Last month, the Good Jobs for Michigan effort formally launched and its goal is simple: creating new, good-paying jobs across Michigan. We are proud to be members of this important coalition!

According to numerous economic development experts, Michigan must have a more competitive tool to grow more new good-paying jobs statewide and not be left on the sidelines behind other states.The Good Jobs for Michigan proposal is that tool.

Michigan needs to take advantage of the job repatriation renaissance gripping the nation. Each day, more businesses and job providers, community organizations, economic developers and labor unions working in every part of our state are supporting this effort.

We need to make creating new jobs in Michigan our #1 priority. Good Jobs for Michigan needs your help. Here are a few quick things you can do: (1) Like Good Jobs for Michigan on Facebook & Twitter, then share it with your friends; (2) and help all Michigan communities attract and grow new jobs by supporting Senate Bills 242-244.

Click here to " Get the Facts" and see an " Infographic" you may download and share. 

Mr. Lake will be taking the show on the road this June when he attends the Department of Commerce's Select USA event in Washington DC. The event brings in hundreds of foreign businesses looking for opportunities in the U.S., many of which have interest in the agricultural industry.

View the 2-page flyer

We asked Doug his thoughts on the BDC and he shared, “As a private, not-for-profit economic development organization, the BDC is vital in its role of recruiting and retaining local business and industry employers within Monroe County. It is in the unique position to serve as an independent conduit in the collaborative efforts of local municipalities, utilities, and other stakeholders to insure the economic vitality of our community.”

Doug and his wife, Diane, enjoy spending time with friends and family traveling, and time at their cottage in northern Michigan. He enjoys golf, fishing, shooting, and bird hunting. Doug also noted that he “grew up in Monroe County, Indiana, and has felt very welcomed and at home in Monroe, Michigan these past 16 years.”

We are thankful and very appreciative for Doug's dedication to Monroe County and the BDC.

> On Friday, March 31, La-Z-Boy marked its 90th anniversary! We are proud that their headquarters is located in Monroe and employs more than 6,300 people nationwide. Congratulations to Kurt Darrow and the La-Z-Boy staff on this great accomplishment!

>> Find your next supplier at our Greater Ann Arbor Procurement Summit being held on August 23. Your participation will result in a targeted experience allowing your purchasing team to meet with several pre-qualified suppliers of your choice in one day. There is no cost to participate.This summit is part of the larger Pure Michigan Business Connect program. Please contact BDC Vice President Charlene Page with your interest and to obtain a copy of the buyer's need worksheet. The Summit is being presented by Consumers Energy and will  be held at the Michigan International Speedway. More information about becoming a supplier will be available in July.

  >>> Take our BDC Business Survey! We promise, just a few questions so that we can know you a little better. The survey questions are general in nature about your company, operations and workforce needs. Please click the button below to access; it should be completed in one setting since incomplete surveys cannot be reaccessed. Your responses will be held in confidence and used only for the purposes stated above. We appreciate your time and thank you in advance!