Granholm Announces Support for Infrastructure Improvements, Business Expansion in Lennon

Federal grant to help family-owned business expand

LANSING– Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced a $66,680 grant to the village of Lennon in Shiawassee County to make sewer system upgrades needed to support the expansion of Alderman’s Inc., a family-owned business that has sold and repaired equipment to agricultural businesses throughout Michigan since 1946. The grant is being made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program. An MEDC official presented a ceremonial check to Lennon and Shiawassee County officials today.

“Helping locally owned businesses like Alderman’s thrive is at the heart of our strategy to build strong communities and a diversified economy in Michigan,” Granholm said. “These kinds of projects help put into place the kind of 21st century infrastructure that will spur new business investment and new job growth.”

Alderman’s is investing $150,500 to expand its warehouse to include a service and repair area. The village of Lennon is contributing $8,000 to support the project, which is expected to create four new jobs.

“A Community Development Block Grant makes perfect sense for a project like this,” said Tim Alderman, vice president of Alderman’s Inc. “It will be used for exactly what its name indicates. This grant allows for the expansion of our business and that of the Village of Lennon for the future. We are grateful to everyone who put in the hard work to make it happen.”

The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.

"Alderman's is a long-standing member of the Shiawassee County business community, and we are proud that they are expanding their operations in Lennon,” said Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath. “This support from the Michigan Economic Development

Corporation was integral in making this project happen."

 

 

“The CDBG program is a good resource to help communities facilitate job growth and business development,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. “The MEDC is pleased to partner with company, Lennon and Shiawassee County officials to make this vital project a reality.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.