State and Local Leaders Highlight the Importance of Investing in Placemaking and Business Development to Create Jobs, Grow Economy and Attract Talent

ADRIAN, Mich. — On Friday, Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), spent the day walking around Adrian, touring businesses and developments with state and local partners. The tour provided an opportunity for economic development and community leaders to tour local gems, learn about the support they received from the MEDC and speak directly with business owners and developers.

Across Southeast Michigan, placemaking projects are making a real impact in their communities—creating good-paying job opportunities, contributing to the local economy and revitalizing neighborhoods to retain and attract talent. The projects are an example of how MEDC’s Make it in Michigan strategy is achieving long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders by attracting and developing people, cultivating and revitalizing places and competing and winning for projects.

As of Fiscal Year 2022, the Southeast Region (Livingston, Washtenaw, Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties) has received nearly $2 billion in private investment that has attracted 261 new projects and created more than 3,00 job commitments. The MEDC has supported these investments and job creation through its economic development tools, aimed at creating economic prosperity in communities of all sizes in every corner of the state.

“Adrian and Lenawee County more broadly are powerful examples of how communities across Michigan are leveraging the Make it in Michigan strategy to grow businesses, revitalize neighborhoods and create opportunities for hardworking Michiganders,” Messer said. “From innovative manufacturers to vibrant arts and cultural spaces, the projects we saw last week are proof that when we invest in people and places, we not only support good-paying jobs but also strengthen the fabric of our communities. MEDC is proud to partner with local leaders, entrepreneurs and developers here in Adrian, Lenawee County and across the state to ensure that more families and businesses can make it in Michigan.”

Stops on the tour included:

• PlaneWave: A manufacturer of small- to medium-sized telescopes established its headquarters at the site of the former Adrian Training School, with help from a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The company invested $9.4 million into the development and created more than 54 new jobs over a three-year period.
• Adrian Center for the Arts: Situated on a 55-acre campus that formerly housed the Adrian Girls Training School, the Adrian Center for the Arts participated in the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Spaces program, which provides matching funds for crowdfunded placemaking projects. Through a $25,000 matching grant from the MEDC, the Adrian Center for the Arts introduces studios for glassblowing, metalsmithing jewelry and sculpture.
• Adrian Park House: Five functionally obsolete buildings that formerly housed Hamerman’s Furniture Store in downtown Adrian are being rehabilitated into Adrian Park House, a multi-story mixed-use development featuring 12 new residential rental units on the second and third floors.  In April 2024, the MEDC approved a $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant for the project. 
• Silbond Corporation/Evonik: With help from the MEDC’s performance-based Michigan Business Development Program, Silbond Corporation, a producer of chemicals for the fabrication of semiconductors, expanded its operations to manufacture new products, including high-purity abrasives for the production of microchips. Expected to generate $7.9 million in capital investment, the project was announced in 2023, building on the state’s work to position itself as a global leader in the semiconductor supply chain.
• Align Center: The Align Center explores, trains, and connects job seekers, employees, parents, educators, and businesses across Lenawee County with the goal of empowering, equipping, and elevating the community through workforce development.

“The technical and financial support provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is instrumental in helping the City of Adrian and its Downtown Development Authority foster business growth and enhance community vibrancy,” said Jay Marks, executive director of Economic Development and Downtown Adrian Main Street. “Through various programs, such as a Match on Main grant for the Maumee Street Taproom+Kitchen, a Vibrancy on Main grant for downtown murals, and technical support from Michigan Main Street, the MEDC provides critical resources that enable the city to achieve economic prosperity.”

The MEDC provides a full suite of services and support to make sure everyone can make it in Michigan, including helping small businesses grow, protecting and rehabilitating Michigan’s historic places, preparing sites for future developments, accelerating startup opportunities and promoting Michigan as a best-in-class destination for business, talent and travel.

To read about additional efforts by the MEDC to continue executing the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy, click here.

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.