Background:
In 2011, Governor Snyder challenged the MEDC to develop strategies to engage in regional collaboration among economic and community development organizations. Ten regions were formed and defined by local partners in an effort to align state service providers. Local and regional economic development agencies had already been working in concert with others in multi-county areas and had long been requesting state support for regional efforts and actiities. The MEDC convened a Collaborative Development Council (CDC), comprised of economic development practitioners around the state. The CDC meets monthly to discuss policy, strategic direction and provide programmatic input. The CDC has 18 members, each representing regions through the state, as well as the Michigan Economic Developers Association. The goal of this alignment is to streamline services from statewide agencies; improve customer service to communities and businesses; coordinate information sharing and resources among community and business development professionals; maximize under-utilized resources; and encourage new regional initiatives. | 
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CDC Contact Info
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INITIATIVES:
SALESFORCE SUPPORT:To support collaboration between local and regional economic development agencies, the MEDC has created a statewide data sharing network based upon Salesforce.com. The MEDC’s Salesforce system connects with existing regional Salesforce systems and works with regions to develop a standard Salesforce configuration that can be used by many local and regional agencies. MEDC has committed to reimbursement of licenses and has funded the implementation of regional systems.
STAFF DEPLOYMENT:The MEDC has championed the regionalization effort by realigning Michigan Retention and Growth, Community Assistance, Export Strategy and Development Finance teams by region. In addition, MEDC has worked closely with cooperative agencies in their realignment to 10 regions, including the Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC), Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). MEDC’s Business Development Managers, the team which focuses on business retention and growth, are now “hoteled” in regional economic development organizations throughout the state, working alongside our CDC members and their staff.
REGIONAL CDC GRANTS:In 2012, approximately $1.3 million was awarded to CDC members to support priority projects within their regions. A portion of this went toward the implementation of a regional Salesforce system and to assist with the costs related to acting as lead convener and communicator within the region. These projects are ongoing. With many regional Salesforce systems in place, 2013 grant awards support regional projects, Salesforce license costs, and CDC administrative costs. Attached is a brief description of
2012 and
2013 projects.
EVENTS:
A partnership has been developed between local development agencies, MEDC business development units and marketing and communications for the purpose of utilizing event platforms for successful business development, talent and entrepreneurial outreach and customer conversions. Review the
events list to learn which events MEDC and their partners will be participating in.
MEETING MATERIALS:
Information and documents from the May 23, 2013 meeting:
Information and documents from the April 25, 2013 meeting:
Information and documents from the January 24, 2013 meeting:
