As part of National Economic Development Week, over the next five days we will highlighting the business development team members at Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED).
Today we start with Daniel “Dan” Rochon. He is an Economic Developer who focuses on the defense and aerospace industries as well as geographical areas that include Mexico, Central America and South America. Dan is also the lead economic development liaison to the construction industry and is the secondary lead in the information technology and cybersecurity, automation, and automotive sectors. Rochon also specializes in research and business intelligence for the business development team as well as the department.
Prior to joining MCPED in 2014, he interned with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Export Team in the southeast Michigan region. Rochon holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Oakland University and a master’s degree in political science-public policy from Wayne State University.
Throughout his time at MCPED, he has been apart of some incredibly successful initiatives, including the targeted industry reports and working with client AGS Automotive. Find out more about those below.
AGS Automotive
AGS Automotive is a world-class, full service automotive supplier specializing in the manufacture and supply of complex high value added automotive metal components, particular bumper modules. Originally from Canada, AGS has carved out quite a home here in Macomb County.
Over the past decade, AGS Automotive has invested over $33.7 million into their three Sterling Heights locations. The company has utilized Industrial Facilities Tax exemptions, Michigan Business Development Grants, and Michigan Works! talent incentives facilitated by MCPED in partnership with the City of Sterling Heights, MEDC, and Michigan Works!. The results speak for themselves. These investments have resulted in expansion of their local workforce from about 50 to nearly 350, and the company won back to back General Motors’ Supplier of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017.
Additionally, AGS Automotive has been featured prominently in Macomb Momentum magazine and won the Model of OneMacomb award at the Macomb Business Awards, for their ability to create viable career opportunities for Macomb County's large Iraqi refugee population. Working with the Chaldean Council, their human resources department now offers full-time translation services and offers English as a Second Language classes on site. AGS also partners with the Judson Center’s disability services program which helps adults with intellectual and physical disabilities find independence and inclusion in the community by providing meaningful employment.
Target Industries
A brain child of former director and current deputy county executive John Paul Rea, the targeted industry reports put the data in data-driven economic development. Using many resources, Dan has helped the MCPED team figure out how to leverage labor market data and use it to understand key patterns in robust industry clusters around the county.
The COVID-19 crisis really brings into focus the need for smart, data-driven industry analysis. As the economy starts to open again, and millions of Michiganders return to work or start seeking new opportunities, these industry clusters can help us understand where gaps exist in employment, what wages look like, which industries rely more heavily on other downstream industries and where the potential for the future lies.
As you can see, Dan is an integral part of the business development team. He has the skills and knowledge that continue to propel Macomb County and its businesses forward. If you want to connect with him, feel free to send an email to daniel.rochon@macombgov.org.
To learn more about the entire business development team and the variety of resources available to businesses in Macomb County, visit www.macombbusiness.com.