January 10, 2012
Macomb Business Climate Survey results released
Over 550 business leaders responded to this December 2011 survey, the highest number of responses of the four surveys conducted to date. Read the analysis and resulting projections for economic development in Macomb County.

August 11, 2011
Economic Impact Report
The Department issued its Economic Impact Report for the first half of 2011, which highlighted the $55.1M investment and 600+ jobs that were created in Macomb County. For the complete report, click here.

August 5, 2011
The Upside of Downtowns
Macomb County's downtowns are vital community anchors.  These traditional commercial centers are destinations with profound social and economic impact on Macomb County.  With a wealth of interests, resources, and stakeholders these entities are an important factor to Macomb County's economic resurgence.  Understanding the importance of these entities MCPED has been engaged with a number of Downtown Development Authorities providing planning and economic development assistance services.  One of the County's partnering communities is the City of New Baltimore.  Currently the City and DDA are involved in a number of impactful initiatives.  For additional information on the City of New Baltimore DDA visit http://www.cityofnewbaltimore.org/ for more information.

July 28, 2011
Opportunity Awaits!
Attention all entrepreneurs….Now is your time to shine, and win some big money for your business in the process!
We’re talking about the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition that is open to mid- to-late-stage start-ups with bright ideas. This international business competition has more than $1 million in cash prizes and lots of in-kind awards such as services, staffing and software for the winners.
But the deadline is approaching soon……..applications are due August 10. Click here for details.

June 28, 2011
Our Good Fortune
The department is pleased to welcome Carrie Fortune as an associate planner working within the Community Development service group.  Carrie will support Community Development Block Grant programs, especially as related to non-profit agencies within the county.  Fortune was previously coordinator for the Macomb County Continuum of Care for the Homeless program.  Welcome Carrie!

March 23, 2011
Million Dollar Opportunity
Several MCPED staff members participated in the Macomb Intermediate School District’s Global Trade Mission, which took place from March 10-12. Students prepared marketing plans for products and services of Michigan’s emerging sectors, and presented them to a panel of “investors” in hopes of being awarded $1M to launch their business. This hands-on annual event introduces high school students to the complexities of the global economy.
Don Morandini, Bob Madigan, Susan Bates, Julie Oldham, Nadine Thacker and Cathy Federspiel volunteered their assistance as business coaches and/or presentation evaluators on a mock investors’ panel.
The overall consensus of our staff volunteers was unanimous: The students did an amazing job in the short time they had to prepare, and learned many skills that will help them in their future endeavors.

March 3, 2011
New Finance and Strategy Specialist at MCPED
The department welcomes Julie Oldham, a Finance and Strategy Specialist with the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, to our office. Julie has extensive experience in accounting. She will work with "second-stage" companies (those with 10 or more employees and more than $1 million in sales) to review financial records to ensure that they are accurate and ready for loan applications. She will also compare those records to industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and develop "what-if" scenarios. Welcome Julie!

January 18, 2011
Macomb Business Climate Survey results released
Over 500 business leaders responded to this December 2010 survey. Read the analysis and resulting projections for economic development in Macomb County.

December 17, 2010
MCPED donates to Food Pantry
It was a busy day at the Macomb Food Program warehouse yesterday! With the support of donors and 55 partner pantries throughout the county, this organization served more than 150,000 individuals in 57,000 households last year. Our department held a drive and contributed more than 125 pounds of food and $200 to this worthy program.

For more information contact:
Macomb Food Program

December 2, 2010
Nicholson Nature Center grant
Good news for Macomb from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund! A grant of $205,000 has been recommended to fund improvements at the Nicholson Nature Center located along the Clinton River off Dunham Road. Coupled with private donations from the Nicholson family, the project will include installation of a boardwalk and outdoor classroom as well as trail improvements. Final approval is expected sometime next summer.

November 30, 2010
The department has created a Facebook page! Click the link to the left and be sure to "like" us so that you can see our posts.

November 9, 2010
New GIS aerial photos available
Infrared digital photos are available on the Department's GIS website to view and/or purchase.

October 27, 2010
Merging Resources at MCPED
The department extends a warm welcome to Senior Secretary Joann Priester. The recent merger of the Macomb County Reference & Research Center with the Macomb County Planning & Economic Development Department has resulted in Joann’s relocation to the front office of MCPED. In addition to her duties for the MCRRC, she will assist in keeping our office running smoothly. Welcome, Joann!

October 26, 2010
MI-SBTDC welcomes new Business Counseling Aide
A big welcome to Denise Mentzer who joined the department as a Business Counseling Aide for MI-SBTDC earlier this month. Denise arrived just in time to attend a week-long training seminar offered by the SBTDC Academy of Small Business Consultants. The class is one of four which will fully prepare Denise to work with SBTDC Business Counselors and the entrepreneurs whom they assist in starting or expanding a business.

