Message from Vicky Rowinski
Hello and welcome to the June edition of the Momentum newsletter. It’s been a busy season for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. From tree plantings to groundbreakings to large scale events like the Macomb Business Awards, our team is making meaningful connections that ensure our community prospers and its people thrive. This is part of our mission and it’s what motivates us every day to show up for Macomb County. So to keep this message short and sweet, I’ll just conclude by saying get in touch with us. Whether you’re a small business owner or a municipal leader, we’re here to help you and we’re always standing by ready to assist.
Vicky Rowinski
Community corner
Macomb sees millions of dollars of investment for infrastructure, housing and economic development through federal Community Development Block Grant
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is marking National Community Development Week by celebrating its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, a 50-year-old federal initiative that provides essential funding to communities that can address infrastructure, economic development and housing needs.
“These dollars improve quality of life in Macomb County,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. “Our team facilitates the funding and gives it to our local communities for projects that range from park development to senior housing – and we wouldn’t be able to bring these efforts to life without the grant coming down from the federal government. It’s been in place for over 50 years, and in that time, it’s had a tremendous impact.”
Enacted by Congress in 1974, the CDGB program distributes annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
Macomb County has been a part of the program since the very beginning, receiving up to $1.8 million in annual grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in the last five years. During the 2024 program year alone, 46,326 residents were impacted and saw real benefit from CDBG funds. Recently completed projects and activities include:
Public facility and infrastructure projects
- Installation of new ADA sidewalk ramps in Shelby Township, Macomb Township and New Baltimore
- Installation of new sidewalks on 24 Mile Road between Shelby Road and Mound and Mound Road between 24 Mile Road and 23 Mile Road
- Improvements to Rein Park in the City of Eastpointe
- Installation of solar lighting at the City of Eastpointe
- Installation of a new ADA entry door at the Richmond Library
- Installation of a new HVAC system and a playground at the Mount Clemens Cairns Community Center
- Installation of a new program sign at the Fraser Senior Center
- Renovations to the Macomb Township Senior Center
- Resurfacing to Sprenger Street in the City of Eastpointe
“Reinvestment is vital in developed communities like Eastpointe,” said Eastpointe Mayor Michael Klinefelt. “Road money is always scarce so we’ve come to rely on CDBG funding for much needed local street projects. Another well-received project supported by CDBG is the installation of solar street lights in residential neighborhoods as a safety feature. CDBG grant programs have also made it possible to add playground equipment in some of our smaller parks, like Roxana and Goetz, which are located in dense residential neighborhoods. These types of projects improve the quality of life for our residents and help our city thrive.”
Public service activities
- Senior programming in Chesterfield Township, City of Richmond, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens and New Baltimore
- The purchase of large print books for seniors and the visually impaired for the Utica Library
- Funding for the Dial-A-Ride program, which provides transportation services to seniors and disabled persons in Harrison Township
- Funding for camp scholarships for income eligible program participants of Armada PAL
- Funding for CARE House, which provides counseling and services for victims of abuse
- Funding for Samaritan House, which provides food assistance to individuals and families in need
- Funding for Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, which provides aid with chores to assist the elderly
- Funding for Wigs4Kids, which provides wigs for income eligible children that experience hair loss due to illness
- Funding for Macomb Community Action Chore Program, which provides grass cutting and snow removal for senior citizens
- Funding for Turning Point, which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence
- Funding for MCREST, which provides shelter for the homeless
- Funding for Hearts for Homes, which provides rent assistance for families with children
Additional Macomb County CDBG efforts were highlighted in fall 2024, which was the 50 year anniversary of the CDBG grant. Those projects include:
- Facilitation of the Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation Program, which has spent a total of $4,763,167 to rehab 443 homes across the region.
- Construction of the Sterling Heights Senior Center in 2005. Additional dollars have been used to make parking lot improvements and to install an outdoor fitness area.
- Expansion of the Owen Jax Recreation Center in Warren. The city had acquired North Bay Machinery which was adjacent to the existing recreation center. After demolition and a clean up, the city created a new park and green space. They also renovated the existing gym with the center.
- Funding of the Clinton Township Adaptive Softball Program, a league for special needs adults who might need some type of accommodation to play.
- Installation of lighting in Eastpointe, which saw solar lights added on the right of way in residential neighborhoods at mid- block locations for the safety of residents.
- Revitalization of Roxana Park in Eastpointe, where CDBG funded the majority of a $135,000 project. The city engaged residents in the decision-making process for improvements, and ultimately new play equipment, picnic tables and a pavilion were installed.
To learn more about the Macomb County planning and CDBG program, visit the community planning services webpage and for more about the overall HUD program, see the Hud Exchange website.
County Executive Hackel highlights Macomb’s freshwater advantage at ‘More to our Shore’ event
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and County Executive Mark Hackel were joined on Friday, June 6 by community leaders for the first-ever More to our Shore event at Lake St. Clair Metropark. A mix of MCPED's quarterly Macomb Partners meeting and the annual State of the Lake event -- this 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."
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.
- 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:
- 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 at their webpage.
