2014 annual report - Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership

2014 ANNUAL REPORT
You’ve got to see SHIAWASSEE
PAGE 2
2014 Board of Directors
Welcome
Dear SEDP Investors & Stakeholders:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I am pleased to present
you with our 2014 Annual Report. I’ve been fortunate to be with the
organization since its inception in 2002, and can honestly say this
past year has been the busiest and most successful one we have ever
experienced.
Highlights include:
• 81 new business attraction leads
• Service delivery to 92 existing business clients
• A record 25 announced projects with job creation and/or capital
investment (including 18 business expansions and seven new
business starts)
• These projects are expected to generate approximately 200 new jobs and over $17 million of capital investment
These results are reflected in recent data released by the State of
Michigan’s Office of Labor Market Information, which indicate that
Shiawassee County’s economy is improving at a faster rate than the
State of Michigan. As of December 2014, the county’s unemployment
rate has dropped to 5.5%, which is below the state average (5.7%) and
down more than 10% in the last five years. More importantly, we have
nearly 2,400 more Shiawassee County residents working today than we
did five years ago.
As we move forward in 2015, there are two major issues that are critical
to sustaining this economic rebound – developing more skilled talent
and facilitating new building construction. We are working on several
initiatives to support these efforts, which you will hear more about in the
coming year.
As always, these activities would not be possible without your generous
support, and we thank you. We hope you enjoy the report, and look
forward to continued partnership in 2015!
Justin Horvath, President/CEO
For more information contact:
Shiawassee Economic
Development Partnership
AMY RODDY
DANNY MILLER
BRUCE COOK
Vice Chair
Secretary & Treasurer
TOM
CAMPBELL
PAUL COOK
The Argus Press
Wolverine
Sign Works
JEFF DEASON
SID GRINNELL
BRAD
KIRKLAND
DON LEVI
BRIAN LONG
GREG MINCE
BOB MCLAREN
JOE SAWYER
DAVID
SCHULTE
CHRIS
THELEN
City of Durand
Chair
TROY ANGST
Rugged Liner
DON
CRAWFORD
City of Owosso
AARON MAIKE
Baker College of
Owosso
Memorial
Healthcare
Owosso
Charter Township
Shiawassee
Regional Chamber
of Commerce
Fifth Third
Bank
FirstMerit Bank
Cook Family
Foundation
Perry Township
Chemical
Bank
Shiawassee
County
Government
STAFF MEMBERS
215 North Water Street
Owosso, MI 48867
989.725.9241
www.sedpweb.org
City of Corunna
JUSTIN
HORVATH
President/CEO
BRENT JONES
Vice President
Shiawassee
Regional
Education
Service District
Consumers
Energy
PAGE 3
2014 Existing Business Clients
2nd Chance Wood • Vernon Township
Memorial Healthcare • Owosso
4-D Trucking •Durand
Michigan Iron & Equipment • Perry Township
Accelectronics • Owosso Charter Township/Woodhull Township
Michigan Tank & Equipment • Owosso Charter Township
Advanced Drainage Systems •Owosso
Mid-State Recycling • Vernon Township
Ag-Pro Farm Service •Caledonia Charter Township
Midwest Bus Corporation • Owosso
Alliance HNI •Owosso
MRM Industries • Owosso
Allied Motion, Motor Products •Owosso Charter Township
Neway Manufacturing • Corunna
American Pellet Company •Corunna
Oster Superior Threading • Owosso Charter Township
Art Van Furniture •Caledonia Charter Township
Outpost Brewery • Laingsburg
Beechcraft Products •Vernon Township
Owl’s Nest • Bennington Township
Bourne Industries •Corunna
Owosso Composite • Owosso
CECO Environmental/Duall Division • Owosso
Pine Hills Golf Course • Laingsburg
Chel-Mer Inspection Services •Owosso
Polymer Products Group • Bennington Township
Clark Engineering Company •Owosso
Pyramid Peak Coatings • Owosso
Compak Webcor CW South Packaging Solutions •Durand/Owosso
RadParts • Owosso Charter Township/Woodhull Township
Covenant Eyes •Owosso
