Local governments can play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses, which are key to vibrant communities. SEMCOG’s Partnering for Prosperity: Economic Development Strategy for Southeast Michigan, identifies several action steps on how this can be accomplished. As our region’s communities implement the strategies and action steps found in our economic development plan, we’ll share these with you through SEMCOG University workshops, articles, and case studies.
The City of Romulus has been proactively supporting their business community with an array of initiatives, including its Buy Local First programs, Business to Business Networking Series events, and regular business retention visits. Earlier this year, I attended the Business to Business Networking Series kickoff event, where city and local business executives discussed how city initiatives have benefited Romulus businesses.
Mayor LeRoy Burcroff and Economic Development Director Tim Keyes engage with businesses through regular retention visits. During one of these visits with Bob Arthur, Vice President with Michigan Pneumatic Tool (MPT), the city learned about MPT’s customized product packaging needs. MPT, a business new to Romulus, is a service air tool company and leader in the design, distribution, manufacture, repair and rebuilding of industrial air tools.
Mayor Burcroff played the part of “matchmaker,” suggesting that Bob Arthur get in contact with Jim Gracey, General Manager with PackSpec. PackSpec offers unique and innovative custom design packaging services. Michigan Pneumatic Tool and ParkSpec have since forged a strong business relationship that has led to other mutually-beneficial projects, new investment, and jobs in Romulus.
This “matchmaking” success story was the product of the city’s administration knowing its businesses well by listening to their needs, and furthered by a community-wide goal to buy local in place.
What are some of your community’s success stories with supporting local businesses?
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