2006 Investors - Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership

2006 Investors
The activities of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
would not be possible without the generous support of these investors:
PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTORS
Antrim Township
Bennington Township
City of Corunna
City of Durand
City of Laingsburg
City of Owosso
City of Perry
Middlebury Township
Perry Township
Shiawassee County Government
Shiawassee County Public Schools
Vernon Township
Village of Bancroft
Village of Lennon
Village of Morrice
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTORS
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc
Accident Fund Insurance Co of
America
Advanced Drainage Systems
Alderman's Inc
Alliance HNI
Allied Motion, Motor Products
Argus Press
Baker College of Owosso
Borgstrom Family
Cadwallader-Lord-Hahn, Inc
Cafe' Sports
Capital Consultants
Cartronics
Charter One Bank
Chase
Chemical Bank
Compak Inc
Consumers Energy
Cook Family Foundation
Covenant Eyes
Crest Printing Inc
Davis Cartage Company
Demis & Wenzlick, CPA PC
Dietrich's Morrice Collision
Don Horton & Sons, Inc
Realtors/Appraisers
Durand Area Chamber of
Commerce
Edward Jones-Peter Keay
Emery-Pratt Co
Field Pharmacy
Fifth Third Bank
Getzen & Connell, CPA PC
Gilbert's True Value Hardware
and Appliance
Graff of Durand
Grantham Mortgage
HealthFirst Pharmacy
Hemenway Business Service
Independent Newspaper Group
Indian Trails Inc
Jacobs Insurance Agency
Jennings-Lyons Chapel
Laingsburg Business Association
Lennon Telephone Company
Main Beverage Company
Maurer Heating & Cooling
McPhail Insurance Agency
Meijer Inc
Memorial Healthcare
Metro Mortgage of Owosso
Michigan Laborers Training
Institute
Midwest Bus Corporation
Morgan Stanley
MRM Industries Inc
Owosso Graphic Arts, Inc
Owosso Medical Group, PC
Owosso Surgical Associates
Patrick Marutiak, Attorney at Law
Perry-Morrice Area Chamber of
Commerce
Plowman Gas and Oil
RE/MAX of Owosso
Republic Bank
Riverside Market
Riverside Pontiac Buick GMC
Rowe Inc
RWI Manufacturing
Shaw's Pharmacy
Shiawassee Anesthesia
Services PC
Shiawassee Association of
REALTORS®
Signature Ford Lincoln Mercury
Jeep
Slingerland Chrysler-Dodge Inc
Stechschulte Gas & Oil Co Inc
Subway of Laingsburg
TDS Telecom
Terex Simplicity
Tri-Mer Corporation
Van Pop Co
Vogl & Grimes, CPA's
Wakeland Oil Company
WalMart Super Center
Washington Business Center
William M Graham Acccounting
& Tax Service Inc
Wolf Communications, Inc
Wolverine Sign Works
Woodard, LLC
Young Chevrolet-Cadillac
2006 Annual Report • 2007 Business Plan
Energizing Growth Strengthening Business
The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership is a department of the
Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with public and private partners

Welcome
2007 Business Plan
Shiawassee County –
Good Things Are Happening!
As the State of Michigan continued its challenging transition
away from an automotive-based economy in 2006, we must take
note that some very good things happened in Shiawassee County.
The SEDP provided assistance on 13 projects that will create over
300 new jobs, retain over 450 jobs, create almost $25,000,000 in
capital investment, and fill over 500,000 sq ft of building space.
These new developments not only provide the benefits of more jobs
and tax base, but also symbolize the impact of globalization.
Labor-intensive operations are being moved outside of our borders to
low-cost countries, while that which remains and grows requires more
capital and fewer but more skilled workers. The new and expanding
businesses discussed in this report understand and embrace this
model in an effort to stay competitive. We must thank them for their
foresight and their contribution to our local economy.
What does this mean for Shiawassee County’s future? We have the
right assets (central location in Michigan and the Midwest, a large
and talented labor pool to draw from, close proximity to key research
institutions, easy transportation access, and a competitive cost
structure) to attract and keep these small business firms in the region,
helping to strengthen our economic base. The successes presented in
this report show this to be the case.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Rich Dietrich, Committee Chairman
Justin Horvath, Director, SEDP
Bruce Cook
SVDC
Rich Dietrich
Dietrich’s Morrice
Collision
SEDP Chairman
Phil Hathaway
City of Owosso
Terry McInally
Allied Motion
Motor Products
Troy Napier
Baker College
of Owosso
Thomas Perkin
C & P Consulting
Group Inc
Joe Sawyer
City of Corunna
David Vaughn
DEVTEC, Inc
Paul Cook
Wolverine Sign
Works
Sidney Grinnell
Perry Township
Don Levi
Chemical Bank
& Trust Co
Lynn Markland
City of Durand
Jaime F. Pavlica
Shiawassee County
Government
SEDP Vice-Chairman
Cheryl Peterson
Memorial Healthcare
Chris Thelen
Consumers Energy
Byron Vowell
Village of Lennon
Entrepreneurial Development (continued)
Offer educational seminars and survey participants for value and relevance
Continue administration and marketing of the Chamber's revolving loan fund
Market entrepreneurial development services through local advertising, seminars, and
referrals
Investor Relations: To ensure the SEDP has the necessary financial
resources to conduct business retention, expansion, attraction and
entrepreneurial development activities
Public Relations: To build, manage and sustain a positive image as the
primary facilitator of economic development in Shiawassee County
Distribute information on SEDP activities through Constant Contact, Chamber & SEDP
publications, and press releases/media contacts
Participate in forums to educate local leaders on economic development issues
Assist local governments in conducting pro-economic development practices
Meet with local, regional, state and national partners on matters relating to economic
development
Attend targeted professional development seminars and conferences offered through the
Michigan Downtown Association (MDA), Michigan Economic Developers Association
(MEDA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Further collaborative relationships with local workforce assistance providers and existing
employers by coordinating a countywide Jobs Fair
Four seminars (no less than one/quarter) with a positive survey response to all
$50,000 lended
Four advertisements (no less than one/quarter)
Total Revenue = Total Expenditures
Conduct the annual investor meeting
75 attendees
Make personalized contacts with each private & public sector investor
Two contacts with each investor, attend 12 luncheons
Provide timely activity updates through Constant Contact
12 updates (no less than one/month)
Generate and distribute an annual report and monthly activity reports
Annual report provided at the annual investor meeting, monthly activity reports
provided to SEDP Committee & Chamber Board
Serve as staff liaison to the SEDP Committee
Attend all committee meetings
Conduct 2nd JOBS Campaign activities (1st Quarter - conduct initial planning session 2nd Revenue goal to be determined by campaign coordinator
Quarter - do a mini-assessment and begin campaign 3rd Quarter - conduct campaign 4th
Quarter - complete campaign)
Seek and secure grants for entrepreneurial development activities
$5,000 in revenue
Receive fees for SBA 504 loan referrals
$5,000 in revenue
Offer sponsorships for the annual Project of the Year award and quarterly Makers & $2,500 in revenue
Shakers event
Seek and secure fee-for-service contracts with local governments for regional downtown $5,000 in revenue
recruitment activities
Collect loan origination fees from the Chamber's revolving loan fund
$500 in revenue
Receive funds for SVDC administration
$2,000 in revenue
100 PR Contacts/Events
25 contacts
Four forums (no less than one/quarter)
10 assistance calls
60 meetings
Two MDA events, four MEDA events, and two IEDC events
20 exhibitors
2007 Goals
246 NET NEW JOBS with an average annual earnings of $38,541
1
For more information contact: Shiawassee Economic Development
Partnership, 215 North Water Street, Owosso, MI 48867, 989.723.5149,
www.sedpweb.org
Katie Wolf
Wolf
Communications,
Inc.
