BDC 2021 Highlights

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck our world. With unemployment rates matching those not seen since the Great Recession and a new layer of challenges brought on by social distancing, business closures, and supply disruptions emerged within our business community. Many new ways of doing business in 2020 have continued and bringing things back to a world of in person events is now a challenge faced by all as we learn to move forward. 
 
In 2021, the BDC shifted from survival to recovery of our business community. Challenges moved from a lack of business for many of our local businesses to a lack of talent to fill open positions. As we worked through the year and the challenges faced, it is still a year that we leave with many accomplishments and goals attained. Here are some of the highlights of 2021:
  • In July, the Community Foundation of Monroe, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Monroe County, and the Child Care Network moved their offices into our building at 9 Washington Street. The arrangement is working well as the organizations find opportunities to share common services that benefit our respective boards and stakeholders. 
  • EOI Pioneer announced its entry into Michigan by beginning led light assembly in Dundee. The company plans to hire 195 individuals and invest north of $14 million in the facility. Lighting produced at the facility will be seen on product for GM, Stellantis and Tesla.
  • We conducted 36 project visits with companies, municipalities and/or site consultants related to specific projects considering Monroe County for a new home or expansion.
  • We supported Sunrise Windows in Temperance on their $24+ million, 110K sq. ft. expansion slated to create 200 new jobs and retain 275 existing jobs.
  • Supported Clean Tech in Dundee on their $9 million, 60K sq. ft. expansion project slated to create 15-20 new jobs and retain 152 jobs.
  • Our Annual Investors' Meeting was held virtually as we highlighted Gerdau Steel, one of the largest employers in Monroe County. Daniel Mussap, President & GM and BDC Board Member, talked about the company's 120-year anniversary and highlights. We were able to virtually tour their new investment area and were able to see areas we would have not been permitted in person.
  • The Monroe County Link Pillar Teams made great accomplishments in 2021 as well; please watch for their year-end highlights in our February Newsletter. The BDC continues to lead this impressive economic development strategy with the assistance of Florence Buchanan, Customer Experience 360 and Monroe County Link Project Manager.

The Monroe County BDC is encouraged by the ongoing support of our 19 Board of Directors, our investors, our partners, and our small but determined and mighty staff. We have all worked hard to make Monroe County a better place in the face of constraints. As we continue to pursue the mission of the BDC, we are certain we will collectively achieve so much more together than separately.

May 2022 bring you blessings, health and prosperity.

NOTE: Click on the Infographic for full-size pdf version.
Afghanistan Refugee Employment Survey

Sharing on behalf of our partners at SEMCA:

Michigan will be welcoming a significant number of refugees from Afghanistan, and some of those refugees will be coming to the southeast Michigan region. Currently resettlement agencies are working with state departments and others to help transition these refugees to their new home. The next step will include SEMCA Michigan Works helping them find employment. In preparation, SEMCA is seeking information from employers in our region who are interested in hiring eligible refugees.
Please complete the brief survey below to help SEMCA develop our strategy for bringing refugees seeking employment together with businesses hoping to hire them. For more information, please contact Sameh Elhady at sameh.elhady@semca.org.  
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