RF Engine • Antrim Township
Crest Marine •Owosso Charter Township
Right at Home • Owosso
Crooked Tree Nursery •Bennington Township/Owosso
Rivers Fabrication & Welding • Owosso
CSH Incorporated •Owosso Charter Township
Rugged Liner • Caledonia Charter Township/Owosso
D & L Auto Sales •Owosso
RWI Manufacturing • Owosso
Davis Cartage •Corunna/Owosso Charter Township
S Group Automotive • Owosso Charter Township
DayStarr Communications •Owosso
SLH Metals • Corunna
D’Mar Banquet & Conference Center •Owosso Charter Township
Sonoco • Owosso
Durobyte •Caledonia Charter Township
Steiner Tractor Parts • Venice Township
Empire Machine & Conveyors •Durand
Sutton’s • Durand
Erik Jones Racing •Vernon Township
TARGETLINE • Owosso
Exotic Concrete Creations •Vernon Township
Technical Service Professionals • Perry Township
Fertilizer Dealer Supply • Perry Township
Terex Simplicity • Durand
Georgia Pacific • Owosso Charter Township
The Commons • Caledonia Charter Township
Great Lakes Central Railroad • Owosso
The Meadows • Caledonia Charter Township
Great Lakes Fusion • Vernon Township
TiAL Products • Owosso
Great Lakes Hybrids • Middlebury Township
Toledo Commutator • Owosso
Hankerd Sportswear • Owosso
Transfleet • Woodhull Township
Hanson Brick • Caledonia Charter Township
Tri-Mer Corporation • Owosso
Hi-Quality Glass • Owosso
Trust Thermal • Owosso
Hi-Temp Heating & Cooling • Corunna
Universal Handling Equipment • Owosso
Indian Trails • Owosso
Vernon Upholstery & Sewing • Vernon Township
J. E. Shireling • Owosso Charter Township
Viron International • Caledonia Charter Township
JLM Enterprise • Shiawassee Township
Wakeland Oil Company • Owosso
Josh’s Frogs • Owosso
Walker EDM • Owosso
L-5 Transportation • Caledonia Charter Township
Wausaukee Composites • Owosso Charter Township
Laingsburg Eye Care • Laingsburg
Welcome Home Assisted Living • Caledonia Charter Township
Machine Tool & Gear • Corunna/Owosso
Wheeler Trucking • Hazelton Township
Main Beverage Company • Owosso
Williamston Products • Owosso Charter Township
Martin Powder Coating • Perry
Woodard • Owosso
MBE Automation • Owosso Charter Township
Yellow Rose Enterprise • Durand
PAGE 4
Hanson Brick Awarded 2014 Shiawassee Economic
Development Partnership Project of the Year
Hanson Brick, a Caledonia Charter Township based brick manufacturer,
is the recipient of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
(SEDP)’s 2014 Project of the Year award, sponsored by Consumers Energy.
The company is expanding operations at their facility (located at 3820 Serr
Road), which includes rebuilding a tunnel kiln that has not been in operation
since 2006. The nearly $1.5 million investment, which is in response to
improving business opportunities, is expected to result in 19 new jobs.
Hanson Brick has received significant support in this effort from several
partners, including Caledonia Charter Township, the Shiawassee County
Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, and the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation. A highlight of this assistance
was receiving nearly $180,000 in grant monies
from the state’s Transportation Economic
Development Fund to reconstruct Wren Road
into an all-season road, which the company will
utilize for its new truck route.
“Hanson Brick’s investment (putting a kiln back
in operation for the first time in eight years)
demonstrates that our construction industry is
now experiencing the benefits of Michigan’s
economic rebound, which is exciting to see. We
are very thankful to have this company growing
and adding jobs in our community,” said SEDP
President/CEO Justin Horvath.
The Project of the Year serves to recognize a new
Melissa Shepard – Independent Newspaper Group
or expanding business in Shiawassee County
that creates a significant positive impact on the
local economy. Representatives from Consumers Energy and the SEDP made the selection from multiple candidates.