20 RETENTION AND/OR EXPANSION PROJECTS, with at least five successfully completed
25 ATTRACTION PROJECTS, with at least five successfully completed
25 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, with at least 10 successfully completed
14

2007 Business Plan
Project Synopsis
The SEDP Committee and the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approved
the business plan for 2007 with a focus on five primary goals: business retention & expansion, business
attraction, entrepreneurial development, investor relations and public relations.
Core Strategy: To strengthen Shiawassee County's economy through
business retention, expansion, attraction and entrepreneurial development
GOALS
Key Measurable Outcomes:
246 net new jobs with an average annual earnings of $38,541
2006 Project Synopsis
The SEDP provided assistance on 13 projects in 2006 that will create over 300 new jobs,
retain over 450 existing jobs, create almost $25,000,000 in capital investment, and fill over
500,000 sq ft of building space.
Business Retention & Expansion: To help existing Shiawassee County
companies maintain and/or expand operations locally
Meet with clients for a confidential discussion about their operations
Provide clients with customized business solutions (as outlined in the Business Solutions
Guide) and develop new solutions based on identified needs
Offer educational seminars and networking events and survey participants for value and
relevance
Provide clients with updates on timely issues through Constant Contact
20 retention and/or expansion projects, with at least five successfully
completed
70 visits
Generate a summary report of services rendered (including new solutions created)
Four of each (educational seminars - no less than one/quarter, Makers & Shakers held
in January, April, July & October) with a positive survey response to all
12 updates (no less than one/month)
Company
New
Jobs
Retained
Jobs
Capital
Investment
Sq Footage
Added/Filled
American Recycling Center 30 $2,600,000 80,000
B & B Sandblasting & Painting 20 $500,000 6,900
Covenant Eyes 15 14 $100,000 8,000
D & M Transport 60 12,000
Hanson Brick 70 $1,100,000
Michigan Iron & Equipment 2 $300,000 5,000
Owosso Automation 25 10 $600,000 22,000
S L & H Metals 2 4 $400,000 8,000
SCCMH 50 150 104,000
Target Industries/Woodard Station 82 182 $18,000,000 217,000
The Peggs Company 15 $150,000 45,000
TiAL Products 28 $1,100,000
301 458 $24,850,000 507,900
Business Attraction: To recruit new businesses, jobs and capital
investment to Shiawassee County
25 attraction projects, with at least five successfully completed
Utilize e-communications
Participate in opportunities for collaboration with economic development peers
Collaborate with existing local businesses on marketing to their customers/suppliers
Attend targeted trade shows and developer/site selector gatherings
Host visits to Shiawassee County from business prospects, developers, and site selectors
Advertise in regional, state and national print publications
12 marketing messages through Constant Contact (no less than one/month), posting
and maintenance of key available properties on Fast Facility and MiSiteNet websites,
and maintenance of SEDP website with a target of 4,000 hits and four minutes spent
per visit
Actively engage in the Global Automotive Marketing Alliance, the MEDC's Local Partners
initiative, and the World Economic Development Alliance
12 business contacts
100 contacts (events attended to be determined in conjunction with MEDC activities)
25 visits (includes the Site Selector Excursion)
15 advertisements
(individual publications to be determined in conjunction with MEDC activities)
13
Distribute direct mail marketing packets to developers, site selectors and target industry
contacts
Update marketing materials every two years
Provide prospects with customized business solutions (as outlined in the Business
Solutions Guide)
Coordinate with the master developer on marketing opportunities for the Taylor Business
Park and research opportunities for additional property development
Conduct marketing activities with a focus on promoting Shiawassee County's downtowns
to developers and retail and service-oriented businesses
Entrepreneurial Development: To provide support to individuals
wanting to start or expand a small business in Shiawassee County
Meet with clients for a confidential discussion about their operations
Provide clients with customized entrepreneurial business solutions (as outlined in the
Business Solutions Guide)
150 packets
New signature brochure and updated GIS system
Generate a summary report of services rendered
Efforts to be determined in conjunction with the selected developer
25 contacts
25 small business development projects, with at least 10 successfully completed
100 visits
Generate a summary report of services rendered
Continued on page 14
Covenant Eyes Continues Growth,
Eyes Larger Office Space
Covenant Eyes, a producer of Internet accountability software in Corunna, grew from 14 to 29
employees, made a $100,000 capital investment, and increased profits by more than 100% in
2006. The company is moving forward with the purchase of a building that will provide the
business with needed office space and offer approximately 30,000 sq ft of additional space for
lease to other companies.
