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Office of County Executive
Mark A. Hackel
(586) 469-7001

Executive Focus Newsletter Fall 2015

Mark's Message
Macomb County builds international relationships
Macomb County to celebrate Welcoming Week
Macomb County to host one of largest Manufacturing Day efforts in country
Meals on Wheels seeks corporate partners to deliver meals

Mark's Message

By Mark A. Hackel, Macomb County Executive Office 

I cannot believe that it is the end of summer! Last time this newsletter went out, school had just let out and plans for summer fun in Macomb County were under way. Now, school is back in session and fall activities are starting to pile up.

One important project that has taken shape over the summer is the construction of the Administration Building’s south parking lot. Macomb County officials broke ground on phase one of this $65 million downtown Mount Clemens redevelopment project in early June. A look outside of our offices here at the Administration Building and we can see daily the progress being made with this endeavor. The project is still right on track to be completed in winter 2016.

Later in June, we also saw another exciting groundbreaking taking place when local officials, investment and development partners and residents celebrated the ground breaking of a new minor league baseball field that will be constructed on the northeast corner of Auburn Road and Moscone Drive in Utica.

Jimmy John’s is the official naming rights partner of the new ballpark, which will be named Jimmy John’s Field. The ballpark will seat approximately 4,000 people and include a grandstand, five dugout suites, five penthouse suites, 12 private patio suites, a grass berm and four picnic areas. In addition, construction of the $12 million project is expected to take 12 months and opening day of the league’s inaugural season will be in summer 2016.

Another key event this summer included The Bassmaster’s Elite Series tournament. Held at the end of August at Lake St. Clair Metropark, this event had people from all over the country tuned in to Macomb County. We had the unique ability to provide the public with a sneak peek into how valuable our waterways are here in Macomb County.

Then, just last week, President Barack Obama stopped by Macomb Community College to discuss the value of community college and apprentice programs. It was an honor to be able to attend his address and I’m glad he chose Macomb County as the place to showcase these policies.

Speaking of which, my office is already busy planning for my fifth annual State of the County Address. Please save the date to attend. This year, the event is on Wednesday, December 2. Stay tuned to Executive Focus for more details on how to register as the event nears.

As always, have a wonderful fall season. Enjoy the orchards, fall sports and warm hoodies. 

Macomb County builds international relationships

By Vicky Rad, deputy director of Planning & Economic Development

Macomb County is becoming an increasingly diverse place to live and build a business. Aside from the more than 80 firms operating in Macomb County that are headquartered outside of the USA, nearly one out of every 10 residents immigrated here.

The businesses are drawn here because of our incredible supplier network, ease in logistics and a talented and dedicated workforce. Combined, these foreign-owned companies provide thousands of good paying jobs right here in Macomb County. 

As part of a strategy to make Macomb County better known outside of the region, state and country, County Executive Mark A. Hackel hosted a special gathering for an influential group of individuals this summer. A crowd of nearly 40 from the Consular Corps of Michigan met for lunch at MacRay Harbor overlooking spectacular Lake St. Clair. 

Members of the Consular Corps of Michigan represent more than 40 nations. Their mission is to foster trade, investment and cultural exchange between the countries they represent and the federal, state and local governments of the United States. 

The event provided a perfect opportunity to introduce Macomb County while promoting the business development services offered by the Department of Planning and Economic Development. 

“Our team is here to help businesses of all sizes achieve their expansion goals,” said Department Director Stephen Cassin. “Aside from access to a host of available services for businesses, the newly opened International Landing Zone at Velocity in Sterling Heights is a great place for foreign firms to test the waters for establishing a footprint in the United States.”  

As part of OneMacomb’s initiative, Assistant County Executive Pam Lavers also shared information about how the group works to build a more welcoming community committed to both our foreign-born and US-born businesses and residents who Make Macomb their Home. A more welcoming, immigrant-friendly environment maximizes opportunities and creates a more vibrant and thriving community.

“In order for Macomb County to be competitive in the global market we need to operate from a multinational and multicultural perspective,” said Lavers.

The event was a success. Honorary Consul of Germany Fred Hoffman shared the following with event hosts:

“The Consular Corps was overwhelmed by your hospitality yesterday - thanks again! I heard over and over what a productive meeting it was and how it will lead to many positive developments. I also heard about the professionalism and can-do attitude of your staff. The credit goes to you and Steve (Cassin) for assembling such a first class team. Again thanks, and I look forward to helping grow this important relationship!"

Macomb County to celebrate Welcoming Week

By Pam Lavers, Assistant Macomb County Executive

Macomb County will join many other municipalities throughout the United States in celebrating National Welcoming Week, which is Sept. 12-20, with a variety of activities designed to highlight Macomb County as a welcoming community.

National Welcoming Week was started by Welcoming America, a national membership organization which offers tools, resources and a national network to help nonprofit and government partners transform their communities into more welcoming places. Welcoming Week is a nationwide event that highlights the contributions of immigrants to American communities.

Macomb County is hosting a number of events during Welcoming Week, many of which are being put on by OneMacomb. OneMacomb was started by Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel to support Macomb County’s increasing cultural diversity and inclusion efforts.

“It is important that Macomb County acknowledges its diverse population by participating in initiatives such as Welcoming America,” said Hackel. “We want all of our residents to know that we appreciate their making Macomb County their home.”

Starting Monday, Sept. 14, and continuing all week, the Ray Township Library and Clinton-Macomb Public Library will create Citizen Corners with information, books, and materials relating to citizenship and immigration.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, Welcoming Michigan is hosting a statewide convening in Macomb County. The day-long program will be held at Macomb Community College, South Campus. Municipal and community leaders, Welcoming leadership committees, Welcoming Cities and Counties, partners across Michigan, and those new to this work, are all invited. OneMacomb is a proud partner of Welcoming Michigan.

