The MEDC partners with organizations across the state who engage in a variety of economic development activities, including financing, matchmaking, site selection, and supplying additional resources for companies and entrepreneurs.
In 2011, MEDC developed strategies to engage in regional collaboration among economic and community development organizations. Ten regions were formed and defined by local partners in an effort to align state service providers. MEDC convened a Collaborative Development Council (CDC), comprised of 20 economic development practitioners around the state, each representing different regions, as well as the Michigan Economic Developers Association. The CDC meets monthly with the goal to streamline services from statewide agencies, improve customer service to communities and businesses, coordinate information sharing and resources and encourage new regional initiatives.
MEDC's Economic Development Collaboratives Map
View MapMEDC enlists the help of regional economic development partners to expand and attract businesses to the state. These partners help drive economic growth throughout the state, from large metropolitan areas to rural towns. In addition to serving in an advisory role to MEDC in policy and procedure, these partners also help to retain, attract and grow business in local communities.
MEDC cooperates with two types of formal economic development partnerships:
An Interlocal Agreement is a formal agreement between public agencies to jointly exercise powers. These agreements enable public agencies to work together to provide services, share resources and reach a common goal. Interlocal Agreements are authorized by the Michigan Constitution and the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967. The MEDC was created through an Interlocal Agreement between the Michigan Strategic Fund and public agencies across Michigan.
MEDC appreciates and partners with numerous other types of economic development agencies across the state. These partners include various local agencies, utilities, and non-profit economic development organizations. To recognize these partnerships, the Corporate Partnership agreement was developed, which states that both entities will cooperate and assist each other in implementing economic development strategies that promote economic growth.
On October 30, 2018, MEDC hosted the annual meeting of Corporate and Interlocal Partners to update partners on MEDC programs and initiatives. Jeff Mason, MEDC President & CEO, gave an update of the FY18 final numbers. MEDC reported $7.3 billion in private investment and 40,000 new jobs from incentive projects.
Looking ahead at 2019, Mason reviewed MEDC’s priorities as presented to the Executive Committee in July. These priorities include a more focused effort for business attraction and business marketing, as well as a new Site Readiness Program. For community investment the focus includes MEDC's RRC program and helping communities large and small. Mobility and PlanetM still remain a focus, as well as Michigan's rural regions and better leveraging MEDC's strategic partners (MMTC, SBDC, MCIC, etc.).
Karen Hinkle, Regional Director, Retention & Growth and Jill Bland, Managing Director, Southwest Michigan First presented information about the Pfizer project in Portage. Katharine Czarnecki, Senior Vice President, along with Christopher Germain, Senior RRC Planner, Community Development, and James McBryde, President, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, presented on the 410 W. Broadway project in Mt. Pleasant.
Presentation can be viewed here:
