Focus Macomb - May 2025

• Message from Mark
• BizClips: News updates
• Six businesses, nonprofits and organizations announced as winners of the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards
• Macomb County Department of Roads announces pavement preservation projects planned for 2025
• Macomb Community Action seeks public input for 2025 community needs assessment
• New affordable housing units constructed in Eastpointe through Macomb County partnership with Community Housing Network
• Macomb County Office of Senior Services seeking Meals on Wheels Volunteers
• Macomb County bands three baby Peregrine Falcons from a nest atop the Old County Building in Mount Clemens
• Macomb County Health Department cautions residents on the presence of ticks and lyme disease
• Upcoming events

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the May 2025 edition of Focus Macomb. It has been a busy month, with awards and ceremonies happening left and right. Just recently I was able to share the stage with my good friend Roop Raj from Fox 2 News for the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards at AMC Theater Forum 30 in Sterling Heights. There, we celebrated 129 businesses of Macomb County for their innovations and generosity in six different categories.

This month I also got to celebrate our fourth annual 100 Club Centenarian Celebration at Freedom Hill. We welcomed seven new and five returning centenarians to our Macomb 100 Club. It was a treat to honor these Macomb County residents and I want to give a big thank you to the family members and everyone else who made the event possible. If you know someone who will be 100 years of age or older and wishes to be recognized, I encourage you to fill out this short registration form. We will follow up with an invitation for the next Centenarian Celebration in 2026.

Our centenarian celebration wasn't the only thing brewing at Freedom Hill -- summertime concerts are upon us, after all, and this month's season kicked off with multiple sold out shows. For those looking to catch a performance, find out what other stellar artists are coming to Macomb County, here. 

More congratulations are in order for all those students graduating this summer, as well. Whether it’s high school or college, I commend all of you for getting through this last school year and achieving the credentials needed for the next stages of your life. 

Speaking of achievements, the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) plans to welcome new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets and KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers to Macomb County. These aircrafts are a prodigious investment that ensures Selfridge will continue to stand as a critical asset for national security. This week I attended the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference and spoke to this: Selfridge is more than a base. It is 5,000 personnel-strong, with partnerships that span across multiple aerospace and defense companies in our region — making its economic impact on the County about $850 million. I’m happy to say that, with the arrival of these new aircrafts, there will be even more economic and innovation opportunities to come. Not only for Macomb County, but also for the State of Michigan. 

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank the soldiers – and specifically those from Macomb County – who gave their lives in service of our country. On Sunday, I spent the day at the annual St. Clair Shores Memorial Day parade to honor our fallen soldiers and military personnel for their sacrifices. Each of these brave men and women have my utmost gratitude and respect. 

Thank you and take care,

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.

Six businesses, nonprofits and organizations announced as winners of the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards

Business leaders from across the region attended the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards, presented by Consumers Energy on Thursday, May 15. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, to recognize award winners at the AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights. The theatrical venue created an atmosphere with a hint of Hollywood magic, where honorees got to take center stage and receive applause for their innovations and success. 

“It’s always an honor to spotlight the innovative, hardworking organizations that drive Macomb County forward,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “These businesses play a vital role in our community and in our economy, making it a better place to live, work and experience. As I often say, ‘Macomb means business,’ and there’s no better way to showcase this than our annual Macomb Business Awards event.”

Winners of the 2025 Macomb Business Awards include: 

