Focus Macomb - March 2024

Message from Mark
Macomb County receives prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Justice for contributions in community based law enforcement
Show Me The Money Day to provide free financial workshops and resources
Macomb County launching public vote for ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ as part of Macomb Business Awards
Macomb County to mark 60 years of community action, host Walk for Warmth event
Save the Date(s)
Macomb in the news, Macomb blogs

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the March edition of Focus Macomb. This month, we mark several important occasions – including Women’s History Month and National Reading Month. I’m celebrating both, and I invite you to do the same. To start, check out this great piece in the Macomb Daily, which features women across Macomb County, including our Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller and Director of Planning and Economic Development Vicky Rowinski. Both share their experiences, role models and advice for the next generation. It’s a great read and provides an inspiring look at women breaking barriers right here in our community. Now, for National Reading Month, even though we are nearing the end of the initiative, I hope you can continue to join me in sharing the importance of reading with young people and children. I’ve been visiting schools across the County as part of this initiative, reading to classes and reminding them that books are fun. If you have kids in your life, try to take some time to do the same. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, your effort will make a real difference.

I’d also like to share something else we’re celebrating here at the County. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), announced that Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham and myself were winners of the 2023 L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships. It was an incredible honor to receive this, and it’s a testament to our collaborative efforts promoting law enforcement and community throughout Macomb County. Read more about the award and why we received the recognition later on in this newsletter.

Finally, with the new spring season comes many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy all that our community has to offer. Be sure to visit www.makemacombyourhome.com or the Make Macomb Your Home Facebook and Events pages for all the latest and greatest things to do. From parks and trails to family activities, we’re your number one source for local fun.

Thanks again, and as always, take care and stay safe.

Mark

Macomb County receives prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Justice for contributions in community based law enforcement

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham as the winners of the 2023 L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships for their collaborative efforts promoting law enforcement and community throughout Macomb County. Rob Chapman, Deputy Director at the Department of Justice COPS Office was in Macomb County to deliver the award at the county's COMTEC location.

"This is a great recognition for our County,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “It's a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved, working tirelessly to enhance public safety and well-being of Macomb County, strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our community."

Mark Hackel and Sheriff Wickersham's lifelong commitment and deep and sincere concern for the citizens of Macomb County was a driving force behind their nomination for the Sutin Award. Their shared vision of a safer and healthier Macomb County spurred them to collaborate with representatives from law enforcement, courts, physical and mental health professionals and various community service partners. Together, they initiated a series of transformative projects addressing criminal justice, mental health and substance concerns, all operating under the umbrella of "Safe and Healthy Macomb."

The new County Jail Central Intake and Assessment Center (CIAC) Project is the foundation of this effort which is expected to be complete in 2027. Taking a “Mindful Approach to Mental Health” this facility will focus on the mental health and/or substance use issues of those who come in contact with the criminal justice system. The condition and design of the aging County Jail is creating a number of challenges in securing those who are remanded by the courts, to the care and custody of the Sheriff. It is the County’s responsibility to provide the Sheriff with a functional facility that has adequate capacity and appropriate services to manage those in its custody.

This collaborative effort involves numerous community service providers and Macomb County criminal justice staff members, who are committed to ensuring adequate facilities and developing innovative programming to respond effectively to the growing needs of vulnerable individuals. This initiative stands as a testament to their dedication to positively impacting the well-being of the community and played a significant role in their nomination for the prestigious Sutin Award.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition,” stated Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “In committing my professional life to law enforcement, I have been privileged to work with some of the most selfless and sacrificing individuals who lay their lives on the line every day. This recognition truly belongs to all members of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.”

The L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships recognizes the efforts of innovative and sustained law enforcement and community partnerships whose unique collaborations have transformed public safety in their communities. This award is bestowed on those partnerships in which law enforcement is actively engaged with the community in a multifaceted manner that has been sustained over time and has resulted in positive, observable public safety outcomes or advances in public trust. The award is named in memory of Tony Sutin, who served as a founder and Deputy Director of the COPS Office from its creation in 1994 until 1996. After serving as the Principal Deputy to the Associate Attorney General of the United States, then as acting Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, he joined the faculty of the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia in 1999. He quickly became dean and served in that capacity until his untimely death on January 16, 2002.

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers.

Video of the presentation can be found on MacombGov.org or on YouTube

Show Me The Money Day to provide free financial workshops and resources

Macomb Community Action, in partnership with Michigan State University Extension and Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), will be one of many community organizations throughout the state hosting Show Me the Money Day – Michigan.

Show Me the Money Day 2024 is an event that features free and low-cost financial assistance materials and financial workshops. Local events are held annually across Michigan during tax season and promote opportunities to increase income, as well as how to save and build assets.

