Granholm Announces Grant Supporting Quest Software Expansion in St. Johns

Grant of $192,000 to the city of St. Johns

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President and CEO Greg Main today announced a grant of $192,000 to the city of St. Johns to support the expansion of Quest Software Inc. The grant is being made available from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

"Quest Software is one of a growing number of high-tech companies that are choosing to expand in Michigan because of our innovative economic development tools and highly-skilled workforce,” Granholm said. “We look forward to continuing to partner with the company as we diversify our economy and grow new jobs.”

Quest Software, a software development and insurance services company, plans to invest $973,000 to expand its operations in St. Johns. The city of St. Johns will use the CDBG grant to help with the cost of new machinery and equipment. The expansion is expected to create 32 new jobs.

“Quest appreciates the efforts of the city of St. Johns and the Clinton County Economic Alliance in working with the MEDC to assist us in expanding here,” said Ron Zyzelewski, president of Quest Software. “It is through their efforts that we can stay in Michigan and help our state move forward.  The surrounding area possesses a great work ethic and we look forward to years of continued growth.”

The MEDC administers the state’s Community Development Block Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to eligible counties, cities, villages and townships — typically those with populations less than 50,000 — for economic development, community development and housing projects. Larger communities receive block grant funds directly from the federal government.

“The city of St. Johns has been a strong partner in realizing this expansion,” Main said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our local partners. Together, we are working to ensure that Quest Software continues to grow and prosper in mid-Michigan.”      

 

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

“Given the current state of the economy, having a local St. Johns company expand and bring more jobs to the area is very exciting and encouraging,” said St. Johns Assessor Cindy Warda. “The city appreciates all the assistance from the MEDC in Quest’s expansion which helps diversify our economy. The Quest Software expansion is a bright spot for the St. Johns area as well as for Michigan.”

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.