Thursday, Sept. 17, a Michigan Immigrant Rights Center attorney will present Immigration Basics, What Every American Must Know, explaining how immigration works, the various kinds of visas, why the process takes different amounts of time for different people, etc. The attorney will speak and answer questions from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Campus Library of Macomb Community College, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Campus Library of Macomb Community College.

On Friday, Sept. 18, OneMacomb is hosting a naturalization ceremony where immigrants take their final step by pledging their allegiance and becoming United States citizens. The event is at 10 a.m. at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College.

Later on Sept. 18, OneMacomb and Welcoming Michigan will participate in a travel-and-diversity-themed evening of storytelling. The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers will be at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, 315 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, at 7:30 p.m. See https://www.twistedtellers.org/ for more information.

Saturday, Sept. 26, a citizenship workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Verkuilen Building, entrance C, 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. The workshop is for those who wish to become naturalized citizens and need some guidance regarding the process. 

The Board of Commissioners also supports OneMacomb. This week, the board will consider a Welcoming Week proclamation.

In order for Macomb County to be competitive in the global market, we need to operate from a multinational and multicultural perspective. Immigrants not only bring us those perspectives, they also create jobs, pay taxes and buy goods in Macomb County and across the whole region.

OneMacomb works to promote multiculturalism and inclusion in Macomb County. For more information, visit OneMacomb on Facebook, Twitter or http://macombgov.org/People-Home.

Macomb County to host one of largest Manufacturing Day efforts in country

By Steve Cassin, Director, Macomb County Planning & Economic Development

For the third year in a row, Macomb County will coordinate a countywide celebration of national Manufacturing Day. On Oct. 2, an estimated 1,500 students from high schools throughout the county will visit local companies to see manufacturing in action and meet the people who make things.

MFG Day is an awareness campaign created by leading national industry organizations.  Its purpose is to place a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to our economy while exposing the future generation of our workforce to the interesting and well-paying jobs it offers. In 2014, nearly 1,700 companies nationwide hosted some type of open house. 

Macomb County hosted one of the nation’s largest coordinated efforts last year with more than 1,200 students. This year will be bigger than ever.

Bolstered by a small grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Macomb County is assisting officials in Oakland and Wayne County to organize a similar experience for students. In all, nearly 2,300 students from throughout the region will learn more about jobs in the industry and the educational pathways that lead to rewarding careers. 

Additional event expenses such as bus transportation and t-shirts are being covered by top sponsors Fisher Dynamics, Fori Automation, Futuramic Tool & Engineering, KUKA Systems North America, PTI Engineered Plastics and Proper Group International. Other sponsors include Attica Hydraulic Exchange, Brose Jefferson, JB Cutting, General Motors – Warren Transmission, MAG Automotive, Paslin and RCO Engineering.   

As a follow-up to the event, Macomb Community College will host a Manufacturing Career Expo on the evening of Dec. 3 as part of their annual RET Days at the Sports & Expo Center in Warren.

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development is grateful to the following client companies for agreeing to host students on October 2:

Atlas Tool, Inc
Attica Hydraulic Exchange
BAE Systems
Baker Aerospace
Brose Jefferson Inc
CERATIZIT, USA
Colonial Plastics, Inc
DWM Holdings
Experi-Metal Inc.
Faurecia
Fisher Dynamics
Fori Automation
Futuramic Tool & Engineering
General Motors - Warren Transmission Operations
iDEAL Technology
Corporation
JB Cutting, Inc.
KUKA Systems North America LLC
L&L Products
MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions
MAG Automotive LLC
Mayco International
MFC Netform
MNP Corporation
Paslin Company
PCS Company
Prism Plastics
Proper Group International
Protojet
PTI Engineered Plastics
Rave Computer
RCO Engineering
Schwab Industries
Sequoia Tool and Manufacturing
TransNav, Inc
Triumph Gear Systems
Macomb
True Industries Inc.
Wolverine Harley Davidson
Axalta Coatings Systems
Models & Tools

Meals on Wheels seeks corporate partners to deliver meals

Macomb Community Action’s Office of Senior Services is seeking businesses to partner with for a New Corporate Volunteer Program where businesses would “adopt” a Meals on Wheels route to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens. Adopting a route would entail that the business would coordinate employees to deliver meals on their lunch hours. The commitment could be as small as one route once a week, or extended to multiple routes or days depending upon the number of employees interested in volunteering.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is a great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. By delivering meals, volunteers bring nutritious food and a friendly visit to seniors in your community. It’s a great volunteer opportunity for teams of employees as well a company’s retirees. Contact our office to find out how easy and rewarding it is to bring nutrition and independence to your neighbors!

While there are openings throughout the entire county, there is a critical need for volunteer drivers in Clinton Township, New Haven, Richmond, Sterling Heights, Utica and Warren. Currently, meal pick-up locations are located near the delivery routes.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, pass a background check, and have a valid driver’s license and insurance. Volunteers must use their personal vehicles for delivery and are offered mileage reimbursement.

Meals on Wheels allows seniors to remain in their homes and live with dignity while receiving warm, nutritious meals. In Macomb County, nearly 1,700 seniors receive daily meals through the program. 

Find out more information about our Corporate Volunteer Program by calling Elise Cretcher, Volunteer Coordinator at (586) 469-6702.  Individuals interested in signing up can do so online at macombgov.org/MCA-Seniors-MOW-Volunteer.

Macomb Community Action is a Community Action Agency dedicated to helping people and changing lives. Macomb Community Action offers many programs to Macomb County residents, including emergency assistance, Head Start, senior services, and weatherization. For more information, visit macombgov.org/MCA-Home.