Hanson Brick was also honored during a presentation at the SEDP Annual Meeting, held March 19th at the Baker College
Welcome Center in Owosso.
PAGE 5
2014 Project Stories
Revolving Loan Supports Local Agri-Business Ag Pro Farm Service
Brian Martindale, owner of Ag Pro Farm Service, was granted a loan from the Revolving Loan Fund of the Shiawassee
Regional Chamber of Commerce. The $50,000 loan
will be combined with personal investments and other
commercial loans to complete the build of a new
chemical fertilizer building and to purchase equipment
that mixes chemical fertilizer based on soil samples of
individual fields.
Ag Pro, located at 5200 East M-21 in Caledonia Charter
Township, will be a dealer for Agro-Culture Liquid
Fertilizer of St. Johns, MI. Martindale will also be a seed
dealer.
“We are pleased to support this agri-business located
in Shiawassee County. Although this is the first loan
we have made to a business of this type, I anticipate
agri-business playing a key role in Shiawassee
County’s future,” said Chamber President Jeff Deason.
“According to a 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture,
Shiawassee County is home to 1,033 farms that include 223,370 acres of farmland. Total market value of crops and
livestock sold off Shiawassee County farms was over $145 million in 2012 and has increased significantly over the last
decade. That’s a large part of our local economy that is important to the growth of the region,” stated Deason.
Alliance HNI Growing Operations in Owosso, Receives Incentive from City Council
The Owosso City Council approved a personal property tax
incentive to support new capital investment and job creation
by Alliance HNI, which offers diagnostic imaging services to
healthcare providers throughout Michigan. The company,
which is located at 525 S Gould St in the city, currently has
nearly 130 employees, with plans to add up to 16 jobs in
the future. They are also projecting upwards of $6 million of
new equipment to maintain and grow their services, which
include Mobile, Fixed and Interim MRI, CT, and PETCT
capabilities.
“We have been very pleased to be in Owosso for over 10
years now, employing many local residents and investing
money here. This approval from the Owosso City Council is
much appreciated, and will help us continue to grow locally
in the years to come,” said company President Gregg Hedegore.
“We appreciate Alliance HNI making the decision to invest in equipment while adding jobs in our city,” said Owosso
Mayor Ben Frederick. “The council understands that Alliance’s future is based on having the most up-to-date imaging
equipment possible. The regressive Personal Property Tax should not stand in the way of their growth. We wish them
every success.
“Alliance HNI has been a valued member of our business community for a long time, and we are excited to see their
continued success which generates many quality healthcare-related jobs in the area,” said Shiawassee Economic
Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath. “We are also very thankful for the support from the City of
Owosso, which continues to demonstrate a positive, pro-jobs attitude,” Horvath added.
PAGE 6
2014 Project Stories
(Continued)
Hi-Quality Glass Expanding Into New Location in Downtown Owosso
Hi-Quality Glass, an auto, home and commercial glass
contractor serving customers throughout Michigan, is
expanding their operations in Owosso. The company
acquired the former RWI Manufacturing building in downtown (216 E Exchange St) and renovated the site. It also
houses Studio 52 Frame Shop, which does custom matting and framing.
“We are pleased to be able to grow our business, revitalize an old industrial facility into a vibrant commercial/retail
location in the downtown, and hopefully add more employees in the future,” said Hi-Quality Glass owner Jeremy
Dwyer. The firm’s former location, also on Exchange St,
will be occupied by Shiawassee County Community Mental Health, with Randy Woodworth of Woodworth Commercial brokering the sales.
“I applaud Hi-Quality Glass for their continued investment within the city of Owosso,” said Mayor Ben Frederick. “They
are a true neighborhood business and one that my family and many others have come to rely on for outstanding personal
service. I wish them every success in their move and future expansion.”
“Hi-Quality Glass has been a long-time member of the Owosso business community, and we are thankful for their decision
to expand and repurpose an older building into a new usage that will fit well in the downtown,” said Shiawassee Economic
Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath, whose organization has provided project assistance.