“This is a great example that proves a high-growth, high-technology firm can succeed in
Shiawassee County,” said Justin Horvath, Director of the SEDP, which has assisted the company
with ombudsman, site location and financing opportunities.
“It is the goal of Covenant Eyes to increase its customer base by 100% in 2007. Achieving that
goal will necessitate the hiring of additional employees and will necessitate additional capital
expenditures,” said company CFO Gordon Parkinson.
2

Projects
Woodard Station and Target Industries Cooperate on Large-Scale
Redevelopment in Owosso
Holland-based developer Bosgraaf Commercial selected the former Woodard manufacturing
building on M-52 in Owosso for Woodard Station, a mixed-use brownfield redevelopment that will feature
residential, office and retail opportunities. In conjunction with this endeavor, Target Industries,
a manufacturer of advertising
specialties and promotional products,
is expanding into the former Owosso
Casket Company building next door.
Taylor Business Park
Taylor Business Park
There was continued progress on the Taylor Business Park development in Perry Township in 2006.
The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners formally approved the conditional zoning
application for the nearly 500-acre park, with the property now zoned as M-1 (light industrial).
An extension was negotiated to the original purchase option on the land for at least one more year
at no cost. Also, the SEDP received a grant to plan for “smart growth” development of the property
and surrounding commercial/industrial areas (see below).
The site is now being marketed aggressively using a prospectus, with a focus on pursuing a master
developer with deep pockets and strong connections to targeted businesses.
3
Together, these projects will combine
to create 82 new jobs, retain 182
jobs, generate $18,000,000 in
capital investment, and fill 217,000
sq ft of vacant space.
SEDP staff provided assistance with
the brownfield process, financial
incentive package and promotional
opportunities for Woodard Station.
The vacant Owosso Casket Company site will be occupied through
an expansion by neighboring Target Industries.
The former Woodard manufacturing facility will house a mixed-use
redevelopment by Bosgraaf Commercial.
“We are very excited to be in
Owosso and Shiawassee County.
According to our independent
studies, Shiawassee County is in
a growth mode and projections
indicate this will continue through
2011. Many of the other areas we
have looked at recently are not in
a growth mode, so this obviously
confirms our decision to invest in
the community. Past projects have
revitalized the communities around
them and we are confident this will
be the case in Owosso as well.
We look forward to working and
investing in Owosso and Shiawassee
County,” said Woodard Station
Project Manager Dave Spaulding.
HIGHLIGHT
SEDP Receives Planning Grant for “Smart Growth” Business Park
in Perry Township
The SEDP received a $5,000 grant which was used for planning and developing a “Smart
Growth” business park on nearly 500 acres just north of I-69 in Perry Township.
The award, presented at Michigan State University’s 3rd Annual Land Use Summit, was used to
create design and engineering specifications for the property, as well as the undeveloped business
corridor along Lansing Road. The information is being utilized to spur interest from potential
developers and businesses, and for use in securing grant funding for infrastructure improvements.