October 19, 2010
4th Annual eCities 2010 Survey Results
U of M Dearborn's Center for Innovation Research (iLabs) shared the best practices of Michigan's local communities at a luncheon on October 19. The top seven communities were recognized for innovative programs and collaborations that encouraged entrepreneurial growth. Research specialists Cathy Federspiel and Nadine Thacker attended the presentation.

October 19, 2010
Southeast Michigan Census Council Workshop
Research specialists Cathy Federspiel and Nadine Thacker attended the Economic Census Data User Conference at SEMCOG headquarters on September 30. Census representatives from the Washington D.C. national Census headquarters demonstrated practical applications of census data for business and local government. The Southeast Michigan Census Council sponsored this event.

October 6, 2010
Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition
MCPED, in conjunction with the Macomb-Oakland University Business Incubator, is pleased to announce a business plan competition that offers as much as $250,000 for winning entries.  For more information, click here.

September 21, 2010
New Blue Economy Seminar
Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development was one of the sponsors of the "Southeast Michigan New Blue Economy Seminar; Re-inventing our Economy Using our Water Resources" that was held on Friday September 17th, 2010. Gerard Santoro, Senior planner with the department, was a speaker at the event, which showcased many of the programs, support tools, and technical support that is necessary to forward these plans. Read about the seminar here.

September 17, 2010
Leadership Macomb's Government Day Presentation
John Paul Rea, Associate Planner, was part of a panel for Leadership Macomb's "Government Day" on Thursday, September 16.  Together with Kristen Griftka, John Hejza and Bob Cannon they discussed and answered questions about Regionalism.  The focus was on collaboration and how working together gets more done with fewer resources.

December 15, 2011 - SourceNewspapers.com
Economic Development Office Helps Business Grow

December 5, 2011 - BoatingIndustry.com
MBIA announces 2011 Lighthouse Award

October 14, 2011 - SourceNewspapers.com
Final leg of Macomb Orchard Trail open to the public

September 8, 2011 - Shelby-Utica Patch
Shelby
Twp. corporate park to get special tax incentives to attract businesses

August 23, 2011- C & G News
'Intense' entrepreneurial program prepares prospective business owners

August 10, 2011 - GLITR
Macomb County adds 600+ jobs

August 4, 2011 - The Voice
Facelift for DDA site is encouraged

July 26, 2011 - SourceNewspapers.com
Robotics firm's move to Shelby Township a 'win-win' situation

June 10, 2011 - The Detroit Free Press
Kayak rental business owner leads way in cleanup of debris in Clinton River

May 27, 2011 - The Detroit Free Press
Panel to focus on Lake St. Clair, Clinton River environment, economy

May 11, 2011 - The Romeo Observer
DDA to receive assistance from county planners

April 4, 2011 - The Macomb Daily
$1.5 million project seeks to bring back wildlife to Metro Beach

March 18, 2011 - The Macomb Daily
Lake St. Clair promotion: Get businesses involved

March 13, 2011 - The Detroit Free Press
Jobs in Michigan: Defense-related business a local bright spot, especially for Macomb County

March 12, 2011 -WWJ 950 NewsRadio
Macomb Co. 'Main Stream Main Street' initiative takes form

March 11, 2011 - The Detroit Free Press
Planner to oversee water initiative

March 2, 2011 - SourceNewspapers.com
Romeo making the right moves for success in the new economy

March 2, 2011 - The Romeo Observer
County task force to go after defense contracts

February 3, 2011 - SourceNewspapers.com
Board hears pleas for CDBG funding

January 3, 2011 - The Detroit News
Defense contractors add muscle to state economy; Macomb County at center of efforts to lure military dollars

December 29, 2010 - Crain's Detroit Business
Macomb County reports over $100 million in economic development

November 30, 2010 - The Detroit News
Survey seeks feedback on local business climate

November 12, 2010 - metromode.com
Lake St. Clair water trail gets grant funding

October 26, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Film company eyes Warren for studio; 350 jobs expected within six months

September 13, 2010 - Great Lakes Innovation & Technology Report (GLITR)
Spotlight Macomb County: Great Place to Build a Business

September 8, 2010 - The Romeo Observer
Romeo to Richmond Race Benefits Food Pantries

September 6, 2010 - The Oakland Press
Macomb tool and die shop
gets boost from tax breaks

September 2, 2010 - Port Huron Times Herald
Film production meeting in Richmond

September 2, 2010 - Metromode
Macomb innovates too!

August 11, 2010 - C & G Newspapers
Survey: Businesses upbeat, but not necessarily about jobs

August 10, 2010 - Crain's Detroit Business
Macomb County economic deals add 975 jobs in first half of year

August 4, 2010 - The Detroit News
Paving sought for Macomb Orchard Trail

July 29, 2010 - Crain's Detroit Business
Macomb Business Survey finds growth in economic optimism
Click here for complete survey results.

July 29, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Better economic times coming?