Michigan Tank and Equipment Opens Facility in Owosso Charter Township
Kentucky-based Bluegrass Tank and Equipment, which specializes in the fabrication and repair of food grade transport
tanks, opened its first Michigan location, known as Michigan Tank and Equipment.
The new 12,000 sq. ft. facility, located at 1793 Dowling Drive in the Owosso Charter Township Industrial Park, focuses on
serving the state’s growing dairy industry. The move has already created approximately 10 new jobs, with more expected.
“We are really excited about our new Michigan site. The building space and central location will allow us to provide our customers with high-quality products and service,” said Ron Lupa, who is heading up local operations for the company.
“Michigan Tank and Equipment is a great addition to our business community and we look forward to working with them for
many years to come. The agribusiness industry really continues to flourish in Michigan, and we will continue to focus our efforts on supporting these companies that create jobs and investment in our county, region and state,” said Justin Horvath of
the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP), whose organization was part of the team helping the company
start operations here, which includes Owosso Charter Township, Consumers Energy, Timberland Development, Baker College of Owosso, and Bill Brown of Brown & Stewart, PC.
“Owosso Charter Township is excited to welcome Michigan Tank, a new and innovative business, to our industrial park. This
addition is a great step forward for Owosso Charter Township as well as all of Shiawassee County and is another excellent
example of job creation in our area.
Furthermore, we are very appreciative to Justin and Brent Jones of the SEDP for their tireless efforts in promoting the local
and countywide business community,” said Owosso Charter Township Supervisor Danny Miller.
PAGE 7
2014 Project Stories
(Continued)
Vernon Township Industrial Facility Now Home to Multiple Growing Businesses
Great Lakes Fusion, an excavation and construction company focused on residential, commercial, industrial, landfill and pipeline
projects throughout the US and Canada, acquired the property located at 7505 E M-71 in Vernon Township. The site, which
formerly housed concrete pipe manufacturer Premarc Corporation, includes an approximately 72,000 square foot industrial
facility and nearly 40 acres of land.
The company has relocated their operations from the Village of Vernon to the new building, which will also house a sister
company Exotic Concrete Creations, a decorative concrete contractor; 2nd Chance Wood, a manufacturer of reclaimed wood
materials and furnishings, and Vernon Upholstery & Sewing.
“We are excited to move into this new location, which will help all of the businesses grow, adding more jobs to the local
community,” said Great Lakes Fusion owner Bryan Marks. “We have a lot of additional land as well, and our goal is to develop
it into a business park in the future,” Marks added.
“It is wonderful to see another vacant industrial building be redeveloped in Shiawassee County, and feel very positive that
the additional space will allow all of these companies to expand their successful business ventures into the future,” said
Justin Horvath, President/CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, whose organization provided project
assistance.
Covenant Eyes and Memorial Healthcare Awarded Skilled Trades Training Fund Grants
The Michigan Workforce Development Agency announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of nearly $8.6 million in Skilled
Trades Training Fund program grants to 23 Michigan Works! agencies around the state. The funds were awarded to Michigan
companies for skilled trades training to better match talent with employer needs.
Two Owosso-based businesses, Covenant Eyes (an internet accountability software provider) and Memorial Healthcare,
received $50,675.73 and $57,170.40 respectively from the fund.
“Our strong skilled workforce separates Michigan from other states and the need for more skilled workers is only accelerating as
our economy gains momentum,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “We are determined to provide Michigan residents the training needed
to fill these jobs with workforce programs that are responsive to the needs of industry. This is basic to reinventing Michigan and
creating more and better jobs in Michigan.”
“The Skilled Trades Training Fund allows employers access to workers who possess the skills needed to grow their business,”
said Workforce Development Agency Director Christine Quinn. “Employers are involved in every step of the process, including
identifying key skill sets and recommending the appropriate type of training. This level of involvement translates into job growth
for the business and job opportunities for the workers.”