• Best Place to Work: Xpert Technologies, Sterling Heights
  Xpert Technologies provides IT and cybersecurity services to small and medium sized companies in Michigan and beyond. Founded in 2002, the company has 14 employees who receive outstanding benefits, including free health care, a 401k match, summer hours, a lunch stipend and a company bonus pool for profit sharing. But beyond those extras, Xpert provides an environment where employee needs are prioritized and every individual is treated with respect. The result of this is an average tenure of over 10 years, a figure which demonstrates why it’s Macomb County’s Best Place to Work for 2025.
• Fueling the Talent Pipeline: Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center, Shelby Township
  Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center delivers exceptional behavioral and therapeutic services tailored to individuals with autism and related diagnoses in Macomb County. With a team of 80 therapists and support staff, they last year served more than 500 children and families through 20,000 therapy visits. To maintain these numbers, Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center is fueling its talent pipeline — starting apprenticeship programs and partnering with Michigan Works and Macomb Community College to offer tuition-free education and training that tackles the acute shortage of skilled professionals in their field. To date this has helped 26 individuals advance their careers, and by the end of 2025, an additional 25 apprentices will be established.
• Green Macomb Sustainability Award: KUKA Systems North America LLC, Sterling Heights
  With six facilities in Macomb County, KUKA Systems is a recognized leader in designing production systems for the automotive industry. In addition to its commitment to meet customer needs and achieve operational excellence, the company is invested in environmental responsibility, sustainability and continuous improvement. For instance, in one year, KUKA achieved a 21% reduction in electricity consumption, a 35% increase in recycling rates, a 25% reduction in water usage, and a 15% decline in natural gas usage—outcomes driven by targeted facility upgrades and energy management strategies. Additionally, the company has partnered with DTE's MI Green Power program, putting KUKA on course to achieve 100% renewable electricity within a few years.
• Hidden Gem: Windermere Equestrian Center, Clinton Township
  Established in 1983, Windermere Equestrian Center breeds, trains and boards horses, provides lessons for all ages, and offers summer camps and clinics. Located in a small rural area of Clinton Township, the center has 18 full-time and part-time employees who share their love, understanding and knowledge of horses with the community. This work has positive results - with successful competitions for riders, and new opportunities to expand. Notably, in 2020, the small farm doubled in size, and in 2023, the center added a new competition size heated indoor riding arena.
• Manufacturer of the Year: Merit Manufacturing, Warren
  Merit Manufacturing opened in 2017 in Macomb County, and has since grown into a powerhouse. It now has 110,000-square-feet of manufacturing space in Warren focused on redefining production within the personal care industry through its 110 employees, including formulation chemists, fulfillment associates, quality control specialists and more. This has attracted partnerships with international brands, who work with Merit to create innovative solutions for haircare, skincare and body care. The result of this work has led to 50% year over year growth, and in 2021, made Merit the 8th fastest growing manufacturing company on the INC 5000 list.
• Nonprofit of the Year: Chaldean Community Foundation, Sterling Heights
  The Chaldean Community Foundation is a beacon for anyone in need, having served 48,000 individuals from 70 different countries in 2024 alone. Founded in 2006, the nonprofit now has a 30,000-square-foot building with 80 dedicated employees and programs that specialize in mental health, employment, education for adults and young children, services for those with disabilities, and immigration. In recent years, it has made significant advancements, including the successful expansion of its health and human services center, as well as its attainable housing project, which eliminated a blighted property and replaced it with 135 affordable units, educational and commercial space. This has elevated the Foundation to the national stage, receiving recognition from the ARCH National Respite Network as an “Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service” - a significant accolade that reflects the dedication and excellence of its team.
• Economic Development Partner of the Year: Detroit Regional Partnership

Fox 2 Anchor Roop Raj served as emcee of the event.

The 13th annual Macomb Business Awards was presented by Consumers Energy. Additional sponsors include Advancing Macomb, the Detroit Regional Partnership, First State Bank, ITC, JVIS, 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, RCO Engineering, and SMART.  For more information, visit the Macomb Business website.

Macomb County Department of Roads announces pavement preservation projects planned for 2025

The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) recently announced plans for preventative maintenance and repair work as part of the agency’s annual asphalt and concrete Pavement Preservation Program (PPP), which includes work on 47 primary and local roadways throughout the county.

“The Department of Roads has an extensive toolbox, uses a full mix of comprehensive maintenance strategies and makes data-driven investments to enhance the quality and longevity of our roadways,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “The Pavement Preservation Program reflects our commitment to delivering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for Macomb County residents and the motoring public."