“We help host this event every year because it’s an opportunity for people to learn important life skills,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Individuals and families of every age are welcome to attend and hear from our experts, who can provide assistance when it comes to strategies for saving and spending in a number of areas.”

Macomb Community Action's free event takes place at the Max Thompson Community Center (11370 Hupp Ave., Warren, MI) from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12. Workshops include: Shopping on a budget and meal planning, predatory loans, energy conservation, establishing and maintaining your credit score, and more. There will also be a variety of vendors and giveaways.

For more information on Show Me the Money Day, please contact Macomb Community Action at (586) 469-7614 or register here.

Macomb County launching public vote for ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ as part of Macomb Business Awards

Tickets to May 9 event on sale starting March 25

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is launching its first-ever public vote as part of the Macomb Business Awards, which is presented by Consumers Energy. The event, which will be held Thursday, May 9 at Andiamo in Warren, recognizes local businesses and organizations for their positive workplace culture, achievements and other contributions to the community. Now in its 12th year, organizers are launching a new component, a public vote for its ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ award.

“The Macomb Business Awards are an annual event for our department, and our team is always looking for ways to build excitement and create buzz around the gathering,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. “So this year we developed a new category called Nonprofit of the Year, which opens the door for so many deserving organizations to receive regional recognition. We’re also opening this up to the public, asking them to vote for their favorite nonprofit. They can have a role in determining who is honored with this prestigious title.”

Twenty-three organizations from across Macomb County are nominated for the Nonprofit of the Year. From March 25 through March 31, the public can visit the voting platform and vote for their favorite. Only one vote is allowed per person and votes will be tallied alongside scores from official Macomb Business Award judges in determining the ultimate winner.

The winner will be announced on May 9 at the Macomb Business Awards event. Ticket sales begin March 25. Entry fee is $35, which includes breakfast, a presentation from keynote speaker Princess Castleberry, the awards ceremony, networking with 400 business and community leaders from across the region and appearances by County Executive Mark Hackel and the event emcee, former Fox 2 Detroit anchor Huel Perkins.

Other categories recognized during the event include:

Best Place to Work: A company making a conscious effort to create a welcoming culture where all employees feel valued.
Fueling the Talent Pipeline: A company creating opportunities for the next generation of our workforce through meaningful career exploration experiences.
Hidden Gem: A commercial business offering a unique Macomb County product, service or experience that deserves more recognition.
Hometown Hero: An organization that goes above and beyond to make our community a better place through employee volunteerism or giving programs.
Manufacturer of the Year (presented by Macomb Next): A manufacturer achieving success through its use of modern, smart technology to adapt to industry demands and diversify its customer base.
Startup of the Year: A company, in operation for three years or less, providing products or services that have the most promising potential for success.

The 2024 Macomb Business Awards is sponsored by Consumers Energy, First State Bank, ITC, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, OneMacomb, Connect Macomb, Macomb Community College, the Macomb County Chamber, the Macomb Intermediate School District, and Velocity.

For more information, visit www.macombbusiness.com.

Macomb County to mark 60 years of community action, host Walk for Warmth event

Join Macomb Community Action on Saturday, May 18 for its Community Action 60th Anniversary event. The entire community is welcome to this free gathering, which will serve as a celebration of community action in Macomb County and highlight the life-changing services that mean so much to so many in the community.

The celebration will include food, fun and games for all ages. Planned activities include a bingo tent, bounce houses, lawn games, music, raffle prizes and appearances by local dignitaries and celebrities.

The event will take place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building located at 21885 Dunham Road Clinton Township, MI.

It will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about Macomb Community Action services and resources, including:

Action Centers – Direct support for income-eligible residents to diminish poverty and promote independence through rent/mortgage and utility assistance and other programs
Macomb Food Program – The Macomb Food Program provides immediate, no cost relief to those in need of food through a network of more than 70 pantries and hunger relief organizations.
Head Start – Head Start is an early childhood development and education program for income-eligible families. The program provides a range of services for pregnant women and families with children ages 0-5.
Transportation – Provides transportation to essential medical appointments and other specific locations for eligible county residents.
Weatherization – Performs the installation of upgrades and devices to promote energy conservation and efficiency in Macomb County homes.

Just before the gathering, Macomb Community Action will host its annual Walk for Warmth, an initiative that combats heat insecurity by funding emergency grants and assistance programs (utility bills, furnace repair and replacement). All are welcome at the 34th annual event, which again, will take place rain or shine.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. at the VerKuilen Building. It costs $25 per walker and registration is required. To learn more and to sign up, visit W4W2024.eventbrite.com.