DRIVING MICHIGAN'S
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM)
ABOUT US
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) is a coalition of 12 leading regional economic development organizations throughout the state. Established in June 2020, EDLM's goal is to accelerate Michigan's economy by securing the necessary tools to stimulate growth.
EDLM's member organizations drive Michigan's economic engine and create quality jobs through business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. They connect businesses with resource needed to grow by strengthening supply chains, supporting infrastructure improvements, launching entrepreneurs, linking talent and employers, and coordinating state and local incentives that encourage business growth.
COALITION
MEMBERS
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) is a coalition of Michigan's 12 leading regional economic development organizations. Together, we represent the most active and productive territories in Michigan, covering 84% of the state’s population and 89% of its gross domestic product. The leaders of EDLM bring to the table over 350 years of combined experience in economic development.
EDLM
NEWS
The latest news updates from Economic Leaders for Michigan (EDLM)
EDLM STATEMENT | GOOD JOBS FOR MICHIGAN
Statement from EDLM regarding Governor Whitmer's call for Good Jobs for Michigan
"Economic Development Leaders for Michigan enthusiastically supports the Governor’s call to reinstate Good Jobs for Michigan.
For two years, Michigan has lacked the necessary tools to properly compete for large-scale projects which generate high-wage jobs in our communities. Other states have aggressively pursued projects while we have been sidelined due to the expiration of Good Jobs.
As we look toward economic recovery following the COVID pandemic, it is time to put ourselves back on the field and compete. We are pleased with the Governor’s action today and her bi-partisan effort as she joins with leaders like Republican Sen. Ken Horn to call for the renewal of Good Jobs for Michigan."
EDLM OP-ED | GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
(December 25, 2020) - Investment in our state and local economies through economic incentives is imperative to growing prosperity in Michigan. However, the expiration of the Good Jobs for Michigan program in 2019 left Michigan without one of its best tools for encouraging growth — one that will help us recover from the devastating economic effects of COVID-19.
EDLM OP-ED | CRAIN'S BUSINESS DETROIT
(October 11, 2020) - At the heart of economic development is the well-being of people and communities. We, the co-authors, are the CEOs of 12 regional economic development organizations and founding members of Economic Development Leaders for Michigan. Together we have over 350 years of economic development experience. Our organizations represent 84 percent of Michigan's population and 89 percent of state gross domestic product. We lead efforts which drive Michigan's economic engine, generate revenue, and create quality jobs through business retention, expansion, and attraction.
PRESS RELEASE
(October 1, 2020) - Economic developers from across the state recently partnered to form Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) to protect and advance economic development initiatives through direct legislative advocacy as the state forges ahead in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
(September 29, 2020) - Several EDLM members partnered with the legislature and MEDC to award grants to small businesses through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program. Approved in July, the program allocated $100 million of federal CARES Act funding to provide support to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
As of September 10, $69 million in grants have been awarded statewide to over 11,000 businesses. At least 72,950 jobs have been retained for Michigan workers through these initial grant awards. At least 30 percent of the funds awarded under the program were required to be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses, and all EDOs are on track to meet, or exceed, this requirement in the awards being made.
CONTACT
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