MCDR invests $8 million annually into the pavement preservation program. PPP uses a mix of preventative maintenance and rehabilitation solutions best suited for each situation including asphalt and concrete repairs, crack sealing, chip sealing and resurfacing measures. The program is 100% funded by MCDR and projects are selected based on data, conditions and community needs.

“With limited road funding available, performing preventative maintenance work on roads that are in good to fair condition is a strategic and cost-effective way to improve and extend the service life of our roadways,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “Preserving recently constructed or rehabilitated roadways and identifying and addressing minor issues before they turn into significant concerns reduces the need for reconstruction work and the high costs associated with major projects.”

The schedules for individual PPP projects will vary based on location. Projects are typically completed within 30 days of starting and work is weather dependent. During PPP projects, roads will remain open to through traffic with intermittent lane closures during construction and flagging operations to stop traffic when necessary. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes when possible. All PPP projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

To help road users navigate Macomb County construction work, the public can subscribe to the Macomb Work Zone – a weekly email from MCDR to keep motorists informed and up to date of what's happening on the roadways. The public can also sign up to receive email and text alerts for real-time construction and traffic updates at the MCDR website.

For a complete list of Macomb County pavement preservation and construction projects, locations and information, visit the work zone webpage.

Macomb Community Action seeks public input for 2025 community needs assessment

Macomb Community Action (MCA) is seeking public responses to a survey that will be used for its 2025 community needs assessment. In addition to survey responses, the community needs assessment will also include third-party county, state, and national data; as well as input from virtual and in-person community forums. The purpose of the assessment is to help provide MCA a better understanding of community needs and how they can address the needs.

The community needs assessment survey, which is conducted every three years, is open to individuals who live in Macomb County. Subjects covered by the survey include housing, employment, finances, and transportation.

“Public input is essential to helping us understanding the community needs and developing actions to address those needs,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. “I encourage all Macomb County residents to take a few minutes and share their feedback. It will go a long way in helping us continue to improve the services we provide.”    

“By gathering input directly from county residents, we are able to develop data-driven insights and strategies that are reflected in our public offerings,” said Ed Scott, Director of Macomb Community Action. “This results in better, more effective delivery of community services that are based on community-level needs.”

The community needs assessment survey can be found here.

**NOTE: This survey closes today, Friday, May 30. Those looking to fill it out, please participate ASAP.

Learn more about Macomb Community Action and its offerings here.

New affordable housing units constructed in Eastpointe through Macomb County partnership with Community Housing Network

Macomb County is celebrating the construction of new affordable housing in Eastpointe, an initiative made possible through a partnership between the County’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and Community Housing Network. The modular project, located in a previously vacant lot at the northeast corner of Kelly Road and Toepfer Drive, creates eight new rental apartments. The units include five one-bedrooms and three two-bedrooms, with one unit that is fully accessible. 

“This was an incredible collaborative effort between our department and Community Housing Network, and it addresses a very real problem facing many individuals - housing availability and affordability” said Vicky Rowinski, director (MCPED). “Obviously there’s more work to be done, but this is a step in the right direction and I’m proud of the partnership that is making this all possible.”

According to the U.S. Department of Treasury:

• Over the last two decades, housing costs have been rising faster than incomes. More than 90 percent of Americans live in counties where median rents and house prices grew faster than median incomes from 2000 to 2020.
• Since 2000, housing demand has grown more than housing supply. This is largely due to changing demographics: although the construction of housing has kept pace with overall population growth, it has fallen well short of the estimated number of housing units demanded by an aging population.

The Eastpointe homes address some of these problems. When complete in June 2025, they will be leased to low-to-moderate income families at affordable rents. Two units will be occupied by families with incomes that do not exceed 50 percent of HUD-Adjusted Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining six units will be occupied by families with incomes that do not exceed 60 percent of AMI.  

"Our mission is to empower people to live in affordable homes to help build thriving communities," says Community Housing Network CEO and President Kirsten Elliott. "Homelessness and housing instability are not exclusive to urban areas, and working families are increasingly feeling the squeeze of high inflation and housing costs. MCPED recognizes this, which is why we are so happy to partner with them on this project."  

