MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect team, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and the MSU Product Center are partnering with Meijer to connect their market format stores (Bridge Street, Capital City, Rivertown and Woodward Corner) to Michigan food and beverage suppliers through a local vendor event. This event will be held in Grand Rapids the week of Mar. 6 and will be invite-only to include Michigan businesses that Meijer has selected for participation. Selected businesses will be notified with specific date and location details. A vendor application for participation is required. Interested businesses should submit an application by Feb. 3.

MEDC announced this week a community revitalization project that will bring new housing, commercial space and increased vibrancy in downtown DeWitt. The development is the first community revitalization project in DeWitt to receive support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. AJW Holdings, LLC plans to redevelop a property in the heart of downtown DeWitt that will include eight new market-rate residential units and commercial space that will primarily be owner-occupied by longstanding, community-based insurance company Reed Insurance Agency.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC, was recently named a 2022 Crain’s Detroit Newsmaker of the Year. Every year, the Crain’s Detroit newsroom selects 10 top newsmakers who most profoundly influenced business and life in Southeast Michigan throughout the year. News of this year’s awards came shortly after the MEDC Executive Committee approved a new four-year contract for Messer to continue his leadership role at the MEDC.

Don’t miss the latest The Michigan Opportunity podcast featuring Casey Cowell, Principal and Owner of Boomerang Catapult LLC. Cowell joins host Ed Clemente as he discusses the rapidly changing business climate for the Traverse City Region. Boomerang Catapult invests in and otherwise contributes to the creation of an ever more intellectually and culturally vibrant community of engaged citizens creating high economic value, the engine of sustainable community prosperity and growth.

• Feb. 2: MI Connected Future Listening Tour: Ann Arbor
• Feb. 3: TechTown Detroit: Retail Boot Camp – Application Deadline for Spring Cohort
• Feb. 7-9: Medical Design & Manufacturing West Expo
• Feb. 8: Kent County Business Expo 2023
• Feb. 27: Michigan Manufacturers Cyber Initiative
• April 20: Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show
• Michigan SBDC Events Listing

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its new potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership to find customized business assistance.

Looking for a career in economic development? Want to be part of a team that’s driving Michigan forward? View career opportunities at the MEDC.