LEO Hosted Regional Roundtables with Local Community Members and Stakeholders to Discuss the New Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, Highlight Importance of Supply Chain in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) hosted roundtable events in Macomb and Oakland counties today to discuss the new Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and to commemorate Gov. Whitmer’s proclaiming Feb. 26 – March 1 as Michigan Supply Chain Week. The week highlights Michigan’s innovation and role in state, national and international supply chains that affect countless industries from automotive to healthcare. The roundtables are part of a series of regional discussions with key stakeholders highlighting the office’s efforts to help Michiganders benefit from transitions in the auto and energy sectors.

“The new Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office underscores our commitment to building a brighter future with more good-paying, family sustaining opportunities for Michiganders,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “By creating an environment for businesses and workers to thrive together, we can continue creating good-paying jobs, bring critical supply chains home, and shore up our position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.”  

Today’s events brought together stakeholders in the auto and energy sectors, non-profits and other community leaders, local government representatives, and representatives from labor organizations and the skilled trades to engage in conversations about how the Economic Transition Office can proactively support workers and employers to grow and thrive in Michigan's future economy. Discussions also highlighted the critical role that supply chain industries play in driving automotive manufacturing and technology development.

“Michigan is a global leader in manufacturing, and as the world shifts to clean energy technology we’ve got to make sure our workers, companies and communities have the tools they need to take part in this new future,” said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy of LEO. “People around the state have great ideas about how Michigan can be a leader in the new clean energy economy and the Economic Transition Office will be a powerful ally for communities as they look to create and attract high-tech, high-paying jobs in the mobility and energy supply chains and beyond.”

The roundtables build on the Economic Transition Office’s commitment to working with communities to co-develop a clear vision for a diversified economy and turn the most pressing risks facing the state into wins for our communities, workers and businesses.

"Macomb County's economy is resilient, with strong representation across a variety of industries," said Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. "But change is inevitable, and as the economy evolves, our businesses need to as well. Together with the state and the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, the county stands ready to help local organizations so they can begin to diversify their portfolios and customer bases into new areas and technologies. This will ultimately help our companies establish a foothold in the future economy, while ensuring that our skilled and talented workforce thrives."

“The economic success of businesses across Oakland County hinges on two critical supply chains – a robust materials and product supply chain and a diverse, educated, and skilled workforce supply chain,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of Oakland County Workforce Development and director of Oakland County Michigan Works!. “The launch of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office will ensure communities, workers and businesses across Michigan have the tools and resources to endure future economic technology and workforce transitions. Today’s roundtable was an exciting opportunity for Oakland County stakeholders to share insights and help shape this important work.”

Roundtables have been hosted in other areas of the state, including Southgate and Monroe, with additional sessions scheduled in Genesee, Saginaw, Kent and Muskegon counties.

Gov. Whitmer’s Accomplishments in Bringing Supply Chains Home and Developing Michigan’s Economy:

• This month, launched the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge, a $125 million strategic investment that offers matching grant dollars for battery and advanced manufacturing projects to help bring federal infrastructure in transformative projects to Michigan. 
• In 2023, proposed Make it in Michigan, a comprehensive strategy to compete for projects, invest in people and revitalize places 
• In 2023, established the Make it in Michigan competitiveness fund to win federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. 
• In 2022, created the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund to empower Michigan to win large manufacturing projects and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. 
• In 2023, won $1 billion in federal funding for clean hydrogen hub, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and building on Michigan’s manufacturing leadership. 
• This month, Michigan was awarded $10.9 million for Michigan companies to build 20 DC fast-charging stations across Michigan through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, marking a major step forward in Michigan's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem. 
• Worked to establish Michigan as the #1 state for energy sector job growth, automotive industry and electric vehicle investments. 
• Ranked #1 for fastest foreign direct investment job growth over the past five years.  

For more information on LEO's initiatives and the Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, visit Michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.

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