Community Housing Network chose modular apartments for the project, which were built off site by Champion Homes in a controlled manufacturing environment. Each home was constructed in sections, or modules, and then transported to the site, where starting April 22, they were installed on permanent foundations by professional installers. Following the completion of the installation phase, the team will finalize the buildings to ensure they are ready for residents by summer 2025.

“A major advantage with modular construction is shortening the construction timeline,” said Dave Rose, real estate development program manager, Community Housing Network. “From the start of site work to full completion and lease up, it is possible to achieve that in six to eight months, where traditional construction would likely take 12 months or longer. And it’s not what many think, these are not mobile homes. They are high quality homes built in a climate-controlled factory by trade professionals. This eliminates many of the variables present in traditional on-site construction.”

Funding for the project comes from Macomb County’s HOME program, a federal block grant which is distributed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant supports a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. The County contributed more than $1.1 million from its grant program. Additional funding includes $229,513 of program income from a 2019/2020 HOME-funded acquisition/rehab/resale project and a $450,000 permanent loan obtained by Community Housing Network through Springhill Housing Corporation.

“Funding projects like this can be complex, but through this unique partnership with Community Housing Network, we can open the door to housing for so many people who have previously been unable to access it,” said Stephanie Burgess, project manager, MCPED. 

Community Housing Network has partnered with Macomb County for several years to create homeownership opportunities through acquisition/rehab/resale and rental property development. A ribbon cutting celebration, media event and home tours for the Eastpointe project will be hosted in June. 

To learn more about MCPED’s neighborhood and housing programs, click here.

Macomb County Office of Senior Services seeking Meals on Wheels Volunteers

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services is in urgent need of volunteers to support its Meals on Wheels program. Currently, the program serves 1,700 seniors and includes 84 routes throughout the county, each of which need to be covered by a volunteer who drives the routes and delivers meals.

“The volunteers who deliver these vital meals make a world of difference to the seniors who rely on that daily visit for both nourishment and human connection,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “A hot meal and a friendly face can truly change someone’s day for the better. If you have a little extra time, I encourage you to consider volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program, it’s one of the most meaningful ways to make a real impact in our community.”

“Right now, we have approximately 700 volunteers who support the program, and we’re looking to add another 66 drivers as quickly as possible,” said Sheila Cote, Director of the Macomb County Office of Senior Services.  “The citizens of Macomb County have always stepped-up and embraced opportunities to volunteer and support their fellow citizens in ways that really make a difference in people’s lives and we’re hoping this is no different.”

Why volunteer?

• Information from Western Connecticut State University indicates volunteering is good for your mind and body.
  • Volunteering increases self-confidence. The better you feel about yourself the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
  • Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy, too. Studies show that those who volunteer live longer and has even shown to lesson symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease.
• A recent study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults engaged in volunteering were 43% less likely to suffer from depression.

“Having an active, engaged group of volunteers support the Meals on Wheels program is essential, and helps make it the success that it is,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. “It is my hope that anyone who has considered being a volunteer, to get involved with this highly rewarding opportunity.” 

Learn more about being a Meals on Wheels volunteer here. You can also send an email to volunteer@macombgov.org. 

Macomb County bands three baby Peregrine Falcons from a nest atop the Old County Building in Mount Clemens

Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel, in collaboration with officials from the Michigan Hawking Club, proudly announced the banding of three baby Peregrine Falcons whose nest sits atop the Old County Building in downtown Mount Clemens.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, officials successfully banded three baby falcons named Monarch, Warthog and Cwik. The nest is located on the 11th floor of the Old Macomb County Building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens. The babies are several weeks old.

“We’re proud to be a part of the recovery of Peregrine Falcons in Michigan,” said Executive Hackel. “For many years, we’ve worked with partners to band and protect these incredible animals here in our community. While we’ve seen a recovery across the state, it’s important that we continue to do our part and ensure these chicks have a healthy and happy start here in Mount Clemens. As always, we’re proud they made Macomb their home.”