The effort was focused on using “Smart Growth” principles, which consist of building economic
growth, preserving and conserving land (i.e., open space, active farmland), improving quality
of life (defined by factors that contribute to community stability), creating healthy communities
(addressing social, economic, and environmental factors), and encouraging walkable
neighborhoods (safe, multi-modal and mixed use).
“Our consistent goal throughout this whole process (of getting
the business park developed) is to encourage job and
business growth in Shiawassee County, while being cognizant
of the impact on surrounding residents,”
said SEDP Director Justin Horvath. “We believe this grant
will enhance our ability to achieve this goal,” he added.
Grant funding was provided in part by the People and
Land (PAL) program, a $5.9 million, three-year program
funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support land
use policy research, education, and innovation, and by
MSU’s Office of the John A. Hannah Distinguished
An aerial photograph of the Taylor Business Park.
Professor in Land Policy.
12

Retention & Entrepreneurship
Business solutions ranged from site location and financing to tax incentives and business planning.
Several new programs were also developed including a manufacturer’s directory, wage and benefits
survey, and a workforce assistance directory. In addition, several educational seminars were held on
topics such as financing, health care, LEAN, product marketing and safety training.
HIGHLIGHT
Makers & Shakers
During retention visits, several manufacturers remarked that there was little opportunity to
collaborate with one another locally. As a result, the SEDP created a new quarterly forum, Makers
& Shakers, designed to bring this group together for networking and socialization. The informal
gatherings, held at Mootzie’s Gallery in downtown Owosso, offered attendees the opportunity to
learn more about their local industry peers, identify potential business collaborations, and even
find new customers.
American Recycling Center Fills Vacant 80,000 Sq Ft Industrial
Building in Owosso Charter Township
American Recycling Center, a manufacturer of
premium rubber granules, has located in the
80,000 sq ft, former Regal Plastics building in
Owosso Charter Township.
The company expects to create 30 new jobs and make a $2,600,000 capital
investment in the plant. The SEDP helped the firm make the decision to come to
Shiawassee County through assistance with site location, ombudsman services,
workforce hiring and training, and securing a tax incentive.
Projects
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
“One of the reasons I looked at Shiawassee County was because of its central
location,” said company owner Larry Fisher. “Owosso is located along good trucking lanes, but yet
still not located down in the rat race (Detroit),” he added.
Entrepreneurship
Representatives from J.E. Shireling Co, the inaugural sponsor of Makers & Shakers, enjoy themselves
at the event.
Small Business Consultant George Ramos provided services to 98 local entrepreneurs starting or
expanding a business in 2006.
CLIENT SYNOPSIS
INDUSTRY TYPE
“One of the
reasons I looked
at Shiawassee
County was
because of its
central location.”
- Larry Fisher
Company Owner
11
98 clients
82 first time visits
16 return visits
64 new starts
11 expansions
23 general assistance
10 food
10 construction/home improvement
4 engineering/manufacturing
22 miscellaneous
7 professional
20 retail
25 service
American Recycling Center owner Larry Fisher learned that his company received the
SEDP’s Project of the Year award from (l. to r.) SEDP Director Justin Horvath, SEDP Assistant
Director Lindsay Eister, Mike Pomante of Jennings-Lyons Chapel, the award sponsor, and
Sue Kadlek of the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce.
4

Projects
D & M Transport and The Peggs Company Locate in
Owosso Charter Township
Business Retention
The SEDP provided assistance to 78 existing businesses throughout
Shiawassee County in 2006, encouraging them to stay and grow
here.
5
Two companies are now operating on the former Moore Iron Works site in Owosso Charter
Township. D & M Transport, a distribution firm, is occupying a 12,000 sq ft building. They have
approximately 40 employees, with plans to grow to around 60.
The Peggs Company, a California-based designer and manufacturer of merchandising displays,
shopping carts, sales and service, is in a 45,000 sq ft facility on site. They started with three
employees, with a goal of 10 to 15 in the next couple of years. This location will serve as a
distribution hub for their east coast
operations.
