Focus Macomb - June 2025

• Message from Mark
• BizClips: News updates
• Department of Roads annual guardrail safety program to update 23 locations countywide
• Community Food Bank of Macomb County collects over 188,500 pounds of food to support Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive
• Macomb County seeking host sites and sponsors for 2025 Manufacturing Day
• County Executive Hackel highlights Macomb’s freshwater advantage at ‘More to our Shore’ event
• Ease the stress in your pets this summer
• Upcoming events

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the June issue of Focus Macomb!

Michigan weather has definitely kept us on our toes – just a few weeks ago it was cool and rainy, but now we’re experiencing record high temperatures with multiple thunderstorms. Even so, it’s still a great time to get outside and experience all that Macomb County has to offer. Whether you're kayaking the Clinton River, dining along the waterfront, hitting the trails, or catching a local fireworks display, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. 

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to celebrate our freshwater economy at the More to Our Shore event, highlighting the importance of Lake St. Clair and our local waterways. It was a great reminder of just how vital our Blue Economy, natural resources are to recreation, tourism, and quality of life here in Macomb.

Our Macomb County Animal Control held another successful adoption event, where Darla and Odin were adopted along with 11 other  wonderful pets who found their forever homes with loving families during that week!

There was also a new mural that was unveiled in Mount Clemens High School, In partnership with Anton Art Center and created by local artist Wendy Popko along with several students from the school. It’s a beautiful example of public art that reflects community pride and youth engagement.

And if you need to escape the heat, remember there are multiple cooling centers open across the county, and in the event of severe weather or another flash flood, take a quick look at these safety tips provided by Macomb County Emergency Management. 

If you're looking for more ways to make the most of your summer, be sure to check out upcoming events through Make Macomb Your Home Events.

Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy everything that makes Macomb County such a great place to call home!

Mark Hackel

For happenings throughout the county, visit Make Macomb Your Home events and stay up to date with the Make Macomb Your Home official Facebook page.

Department of Roads annual guardrail safety program to update 23 locations countywide

A contractor will perform guardrail work at 23 locations throughout Macomb County as part of the Department of Roads annual guardrail safety program. Work is anticipated to start the week of June 23 and all work is estimated to be completed by the end of August (weather permitting). Intermittent lane closures will be in place at active project locations. The schedule for each location will vary and weather may affect scheduled work.

To help keep work zones as safe as possible during guardrail work, please:

• Be patient
• Slow down and follow the posted speed limit
• Obey road crews and signs
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you
• Avoid distractions
• Watch for sudden stoppages

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Traffic Department at drtraffic@rcmcweb.org or 586-463-8671. To stay informed and up to date of what's happening on Macomb County roadways, sign up to receive text alerts for construction and traffic updates. For a list of Macomb County construction projects, locations and information, visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone.

Community Food Bank of Macomb County collects over 188,500 pounds of food to support Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive

Stamp Out Hunger- Donated Canne

The Community Food Bank of Macomb County today announced that 188,591 pounds of non-perishable food was collected by local letter carriers and volunteers in support of the 33rd annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive that was held on May 10. This year’s total is over 49% higher than the 126,384 pounds of food that was collected last year and represents the largest amount of food collected since the pandemic. All donations will be distributed to those in need through the Community Food Bank of Macomb County’s network of over 40 food pantries and hunger-related organizations.

“Thanks to the efforts of our local letter carriers and the kindness of thousands of donors, the food collected will directly benefit the Community Food Bank of Macomb County,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. "Every donation is a true testament to the generosity of our community and demonstrates the important impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. The fact that this year’s collection is over 49% more than was collected last year is simply spectacular."

Food collected during the Stamp Out Hunger campaign provides emergency food supplies for thousands of families and individuals, including veterans, seniors, children and the homeless. All donations that were collected in Macomb County will be distributed in Macomb County.

“We’re proud to be able to support the Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive," said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer, Macomb County Health and Community Services. “Given everybody’s busy lifestyles, it is encouraging to see that the residents of Macomb County were able to take a few moments and make these generous donations for people who can really use the help.”

“In addition to everyone who made a food donation to this year’s campaign, we would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations that helped with sorting and transportation of donations,” said Ed Scott, Director of Macomb Community Action. “We were incredibly fortunate to have their support and involvement.

“We know that food costs are rising for everyone, and as a result, demand for food from food banks has increased,” said Linda Azar, Division Director, Macomb Community Action Children and Family Services. “Food collected during this year’s campaign provides a critical boost to the inventories that are available through county pantries.”

Since its inception in 1993, approximately 2 billion pounds of non-perishable food has been collected to help restock the shelves of food banks, soup kitchens and pantries throughout America and here in Macomb County.

To learn more about the Community Food Bank of Macomb County and its work in the county, visit the Macomb Food Program website.

Macomb County seeking host sites and sponsors for 2025 Manufacturing Day

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Manufacturing Day/Week slated for Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2025. Currently, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is in search of host sites and sponsors to help make this event possible.

Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity for high school students to learn about modern-day manufacturing, its career options and more, by touring volunteer host sites in the community. These tours offer the students a clearer understanding of jobs available in the industry and what they are likely to expect as active members in the workforce. This year is the 12th annual event for Macomb County, with last year reaching 2,000 participating students. 