PAGE 8
2014 Project Stories
(Continued)
Groundbreaking Held in Caledonia Charter Township for The Commons,
a Memorial Healthcare Community Development
A groundbreaking was held in Caledonia Charter Township
for The Commons, a Planned Unit Development (PUD) project
led by the MHC Development Corporation, a for-profit entity of
Memorial Healthcare.
The Commons is intended as a way for Memorial Healthcare to
reinvest in the community by directly providing and collaborating
with others, or simply providing a location for Memorial Healthcare and other healthcare and other related or complementary
businesses to grow service offerings to the community. These
enterprises can be solely operated by Memorial Healthcare, collaborated with others to operate or are completely independent
of Memorial Healthcare; however, their first commitment is to
serve the community.
The first phase of the property is approximately 20 acres with five (5) units. The development does have expandability
in the future if continued opportunity or interest grows that would allow for up to an approximately additional 95 acres of
development.
One of the current projects is Memorial Assisted Living, also known as “The Meadows.” This 47-bed, 36,000 square foot
assisted living facility will also include ten (10) memory care beds. The general contractor is Timberland Construction with
approximately 98 percent of the contractors being local. The Meadows is a 50/50 partnership with MHC Development
Corp and the Wirt-Rivette Group. An opening date is scheduled for spring 2015.
Tri-Mer Corporation Constructing New Industrial Building in the City of Owosso,
Receives Support from City Council
Tri-Mer Corporation, an air pollution control systems manufacturer,
is expanding in the Owosso Southeast Industrial Park with a new
9,600 square foot facility.
The company, which currently employs 68, is making a $1,500,000
investment in the project and is expected to create 10-14 new jobs,
according to President John Pardell.
“This new building, complete with overhead cranes, will better
accommodate our growing business and allow us to work in a
more productive manner,” said Pardell. The construction project
is being led by Perrin Construction, with financing by Chemical
Bank.
The Owosso City Council approved a 12-year, 50% tax abatement
on the investment to support Tri-Mer Corporation’s continued
growth in the community.
“Tri-Mer is an Owosso company with a long history of community partnership,” said Mayor Ben Frederick. “It is a pleasure to
partner with this local business as they expand their operations while providing even more jobs for our people. The city wishes
them every success.”
“Thanks to Tri-Mer Corporation for its decades-long commitment to investing and providing quality jobs in
Owosso,” said Justin Horvath, President/CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, which has
provided project assistance. “It is also great to see new building construction happening, which provides further
evidence that industry is coming back strong in Shiawassee County and Michigan,” Horvath added.
PAGE 9
Testimonials
“Justin at SEDP has been very active and helpful thru out the entire process, offering ideas, contact information, resources and overall
positive input to help us get thru the purchase and development of our facility.” – Brian Martindale, Ag-Pro Farm Service
“The SEDP and its entire staff have always been very responsive to our ideas as well keeping us informed of available programs that may be
of use to us.” – Mike Sarrazin, SLH Metals
“The employees of Machine Tool & Gear want to again express their appreciation to the SEDP and the cities of Corunna and Owosso for all
the support and assistance helping MTG be successful. It is only through joint cooperation and the creation of a supportive environment that
allows our growth as well as the growth and development of our communities.”
– John Aldrich, Machine Tool & Gear
“The SEDP has been instrumental in being able help this location avoid the possibility of closing in 2010. With the contacts provided from
the SEDP and their assistance we were able to locate a local source for a new material that brought enough excitement from the corporate
office that we were allowed to begin development of a new brick body at this location. In the meantime the housing market has begun a turn
around and this material is not needed at this time but we were very fortunate to weather this storm in 2010. This new material is still available
and on the “back-burner” if needed in the future.
The SEDP has also been a great partner as we approached the township and received a tax abatement for the kiln rebuild project that now
gives us the ability to add jobs as the market improves.