Hackel named the chicks Monarch, Warthog and Cwik. Monarch represents Macomb Community College, as the school recently unveiled a Monarch mascot featuring a lion wearing a crown, symbolizing sport prowess. Warthog is in reference to the A-10 Warthog, which is based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Those planes will be replaced by a mission of new F-15X Eagles II, as announced several weeks ago. Finally, Cwik pays homage to the county’s longtime public information officer, and Mount Clemens resident, John Cwikla. 

The Peregrine Falcon population is currently rising. Roughly a year and a half ago, the bird was reclassified as threatened instead of endangered in Michigan. It remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. For further insights into Macomb County’s Peregrine Falcons, visit the webpage.

Macomb County Health Department cautions residents on the presence of ticks and lyme disease

With the onset of summer fast approaching, the Macomb County Health Department would like to inform residents that ticks are currently active in Macomb County and across the state of Michigan, and that there are steps and actions that can be taken to prevent illnesses spread by ticks, such as Lyme disease.

“Because we have had a relatively mild winter and spring season, there is an elevated probability of the presence of ticks,” said Tom Barnes, division director of the Macomb County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division. “So as we start to spend more and more time outdoors in the spring and summer, we all need to be mindful of the presence of ticks and some of the strategies to avoid tick bites, and potentially, Lyme disease.”

According to the 2023 Michigan Emerging and Zoonotic Disease Surveillance Study, the state of Michigan has experienced increased growth of Lyme disease - from 424 cases in 2019, to 877 in 2021 to a provisional high (pending finalized review) of 1,146 in 2023.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). The presence of the blacklegged tick in Michigan is growing. In fact, based on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ 2024 Michigan Lyme Disease Risk Map, 81 of Michigan’s 83 counties have a known risk for Lyme disease, or potential risk for Lyme disease. Local surveillance efforts by the Macomb County Health Department on blacklegged ticks that were collected in 2021, 2022, and 2023 tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Test results on blacklegged ticks that were collected in 2024 are currently not available.   

Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before Lyme disease can be transmitted. Because of this, doing a full-body check to find and remove ticks after spending time outdoors is important. Ticks should be removed by grasping the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.

If someone is bitten by a tick that is suspected or confirmed to be a blacklegged tick, they should call their healthcare provider. Not all species of ticks carry diseases, but tick-related diseases like Lyme disease do occur in Michigan and can be serious or fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated. To identify a tick, you can submit a picture of the tick to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; get the details here.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, and fatigue. Many people, but not all, will get a characteristic “bull’s-eye” skin rash. If untreated, infections can become serious. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Here are some suggestions to help avoid ticks:

Before You Go Outdoors:

• Know where to expect ticks. Blacklegged ticks are commonly found on low forest vegetation, often along human and animal trails.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants into socks. Wear boots or shoes instead of sandals.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin or you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. To help find the repellent that is right for you, the EPA has a search tool that can be found here.

After You Come Indoors:

• Check your clothing for ticks. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
• Examine gear and pets. Ticks can get into the home on coats, clothing, pets, and daypacks.
• Check your body and your child’s body for ticks after being outdoors: under the arms, in and around the hair and ears, inside the belly button, the waist and back, back of the knees and between the legs and pelvic area.
• Showering within two hours of coming indoors may help wash off unattached ticks; it is also a good opportunity to do a tick check.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a number of tick-related resources and suggestions to prevent tick bites that can be found here. 

The Macomb County Health Department is actively monitoring the population of ticks in the county to identify any changes or migration. Learn more about our surveillance efforts here.

Information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on ticks and Lyme disease, can be found here.  

Upcoming events

Animal Control Vaccine Clinic Saturday, June 7 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Junefest 2025 in Downtown St. Clair Shores Saturday, June 7 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Macomb Township Tons O' Trucks Saturday, June 14 10 a.m.
60th Annual Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival Wednesday, June 18 - Sunday, June 22