Green Macomb initiative celebrates ten years of reduced carbon emissions and increased tree canopies
This year, the Green Macomb program has hit its ten-year milestone: a decade of partnering with the community, planting trees and lowering carbon emissions throughout the area. Green Macomb is run through the County's parks and natural resources division, and is committed to supporting green infrastructure efforts that strengthen not only the environmental wellbeing of the region, but also quality of life and economic vitality.
Most know that planting a tree is good for the environment. But why? The answer: trees remove and reduce air pollutants, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides, improving cardiovascular health and potentially saving up to 7 lives a year in bigger cities. Residents’ close proximity to urban nature also helps with stress and fatigue recovery. And lastly, soil underneath tree canopies can soak up rainfall much faster and more efficiently, preventing flooding.
Over the last ten years, Green Macomb has planted 4,056 trees – averaging about 541 per year. This equates to 391,105 square feet (about 9 acres) of new canopy cover and 157,733 gallons of runoff avoided during heavy rainfall events. In terms of health, Green Macomb touts that 328,843 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions have been avoided and 298,717 pounds sequestered (about 660,000 miles of car travel) thanks to their tree planting and conservation efforts.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the diverse web of partnerships Green Macomb has obtained since its inception. This includes collaborations with local municipalities, businesses, private residents and nonprofit organizations.
There are more tree plantings planned for the future, with the most recent one being in Eastpointe through support from Second Nature Brands. Together, with company volunteers they successfully planted 20 trees at Roxana Park.
To learn more about the Green Macomb initiative, visit their website.
Talking talent
Manufacturing Day returns to Macomb County, host sites and sponsors needed
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.
MCPED is looking for 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 sign up as a host site is July 31.
Economic development
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
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 www.macombbusiness.com.
Department happenings
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development welcomes new and returning hires
Sean Healey
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) welcomes our new Senior Communications Specialist, Sean Healey, to the team! Sean is a Hawaii Pacific University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Multimedia, with a minor in Psychology and International Studies. Before MCPED, he worked for Automation Alley as a Multimedia Manager and Video Producer and before that he served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the military, he achieved the rank of corporal, working in a helicopter unit that specialized in raids.
Through his past experiences, Sean has cultivated an understanding and enthusiasm for serving not only our nation but our community, as well.
“I have a strong desire to support the state of Michigan,” said Sean, when asked what interested him about his new position. “Working for Macomb County allows me to grow in my professional career while serving the community.”
In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, long hikes and reading.
MCPED is excited to have Sean onboard!
Gabby Noble
Returning to MCPED as our Economic Development intern is none other than Gabby Noble. Gabby is entering her junior year at the University of Michigan with a major in Economics. She has also recently applied for a minor in Business Administration. Since her last internship with the County, she’s been engaged in campus life and its workforce, serving as the Vice President of Finance in her sorority and operating as Business Manager for UoM’s yearbook in the Office of Student Publications.
“I [am] super excited to return to MCPED this summer,” said Gabby, “... I loved getting to know everyone in the office last year, and the opportunity to learn more about local businesses and how MCPED can assist them was so amazing!”
With her return, Gabby is set to work not only with economic development, but the Marketing and Communications team, as well. We’re happy to have you back, Gabby!
Ella Hill
The Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) marketing team is happy to announce our new summer intern, Ella Hill. Ella currently attends Michigan State University and is majoring in Marketing.
Prior to her applying for the internship Ella was not familiar with MCPED but expressed interest in learning more.
“... What drew me to [this internship] was the way MCPED [seemed to touch] so much of Macomb County,” Ella explained. “Being able to sort of give back to the County I grew up in is fulfilling.”
For those who may recognize her, Ella has been a public figure in the City of Richmond for years. She is the winner of Miss Richmond 2023 and continues to work closely with her family as they put on the annual Richmond Good Old Days festival slated for September.
In her downtime, Ella enjoys playing golf, shopping on Hall Road and catching baseball games at Jimmy Johns Field with her family.
Welcome aboard, Ella!
Macomb County and Center Line schools once again collaborate to provide students with marketing and design guidance
With the end of the semester came final presentations from Center Line Public School (CLPS) sixth graders, detailing the multiple services provided by the two local nonprofits, Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest.
Why is this relevant? With support from Macomb County’s Fueling the Talent Pipeline initiative, CLPS has transitioned into a Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) district and has placed an emphasis on working with the community and surrounding organizations to help educate students early on about the many potential careers they can explore in the future. As part of the Academy Explorer 6 Digital Design class, CLPS sixth graders receive a head start on learning about digital design and marketing through the district’s collaboration with Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest. From there, the students are given a semester-long project to create a blog, social media post and flyer about everything they’ve learned regarding the nonprofit organization assigned to their class.
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development’s (MCPED) marketing team worked closely with students this semester – as well as last semester – to offer guidance on their projects. Starting in January, the team conducted a presentation for the sixth graders to demonstrate the basics of marketing and communication. From there, they acted as consultants, returning to the school once again to give students feedback and help them advance in their work. Finally, the marketing team attended the final presentations to Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest on Wednesday, June 4.
With two successful Academy Explorer 6 semesters complete, MCPED plans to continue providing marketing and digital design instruction to CLPS sixth grade digital design classes in the future.