The SEDP has also been the leading force in being able to bring together the MEDC, Shiawassee County Road Commission, MDOT and
Caledonia Township to help this location receive a state grant that will upgrade Wren Road to a Class A, all-weather road in the future to
allow us to mine the material that is under our current private road access.” – Robert Clements, Hanson Brick
“Last fall, Justin Horvath approached us with information regarding the Skilled Trades Training Fund grant that the State of Michigan was
going to offer. Working with Justin, Dave Rose (Business & Talent Services Manager for Genesee/Shiawassee Michigan Works) and Troy
Napier (Baker College), we were able to write a grant that was approved to train 54 of our then current staff of 94. These trainings included
Introduction to Kaizen, UX Workshops, Internet Marketing and Change Management. Since this training grant was approved in October of
2014, we have grown from 94 employees to 107 employees.
SEDP was instrumental in providing us with the information and introductions to resources that not only helped us to secure the grant but
also in developing new programs that we are reviewing for deployment and implantation as we continue to experience the challenge and
excitement of growth.” – Jill Kercher, Covenant Eyes
“Great Lakes Fusion is an underground pipeline and excavation contractor specializing in Methane Gas recovery systems and cell
construction at landfills throughout the Midwestern region of the US. We also do projects for the Industrial and residential sector such as land
development, demolition, wetland mitigation, just to name a few. Since Great Lakes Fusion was founded we have seen steady growth from a
two man operation in 1998 to 25 full time employees in 2013. 2013 marked the year where we had outgrown our existing shop and offices in
Vernon and started to look for a larger facility.
At this same time, the old Premarc pipe facility along M-71 in Durand that had sat vacant for two years became available. The property and
original price tag was definitely more than we had anticipated for an upgrade, but with a simple phone call to Justin Horvath at the SEDP we
were able to gain the confidence and negotiate the purchase which we did in early 2014. This facility immediately gave us the much needed
space and allowed us to be more efficient in our operations. With this purchase we were able to secure much larger contracts and expand
our company exponentially. 2014 saw tremendous growth for us with addition of 22 more full time and 30 part time employees to add to our
workforce.
This has been a huge step for us to get into this position as a key player in the construction industry for Michigan and beyond. I can’t
imagine how we could have done this without the knowledge and assistance of the SEDP. Justin and his team have been and still continue
to be a key player in our ability to learn new strategies and opportunities to keep our business on the cutting edge of success and growth. I
cannot thank the SEDP enough and look forward to a continued partnership for growth and new opportunities.”
- Bryan Marks, Great Lakes Fusion
PAGE 10
Additional Highlights
I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation Receives IEDC
Cross-Border Regional Cooperation Honor
The I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development
Corporation (NMDC) received a Bronze Excellence in Economic
Development Award for Regionalism and Cross-Border
Cooperation from the International Economic Development
Council (IEDC). The honor was awarded at a ceremony at the
IEDC Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
“We are pleased to receive this recognition from the IEDC,” said
Paul Brake, Chair of the I-69 International Trade Corridor NMDC
and City Manager for the City of Grand Blanc. “The goal of the
NMDC is to promote economic growth along the I-69 Corridor
and this recognition of our cross-border collaboration with the
Southwest Economic Alliance in Ontario is very encouraging.”
The I-69 International Trade Corridor NMDC is a collaboration
between Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair Counties, which is focused on promoting the region’s shared transportation
assets (road, rail, air and water) and close proximity to Canada to generate economic development opportunities.
“Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve quality of life in
every locality across the country,” said Bill Sproull, IEDC Chair. “As the nation continues to tackle challenges in the midst of
global uncertainty, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With this award, we laud trendsetting organizations
like I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation for leading the charge.”
The I-69 International Trade Corridor NMDC entered into a Binational Innovation and Collaboration Agreement with the
Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA) in Ontario, Canada and the Detroit Regional Chamber. The purpose of the agreement
is to recognize the strong economic potential of the Binational Blue Water Region of Southwest Ontario and East Michigan to
promote trade, transportation, and economic growth in the region.
The NMDC spans 120 linear miles, including four counties and 36 municipalities, and is the largest NMDC. The designation,
through enabling state law, allows economic development officials and participating municipalities to offer economic incentives
to help attract, grow, and retain businesses in the region. Similar designations exist in four other regions within Michigan.