The SEDP provided site location,
ombudsman, and financial incentive
assistance for the project.
The Peggs Company and D & M Transport occupy the two buildings on the former Moore Iron
Works site.
B & B Sandblasting and Painting Occupies Owosso
SE Industrial Park Space
B& B Sandblasting and Painting, a refurbisher of heavy equipment & vehicles, has started operations in a
6,900 sq ft building, formerly occupied by Skilled Services, in the Owosso SE Industrial Park. The company
projects to create 20 jobs in the next couple of years. The company utilized the SEDP’s site location, workforce
hiring and training, ombudsman, and entrepreneurial development services.
B & B Sandblasting and Painting’s building in the Owosso SE Industrial Park.
“Our decision to move into Owosso
was an easy one. It is a great place,
filled with great people and being a
part of that we can’t go wrong. We
hope to grow rapidly and create job
opportunities so these great people
will stay in this wonderful place,”
said company official Melissa Mell.
Aaron's Enterprises - Owosso
Advanced Air Technologies, Inc - Corunna
Advanced Drainage Systems - Owosso
Agnew Graphics Signs & Promotions - Owosso
Agreliant Genetics LLC - Middlebury Township
A-HIT, Inc. - Vernon Township
Albatross Aviation - Caledonia Charter Township
Alliance HNI - Owosso
Allied Motion, Motor Products - Owosso Charter
Township
American Recycling Center, Inc - Owosso Charter
Township
Anderson Building Innovations - Perry Township
B & B Sandblasting & Painting - Owosso
Bourne Industries, Inc - Corunna
Chel-Mer Inspection Services, LLC - Owosso
CNI-Owosso LLC - Owosso
Codejock Software - Owosso
Collins & Aikman - Owosso Charter Township
Compak Inc - Durand
Connexis - Owosso
Covenant Eyes - Corunna
CSH Industries - Owosso
Custom Cast Stone - Perry Township
D & M Transport - Owosso Charter Township
Davis Cartage Company - Corunna
DayStarr Communications - Owosso
Dimensional Technology International Inc - Owosso
Durand Forms Inc - Durand/Vernon Township
Dux Boats - Corunna
Edwards Sign & Screen Printing, Inc - Owosso
Charter Township
Georgia Pacific Corp - Owosso Charter Township
Great Lakes Central Railroad - Owosso
Great Lakes Fusion Inc - Vernon
Hankerd Sportswear - Owosso/Owosso Charter
Township
Hanson Brick - Caledonia Charter Township
Honcoop Highbanker Company - Owosso
Indian Trails Inc - Owosso
Invisalink - Owosso
J & R Machinery Engineers Inc - Shiawassee Township
J. E. Shireling Co - Owosso Charter Township
Krupps.com, Inc - Owosso
L-5 Transportation - Caledonia Charter Township
Machine Tool & Gear, Inc - Corunna
Maurell Products Inc - Owosso Charter Township
Meal & More - Morrice
Michigan Iron & Equipment LLC - Perry Township
Michigan Online Group - Owosso
Molded Geometries Inc - Owosso
MRISAR Institute of Science, Art & Robotics LLC -
Owosso
MRM Industries Inc - Owosso
Nero Plastics Inc - Owosso Charter Township
Neway Manufacturing, Inc - Corunna
North American Air Products, Inc - Corunna
Owosso Automation, Inc - Owosso
Owosso Graphic Arts, Inc - Owosso Charter Township
Owosso Paper Recycling Company - Middlebury
Township
Pla-Ma USA, LLC - Owosso
Precision Electric Motor Sales - Owosso
Premarc Corporation - Vernon Township
R.H. Meihls & Associates - Owosso
Rugged Liner Inc - Caledonia Charter Township
RWI Manufacturing - Owosso
S L & H Contractors, Inc - Corunna
S L & H Metals, Inc - Corunna
SCA Packaging - Owosso
Shiawassee County Community Mental Health -
Owosso Charter Township
Standard Systems International, Inc - Owosso
Symmetrical Technologies - Owosso
Target Industries Inc - Owosso
Terex Simplicity - Durand
The Peggs Company, Inc - Owosso Charter Township
TiAL Products, Inc - Owosso
Tramm Tech, Inc - Owosso Charter Township
Tri-Mer Corporation - Owosso
Universal Handling Equipment Co - Owosso
Vaungarde, LLC - Owosso
Viron International Corp - Caledonia Charter
Township
Woodard Station Lofts - Owosso
Woodard, LLC - Owosso
10

Business Attraction
SEDP Receives IEDC Award for Site Selector Excursion
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized the SEDP with an Honorable
Mention award for the Site Selector Excursion at its Annual Conference, which took place in New York
City in September.