MCPED is looking for 2025 host sites that can offer 90-120 minute tours with groups of 30 or less chaperoned students. Note that, due to a high volume of manufacturers in the area, Manufacturing Day is once again extended to a whole week.

For those unable to participate in the event, MCPED is also accepting sponsorship in three different levels: Innovation Leader, Visionary Sponsor and Builder Contributor. To learn more and become a sponsor or host site, visit our MFG Day webpage.

The deadline to become a host site is July 31. 

County Executive Hackel highlights Macomb’s freshwater advantage at ‘More to our Shore’ event

County Executive Mark Hackel was joined by community leaders for the first-ever More to our Shore event on Friday, June 6 at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The gathering saw business and municipal representatives come together for updates on and discussion around the county’s freshwater advantage, as well as the efforts designed to boost its wellbeing - both ecologically and economically. 

“Macomb County is home to incredible waterways,” said Hackel. “From Lake St. Clair, to the Clinton River and its tributaries, our community has access to miles of freshwater shoreline, something not many places can claim. Therefore, it’s our job to ensure they remain clean, clear and connected for generations to come. Because they’re economic engines that fuel local business and property values, as well as ecological assets that strengthen our region as a whole. Today I’m proud to share more on the partnerships we’ve formed over many years to promote and protect our waterways, and some of the results of that innovation and collaboration.”  

Hackel continued by expanding on several important ideas, initiatives and figures, including:

• The scale of Macomb County’s natural freshwater assets
  • Macomb County features 13.1 miles of coastline and 160 miles of waterfront, including canals, rivers and tributaries.
  • The Clinton River spans 32 miles, originating in Utica and flowing to Harrison Township.
  • Lake St. Clair has approximately 160 million gallons of water with an average depth of 11 feet.
• The Blue Economy and overall economic impact
  • Macomb County’s coastal areas have 17 million visitors annually, and the Blue Economy provides $1.8 billion in economic value for the region through:
    • Use of marinas, public launch sites and parks
    • Patronage of coastal commercial districts (e.g., Jefferson Avenue)
    • Visits from out-of-area individuals attracted to places like Boat Town USA, including those from across the region, state and country
    • Bassmaster tournament returning to Lake St. Clair this summer
  • Further breakdowns show that in 2024:
    • Lake St. Clair saw 2.1 million visitors
    • Coastal parks saw 2.6 million visitors
    • Marinas saw 1.13 million visitors
    • Paddling launches saw 121,000 visitors partly due to new sites at George George Park, DNR Spillway, Brandenburg Park, Salt Lake River, Lake St. Clair Metropark and River Bends Park
    • And boat launches boomed. Lake St. Clair saw more than 300,000 boats, Selfridge saw 142,000, Harley Ensign saw 32,000, the Clinton River cut saw 48,000 and Brandenburg Park saw 39,000.
• The enhancement of coastal destinations, including:
  • The Ford Estate and Ford Cove
  • The Blossom Heath Boardwalk in St. Clair Shores
  • The Jefferson Pedestrian Bridge in Harrison Township
  • Lake St. Clair Metropark projects such as the North Marina restoration, greening of parking lots and a new boardwalk
  • The construction of the new Macomb County Marine Division Boathouse
  • Brandenburg Park updates, including a new boardwalk, the Salt River land acquisition and the Weber Paddle Park
  • The ongoing revitalization of downtown New Baltimore
• The importance of environmental stewardship
  • Collaborative efforts over many years have resulted in a clean, clear and connected Clinton River. In the last five years alone $20 million has been invested in restoration efforts along the waterway.
  • Ensuring water quality requires ongoing maintenance and several projects showcase this effort, including work at:
    • The Chapaton Canal Pump Station
    • The Jefferson Relief Drain
    • The Beaconsfield Ave. in-system storage

Hackel concluded the event by speaking to what’s next for Macomb County’s freshwater assets.

“There’s a wave of transformation forming,” he said. “Together with partners, we envision more access, more natural beauty and more prosperity with a bold and unified commitment to developing new assets along our shores. From hotels and dining to recreation, all with a commitment to environmental stewardship. But it goes without saying - we’re not waiting for the future, we’re building it now and makin’ waves.” 

Additional information on the Blue Economy can be found on the Blue Economy website. 

Ease the stress in your pets this summer

With summer now underway, it's time to talk fireworks and pets. Extreme heat is dangerous for animals and humans alike. It’s important to remember to bring your pets inside whenever possible.

Dehydration is also a concern, so please ensure they have plenty of water, and protect their paws from hot asphalt -- Paw Pad Shield is a good paw protector for when you take your dogs out on a walk. Also, never leave your pets in a hot car. Cars can overheat even when a window has been left cracked open an inch or two, and leaving your pet inside a car for only a few seconds is still enough to cause them harm. 

Avoid taking pets to fireworks displays, as well. Many animals find them frightening and will panic, even in familiar environments. More dogs go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day because even the bravest animals can panic and run.

For more tips and updates from Macomb County Animal Control, please visit the website or follow them on social media. 

Upcoming events

Cheers to Chesterfield/ Bassmaster Tournament August 7-10  Times vary
Summer Discovery Cruises July 11 - August 9 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
National Night Out Tuesday, August 5 5 - 8 p.m.
Volunteer Recruitment Fair Thursday, September 11 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.