I-69 Thumb Region Honors Local Exporters - Williamston Products Wins Shiawassee County Award
More than 170 business, civic and education leaders were on hand for
the Exporters of the Year ceremony at the 2014 I-69 Thumb Regional
Summit in Flint. Six businesses were recognized for their foray into
exporting from the region, which includes Genesee, Lapeer, Huron,
Sanilac, St. Clair, Shiawassee and Tuscola counties.
Awards were presented by Richard Corson, Director, East Michigan U.S.
Export Assistance Center at the U.S. Department of Commerce along
with economic development partners from each of the seven counties.
Owosso Charter Township automotive supplier Williamston Products
received Exporter of the Year honors for Shiawassee County.
According to Justin Horvath, President & CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, exporting is a significant component
of economic growth. “Exporting provides an opportunity for businesses
to diversify and grow,” said Horvath. “The I-69 Thumb Region partners are working to connect businesses in the region to export
opportunities and support. The businesses honored have taken advantage of the growth opportunities that
exporting can provide in a significant way. That’s the goal of the award to encourage exploration of exporting
as a path toward diversification and growth.”
The Exporter of the Year is the product of a partnership between the I-69 Thumb Region, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the University of Michigan-Flint.
PAGE 11
Additional Highlights
Rugged Liner Receives Presidential Award for Exports; Also Recognized by the I-69
International Trade Corridor
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker presented
Rugged Liner Inc. with the President’s “E” Award for Exports
at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The “E” Awards are the
highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a
significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“The vision and commitment by Rugged Liner’s ownership
and employees to international sales have been recognized
and honored with the prestigious President’s “E” Award”,
said Yannick Greiner, Director International/OEM sales at
Rugged Liner. “This award is the result of a collective and
committed effort at Rugged Liner. The company launched its
export program in 2010 and today consumers in more than
70 countries have access to Rugged Liner products. In the
past four years, our export sales have increased significantly
enabling Rugged Liner to grow, add jobs and expand facilities
in Owosso, MI. Rugged Liner is honored to be the recipient of
the President “E” Award.” Greiner concluded.
The I-69 International Trade Corridor also lauded Rugged Liner for their business and job
growth, with Corridor board chair Paul Brake presenting company representatives Troy Angst
and Yannick Greiner with a Certificate of Recognition
“Rugged Liner has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Award Committee was very impressed
with Rugged Liner’s success in starting an export sales program in 2010 and exporting to more than 70 countries by 2013.
The company’s customization of products for export markets was also particularly impressive. Rugged Liner’s achievements
have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American Jobs.”
said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.
Rugged Liner, located in Owosso, Michigan, is recognized as a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality after market
and OEM truck accessories including pickup truck bedliners, trailer bedliners, tonneau covers, wheel well liners, and truck
bed mats.
Additional Highlights:
Strengthened partnerships with the I-69 International Trade Corridor, I-69 Thumb Region, Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan
Economic Development Corporation, and Consultant Connect, with key activities including:
• hosting site location consultants in the region;
• business attraction outreach trips to New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Ontario;
• securing approval for the first Next Michigan Development Corporation Tax Increment Financing plan in the State of Michigan
through the I-69 International Trade Corridor (in support of a new trucking & logistics facility development project in Perry
Township);
• coordinating with public and private sector partners on the development of Accelerate, a plan for regional prosperity that is
focused on opportunities in education, infrastructure, regional collaboration, economic development, tourism and quality of
life in the I-69 Thumb Region.
Helped build the future talent pipeline through new collaborations with local K-12 educational providers, including hosting a
countywide career fair, assistance with organizing talent tours and donor support for robotics teams, and participating in the
Governor’s Summit (which had a focus on talent)
Coordinated development of a new site preparedness strategy for the county, with a focus on improving the marketability
of our available land sites (which helps to address our industrial building shortage); also focused on additional real estate
development projects including the Owosso Armory, Lincoln House, downtown Byron rebuild, and Owosso Charter Township
Industrial Park West
Hosted multiple events to support existing business growth, including an Automotive Supplier Forum (co-hosted by Warner,
Norcross & Judd), CEO Roundtable, Manufacturers Mixer, Meet the Buyer, Economic Gardening, and Community Revitalization
Forum.