"From localized community projects to large-scale
endeavors, activities for the advancement of
economic development have an enormous impact
on the shoring up of the nation's economy,"
said IEDC Board Chairman Marinucci. "As our
population grows exponentially and as we continue
to overcome unexpected challenges, such as those
we are still grappling with in the Hurricane
Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast region, these efforts
take on an even greater significance. The
acknowledgement serves as a most respectful
'hats off' to economic development organizations
like the Shiawassee Economic Development
Partnership for leading the charge."
The SEDP competed in the category of Special Event by organizations serving areas with populations
between 50,000 and 200,000. One weekend during the holiday season, the SEDP took corporate
site locators and their families through the magical journey of "The Polar Express," also known as
the Pere Marquette 1225 Steam Engine. Housed in Shiawassee County, The Pere Marquette 1225
was selected by Sony Pictures to be the train used for graphic design and sounds for the major motion
picture "The Polar Express." The weekend included a business dinner at the Owosso Country Club,
where attendees learned about the benefits of Shiawassee County as a business destination.
This event showcased why Shiawassee County is a great place to Live, Work and Play!
HIGHLIGHT
SEDP Participates in IEDC’s Ace the Test
SEDP staff Lindsay Eister and Justin Horvath are presented the award
by (l) Todd Greene, Chair of IEDC's Awards Task Force and (r) Joseph
Marinucci, Chair of IEDC's Board of Directors.
While at the IEDC Annual Conference, the SEDP successfully participated in the Ace the Test
competition. The SEDP was chosen as one of three finalists (including Syracuse, NY and the State
of Utah) nationwide to compete for a hypothetical site selection project involving the relocation of
a major, publicly owned manufacturing corporate headquarters.
There was a 15-minute Power Point presentation, followed by five minutes of questions from the
corporation leaders (three site location consultants). Overall, the comments were very positive. One
judge said that he had never heard of Shiawassee County before, but after hearing the presentation
was left wanting to learn more.
Projects
Michigan Iron & Equipment Builds New Facility in Perry Township
Michigan Iron & Equipment, a provider of products and services to the steel construction and
agricultural equipment markets, has relocated from Livingston County to a new 5,000 sq ft facility
(with a $300,000 capital investment) in the Wild Rose Industrial Park in Perry Township. The move
created two new jobs.
“The decision by Michigan Iron & Equipment, on the heels of Custom Cast Stone last year, shows
that Shiawassee County is an attractive alternative to locating in higher-cost Livingston County,”
said SEDP Director Justin Horvath.
The SEDP provided a variety of services, including hosting a bank forum for the company which
enabled them to secure the necessary financing to move the project forward.
Michigan Iron & Equipment’s new 5,000 sq ft building in the
Wild Rose Industrial Park.
Owosso Automation Relocates to Owosso
SE Industrial Park
“We decided to locate our business to Shiawassee
County because of the resources available to us
through the SEDP and the cooperative attitude of
(Shiawassee County’s) Community Development
Department. So far...it has been a great experience,”
said company owners Robert and Denise
Piro.
