Recognizing Michigan’s Commitment to Collaboration and Economic Resilience – Where Talent and Innovation Thrive

Michigan’s drive for innovation, talent growth and economic opportunity continues to garner international recognition. At this year’s International Economic Development Council (IEDC) annual conference, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was honored with six Excellence Awards, highlighting MEDC’s work in attracting talent, forging strong partnerships and establishing Michigan as a leader in mobility, technology and clean energy.

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards program showcases projects that transform communities, regions and nations, offering global recognition across 26 unique categories.

“Michigan's economic strength is built on our ability to bring people together to innovate, create, and accomplish anything. Being recognized by IEDC celebrates our commitment to collaboration across sectors, as well as our success in fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives and sustainable growth is achieved,” said Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe.  “These recognitions reinforce Michigan's leadership as a state where everyone—from forward-thinking businesses and startups to hard-working talent from every corner of our state and around the world—can ​truly 'make it.’ In addition to continuing to make Michigan a better and better place to call home, we’re making sure everyone knows our story across the state, across the country and around the world. No matter your goal for the future, the answer is "you can in Michigan."

A Vision for a Thriving Economy

MEDC’s goal is to keep Michigan’s economy one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most competitive. The six IEDC awards reflect MEDC’s achievements in high-tech industries, supporting equitable job growth and spearheading innovation. From small businesses to advanced manufacturing, these efforts are helping to shape Michigan’s future.

“Through strategic collaboration across Michigan, we've cemented the state's leadership in business attraction, innovation and talent development,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “These awards not only showcase the impact of our coordinated efforts but also validate Michigan's position as a premier destination for businesses and talent in the global economy.”

Award-Winning Initiatives with Real Impact

MEDC’s award-winning initiatives have produced measurable results that strengthen Michigan’s economy:

• The Michigan Life – Bronze Winner (Special Purpose Websites): This website, part of the national You Can in Michigan campaign, showcases Michigan’s quality of life and career opportunities. Ranked No. 9 in CNBC’s Top States for Business, Michigan continues to demonstrate its appeal as a premier destination for businesses and talent.

• MEDC Talent Campaign – Silver Winner (Paid Advertising Campaign) and Bronze Winner (Digital Media): The $20 million You Can in Michigan campaign targets national audiences to grow Michigan’s population and talent pool. It includes television commercials, radio spots, print placements and social channels, along with The Michigan Life website where job seekers can explore the state, calculate their cost of living and define their career goals using the Michigan Career Portal. These promotional efforts raised awareness of Michigan as a top destination for skilled talent, particularly in sectors like EV battery manufacturing and clean energy, which are critical to the state’s economic growth.
  
  
• Michigan Talent Action Team – Silver Winner (Public-Private Partnership and Talent Development & Retention): This program has resulted in more than 1,300 new hires across key industries critical to Michigan’s economy since its launch in 2022. The Talent Action Team was also ranked No. 4 on Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies list in the Business Services category, a testament to its innovative leadership in addressing workforce gaps. This includes the Semiconductor Talent and Automotive Research (STAR) initiative, a strategic collaboration involving KLA, imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College and General Motors.
  
  
• MEDC SXSW Campaign – Silver Winner (Paid Advertising Campaign): At SXSW 2024, Michigan established itself as a hub for mobility and tech innovation through events like Michigan Day at Midwest House. These efforts further put Michigan on the map for global investment, reinforcing its reputation as a destination for high-growth industries like EVs and clean energy. 

Shaping Michigan’s Economic Future

MEDC’s work across paid and digital media, public-private partnerships and talent initiatives showcases its vision for a more resilient economy. These awards validate Michigan’s leadership in mobility, clean energy and semiconductor innovation–all critical to the state’s future success.

By driving investments in people, places and projects, Michigan is building an ecosystem designed for sustained economic resilience. As a hub for high-tech innovation and business investment, the state is leading the charge in creating long-term opportunities for talent and industries to thrive.

Learn why people and businesses are choosing to Make It in Michigan.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Photo courtesy MEDC