Registration is Open
We are excited to announce that registration is open for the 9th Annual Focus On The Future event! This year's event will be held at the Monroe County Community College's (MCCC) La-Z-Boy Center on Wednesday, November 3, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.
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Our keynote speaker will be Randy Oostra, ProMedica Health Systems' President and CEO.
Mr. Oostra is regarded as one of the nation's top leaders in health care. He oversees the not-for-profit mission-based, integrated health and well-being organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. He will speak with FOF guests about how the healthcare industry has navigated and adapted due to the pandemic, and share with us the latest news on happenings in Monroe County.
As in previous years, the BDC will offer an update on Monroe County's economic development progress and MCCC will announce the Supporter of the Year Award for 2021.
Please click on the button below to register.
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Supporting Great Ideas
Wanting to increase entrepreneurial support in the county, the BDC partnered with ProMedica Innovations to develop a matching loan program. Both organizations have pledged $250,000 to create a $500,000 revolving loan fund to support investments in qualified businesses and start-ups located in Monroe County.
In addition to locating in Monroe County, eligible businesses must have the potential to create new jobs. The fund is particularly geared toward leading-edge technology and advanced manufacturing businesses that have high growth potential. Funds allocated through the program function as a loan and applicants are expected to match the allocated amount of the committee's investment.
The Matching Fund Program goals are simple: create new high-paying jobs that benefit Monroe County’s community and residents, create new opportunities for capital formation, grow new business startups, self-sustaining initiatives that result in a repayment of loan to support other applicants, and high value exits that provide opportunity to expand the fund for other applicants.
Think that your idea is ready? A few things to note before applying: (1) applications are accepted at any time throughout the year, (2) the application is used to determine if a business or idea meets the base level qualifications and goals of the program, and (3) if your business does qualify, we will schedule an interview to learn a more about you, your team, your business, and how we can help. The Application may be found here.
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Manufacturing Day 2021 Goes Virtual |
We shared SEMCA's stage this year combining Wayne and Monroe counties into a Virtual Manufacturing Day 2021 adventure! A variety of online experiences were offered that allowed opening doors to youth, parents and teachers safely demonstrating opportunities in modern manufacturing.
The virtual event is still touching the lives of potentially thousands as access to materials and videos are available to sponsors for up to one year after the event. 9 Monroe County manufacturers participated in the day by sharing videos and hosting live presentations. Over 6,400 students logged on for the festivities representing 43 schools. From Monday through Friday, there were 10,633 virtual booth visits.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors that helped make this day possible for our students especially local sponsors: Tailor Welded Blanks, Autokiniton and the DTE Foundation. We are excited to get everyone back in person for next year's event. If you have an interest in participating in next year's event, please reach out to Matt. |
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Take Advantage of the MIOSHA Matching Grant
If you are a small business with 250 employees or less, your company may be eligible to apply for a MIOSHA matching grant up to $5,000 to assist with improvements to your workplace's safety and health.
Contact Barry Kinsey, MCCC's Director of Workforce Development, via email link above or by calling 734-384-4124. He will work with any organization wanting to apply. LEARN MORE
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Monroe County Link Highlights
by Florence Buchanan
The Monroe County Link Plan Pillar Teams have been busy with activity this past month. Please view the September highlights here.
If you would like to learn more or get involved in the Monroe County Link Plan, please contact the Project Manager, Florence Buchanan, via email or by phone at (419) 654-1934.
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Tourism Bureau Adopts Monroe County Brand
The Monroe County Convention and Tourism Bureau has adopted the Michigan's Cornerstone branding. The Tourism Bureau focuses on enhancing opportunities for tourism and marketing Monroe County outward in order to attract visitors to our community. By adopting the brand, they will be spreading the message of Michigan's Cornerstone far and wide.
The board voted to commit future staff, time and resources toward pushing the message as the brand supports the mission and vision of their organization. They have contracted with local, digital marketing, and web development firm, Lakestone Digital, to expand the brand's reach both locally and abroad.
In addition to the Tourism Bureau, Bedford Township, Frenchtown Charter Township, the City of Luna Pier and the City of Monroe also passed resolutions of support for the brand. All municipalities will be contacted for an introduction to the brand and given the opportunity to use and bring a new awareness to their community.
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Please take a short survey ...
Monroe Public Access Cable Television (MPACT) is in the process of evaluating their programming and services and have a launched a community engagement survey. “We recognize consumers viewing and listening habits are changing and we are very interested in getting feedback from the community. The responses from the survey will be useful as we develop our strategic plan, stated Milward Beaudry, MPACT’s Executive Director.”
The survey link is available on MPACT’s website and Facebook page. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about the survey, contact Florence Buchanan, via email or by phone at (419) 654-1934.
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