Posted by – Stephanie Carroll, Manager of Business Development & Community Relations

Last week, I attended the Michigan Economic Developers Association’s Capitol Day in Lansing.  Capitol Day is MEDA’s annual legislative conference.  This one-day conference includes sessions on the latest legislative issues related to economic development as well as State and Federal agency updates on economic development initiatives and laws.  It’s always great to get corporate and legislate perspectives on the business climate in Michigan.

The discussion centered on economic development challenges and opportunities in Michigan and how, as economic developers, this is impacting our ability to retain and attract companies and talent to our state.  Sessions included panel discussions about skilled labor challenges, tax increment financing and how Michigan ranks among other states for incentives.

Even though Michigan is becoming a more business-friendly state, state and local programs and services and services, such as incentives still have a strong influence on corporate decisions to expand and locate in our state.  Auburn Hills prides itself on being a business-friendly community and being able to assist our companies with talent, training and other needs is key to our collective success.