Owosso Automation, a manufacturer of rotary hoppers,
vibrator bowls, and nut and bolt feeder machines, will be relocating
its operations from leased space on Chestnut St to the
22,000 sq ft, former DBM building in the Owosso SE Industrial
Park. This move will enable the company to expand operations,
add 20-25 new employees, and make an approximately $600,000 capital investment.
Owosso Automation’s new 22,000 sq ft
facility in the Owosso SE Industrial Park.
The SEDP helped the company with business planning, site location, securing a tax incentive,
and securing a $35,000 loan from the Chamber’s Revolving Loan Fund.
9
The biggest benefit for our organization and community was the opportunity to promote the region
in front of over 100 people, including several site consultants, who have not heard of Shiawassee
County.
6

Projects
Business Attraction
Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Pursuing Vacant
Building in Owosso SE Industrial Park
Shiawassee County Community Mental Health (SCCMH) is in the
process of acquiring the 104,000 sq ft, former Charmilles Technologies
building in the Owosso SE Industrial Park.
This move would enable the organization to relocate its main offices
and pursue manufacturing contracts and workforce development
training on site, with a goal of employing up to 50 new workers.
The organization currently has approximately 150 employees.
Shiawassee County Community Mental
Health aims to move into this Owosso SE
Industrial Park building.
“While this may not seem to be a traditional tenant for an industrial park, the company does work
extensively on workforce development and would use this location to expand into manufacturing
opportunities for the clients they serve,” said Justin Horvath, Director of the SEDP, which has provided
site location, ombudsman and financing assistance.
The SEDP continued to aggressively market Shiawassee County as
an ideal business destination, with a focus on building personal
relationships with key decision makers.
• Provided 39 customized responses to requests for information and assistance.
• Attended seven target industry trade shows (including the hi-tech, logistics, manufacturing and
medical sectors) and three real estate developer and site location consultant gatherings.
• Hosted the second annual Site Selector Excursion for four site location consultants, one group
looking to purchase a vacant industrial building in the region, and one in the process of acquiring
and growing an existing manufacturing operation.
• Enhanced E-communications by developing a database of over 100 targeted development
prospects and providing them regular email updates on SEDP activities. Also continued to promote
usage of the SEDP website with nearly 4,000 hits.
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S L & H Metals Growing in the Corunna Industrial Park
SL & H Metals, a fabricator of metal products, is constructing an 8,000 sq ft building expansion
in the Corunna Industrial Park. The company is a spin off from the co-located S L & H Contractors,
a successful bridge construction firm. The company is making a $400,000 investment in the facility,
which will retain four jobs and create two new jobs.
The SEDP provided assistance in securing a tax incentive from
the City of Corunna which will enable the company to invest more
money in the business. “We truly appreciate all our customers,
in Shiawassee County and beyond,” said company officials.
ADDITIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS
S L & H Metals new 8,000 sq ft building
expansion being constructed in Corunna.
TiAL Products Continues Growth Pattern
TiAL Products, a producer of performance turbocharging components in Owosso, continued its strong
growth in 2006 with a $1,100,000 capital investment, following a 10,000 sq ft building expansion
last year. The company currently has 28 employees.
Hanson Brick Invests in Caledonia Charter Township Facility
Hanson Brick, a brick manufacturer in Caledonia Charter Township, expanded with a $1,100,000
capital investment in their plant, retaining 70 employees.
• Participated in regional marketing
partnership opportunities with the
Michigan Economic Development
Corporation and the Global
Automotive Marketing Alliance
(GAMA), designed to promote
international auto supplier
investment in Mid-Michigan. Also
investigated collaboration with
Flint and Lansing area economic
development partners.
• Created two direct mail
campaigns targeted at site
location consultants and
Michigan-based research &
development companies,
reaching over 200 individuals
and businesses.
• Advertised and provided editorial
content for five national and two
statewide print publications,
comprising15 issues.
An example of the SEDP’s print publication advertising.
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