Michigan to a group of site consultants. It featured an overview of the state, roundtable discussion, question and answer session and one-on-one community pitches.

“Large corporations hire site selectors to find their next location. Things like incentives, talent, training and tax structure are all aspects they consider,” explained Michael. “This was a great opportunity to build relationships and share what Macomb County has to offer.”