June 30, 2010 - The Voice
Macomb Orchard Trail Half Marathon set for Fall

June 30, 2010 - C and G Newspapers
Officials Hopeful for Future Paddling on Clinton River

June 9, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Survey gauges Macomb County business climate

June 7, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Shelby Township signs off on hike-bike path

June 4, 2010 - The Detroit News
Macomb County may get more than $1.5M for wetlands restoration

June 1, 2010 - The Detroit News
Macomb trail coming together

May 27, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Waterfront communities hire marketing director

May 18, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Sterling Heights incubator lures defense office

May 18, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
St. Clair Shores manufacturer looks to win tax break

May 11, 2010 - Advisor & Source Newspapers
Community leaders to take part in 'blue economy' conference

May 11, 2010 - Advisor & Source Newspapers
Fall in love with the trail

April 18, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Trails to be linked, without tax dollars

April 17, 2010 - The Detroit News
Macomb County, MSU hatch tourism plan for Lake St. Clair

April 7, 2010 - C & G Newspapers
County aims at boosting tourism, recreation

March 28, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Southeast Michigan to get about $200,000 to improve shorelines, coastal areas

March 16, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Second 'business incubator' opens

February 11, 2010 - Crain's Detroit Business
Nearly 700 jobs added in Macomb County in 2009

February 7, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Lake St. Clair star of tourism effort

February 4, 2010 - hometownlife.com
U of M students to study former psychiatric hospital property

February 2, 2010 - Crain's Detroit Business
Automation Alley elects new board

January 20, 2010 - Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal
County officials to continue working for Chinese investment

January 14, 2010 - The Macomb Daily
Chinese firm picks Macomb

January 14, 2010 - The Romeo Observer
Competition draws attention to County trails

December 23, 2009 - The Romeo Observer
DDD learns of predicted 30 percent loss in revenue

October 19, 2009 – The Source
Macomb-OU INC client sells energy savings devices

October 12, 2009 – metromode
Macomb-OU INC links up with Hennessey Capital

October 8, 2009 – The Macomb Daily
WSU students to help businesses

October 8, 2009 – metromode
Macomb, Oakland open biz assistance centers

August 2, 2009  The Source
More work planned for Shelby Township trail

July 30, 2009  Crain's Detroit Business
Lake St. Clair Initiative plans lake marketing efforts, Web site

July 29, 2009  Ford Motor Company eNews
Engine Plant Esteemed for Eco-Embrace

July 29, 2009  The Romeo Observer
Orchard Trailside businesses are helpers

July 21, 2009   Great Lakes IT Report
New Macomb OU Biz Incubator opens in Sterling Heights

July 21, 2009   The Macomb Daily
Macomb opens jobs incubator

July 20, 2009  Crain's Detroit Business
Navistar plans presense at Macomb Incubator

July 20, 2009   C & G Newspapers
Hundreds turn out for Macomb - OU INCubator grand opening

July 8, 2009 - The Voice
Good news for new home buyers

July 6, 2009   Great Lakes IT Report
Rave Computer Moves to Bigger HQ

July 2, 2009  The Detroit News
MSU med schools adds two campuses

July 1, 2009  C & G Newspapers
Clean water is good for business

June 28, 2009  The Oakland Press
Forum discusses Great lakes

June 24, 2009   C & G Newspapers 
Local manufacturers granted tax abatements

June 24, 2009   Crain's Detroit Business
Van Dyke corridor businesses get façade improvements

June 16, 2009  The Macomb Daily
Automation Alley contemplating new resource for Macomb businesses

May 26, 2009   The Detroit Free Press
Macomb County to launch an export aid office for business

May 13, 2009   Crain's Detroit Business
MCPED sponsors diversification summit for automotive suppliers

April 26, 2009  NBC Nightly News
NSP in Macomb is featured

April 26, 2009 - The Detroit News
Sterling Heights fosters high-tech companies

April 13, 2009  The Oalkand Press
Clinton River Watershed

April 1, 2009   The Macomb Daily
Traffic plan lays out changes for Gratiot

March 26, 2009  The Macomb Daily
1,200 jobs coming to Warren + others

March 25, 2009 The Voice
Macomb Film Office

March 21, 2009  The Macomb Daily
Blue Ribbon schools named

March 19, 2009  Metromode
Macomb uses $10 Million to help homeowners buy foreclosures

March 19, 2009  Crain's Detroit Business
Macomb incubator closer to $1.7 million funding goal

March 5, 2009  PR Web.com
Reid Supply Poised for Alternative Energy Boom

March 5, 2009 The Detroit Free Press
Macomb County to develop an outdoor education center on conservation easement

March 4, 2009  Crain's Detroit Business
Michigan provides $48 million in film incentives

March 4, 2009 C & G Newspapers
Global Retooling moves to accommodate expanding workforce

March 4, 2009   Michigan Newswire
Michigan unveils a one-stop business center