INVESTORS
The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership would like to thank the following investors for their financial support of the organization.
Champions
$10,000 and above annual giving
Owosso
M•I•C•H•I•G•A•N
City of Owosso
Ace Hardware
Advanced Drainage Systems
AKT Peerless Environmental Services
Alliance HNI
Allied Motion, Motor Products
American Recycling Center, Inc.
Antrim Township
Bank of America
Bennington Township
Bourne Industries, Inc.
Brooks’ Innovative Graphics
Brown & Stewart, PC
Byron Area Schools
C2AE
Caledonia Charter Township
CECO Environmental, Duall Division
Chel-Mer Inspection Services, LLC
Chemical Bank
City of Corunna
City of Durand
City of Laingsburg
City of Perry
Clark Engineering Company
CLH Insurance
Comstock Inn & Conference Center
Consumers Energy
Cooper Commercial
Cornell Technology Solutions
Covenant Eyes
Creekwood Architecture
Crest Marine
DayStarr Communications
Demis & Wenzlick, CPA PC
Dingens Architects
Durand Area Schools
Edward Jones - Dave Minarik
Edwards Sign & Screen Printing
Fairfield Township
Fertilizer Dealer Supply
Fifth Third Bank
FirstMerit Bank
Frontier Communications
Gilbert’s Hardware & Appliance
Graff of Durand
Great Lakes Central Railroad
Great Lakes Fusion
Greater Durand Area Chamber
of Commerce
Hankerd Sportswear
HealthFirst Pharmacy
Hemenway Business Service
Hi-Temp Heating & Cooling
Home Builders Association
of Shiawassee County
Independent Newspaper Group
& i60media
Indian Trails, Inc.
ITC
J.E. Shireling Co.
Jacobs Insurance Agency
Laingsburg Business &
Community Association
Lennon Telephone Company
Lynnman Construction
Main Beverage Company
Maurer Heating & Cooling
McPhail Insurance Agency
Metro Mortgage of Owosso
Michigan Laborers Training Institute
Michigan Manufacturing
Technology Center
Middlebury Township
Midwest Bus Corporation
MMI Financial Group, Inc.
Morgan Construction
MRM Industries, Inc.
Nelson House Funeral Home
New Lothrop Area Public Schools
Oakes-Fisher-Civille Insurance Agency
Olive Branch Assisted Living
Oster Superior Threading, Inc.
Owosso Charter Township
Owosso Graphic Arts, Inc.
Owosso Public Schools
Perrin Construction
Perry Township
Perry Township DDA
Plante Moran
Precision Electric Motor Sales
Rathbun Public Relations
RF Engine
Richard Selleck & Sons, Inc.
Rowe, Inc.
Rugged Liner
Rush Township
RWI Manufacturing
S Group Automotive
SageLink Credit Union
Shaw’s Pharmacy
Shiawassee Association of Realtors
Shiawassee Regional Chamber
of Commerce
Shiawassee Regional Education
Service District
Shiawassee Township
Signature Ford Lincoln
Sobaks Home Medical Equipment
Spicer Engineering
Stechschulte Gas & Oil Company
Stevens Worldwide Van Lines
Terex Simplicity
The Argus Press
Thomas Bridges, Attorney at Law
TiAL Products
Tri-Mer Corporation
Trust Thermal
Universal Handling Equipment
Vernon Township
Village of Bancroft
Village of Lennon
Village of Morrice
Viron International Corp
Vogl, Meder & Dorcey, PLLC
Wade Trim
Wakeland Oil Company
Warner, Norcross & Judd LLP
Wells Fargo Advisors
Williamston Products
Wirt-Rivette Financial Group
Wolverine Sign Works
Woodard, LLC
Woodworth Commercial
Young Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc.