Michigan suppliers are invited to join MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) team and the Macomb Regional PTAC for the Macomb Meet the Buyer event on August 19. Kick-off the day with a 9 a.m. webinar: Join the Office of U.S. Senator Peters and the Macomb Regional PTAC for a conversation on the role of small business and infrastructure, followed by 1:1 matchmaking for selected suppliers until noon. The supplier application has closed, but anyone may register for the webinar portion of the event.

Robert Castino, president of the company by the same family name, Castino, a Romulus-based plastic and polyurethane molder, often filled in when needed. In the middle of the overnight shift, Castino realized how much easier a robotic system could make this job for his employees. Known for being a quality custom parts manufacturer that provides excellent customer service and quality jobs with good working conditions, fair wages, and excellent benefits, economic pressures made that increasingly difficult for the company to maintain. Castino knew adding automation to the equation could help with those challenges. Read how investing in Industry 4.0 technologies allowed this family-owned business to not only recover what it spent, but make a profit, all within a year.

Ever wondered how the Michigan Economic Development Corporation can assist with your small business? Join small business owners and entrepreneurs for Escalate, a virtual event held on August 24. Learn about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund available to small businesses. LeTasha Peebles and Maggie McCammon from MEDC will guide you on a tour of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and how as an entrepreneur you can take advantage of these resources. Hear firsthand from entrepreneur Lonna Hardin of Live Your Song (Children’s Books Online | Melodys Song) how the MEDC’s resources strengthened her business.

Read the latest from Forbes on ‘Why the Workforce of the Future is in Michigan.’

The newest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Natalie Chmiko, vice president, Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) and International Trade at the MEDC. The PMBC and International Trade programs help Michigan companies grow and diversify their businesses, both domestically and internationally. Join Chmiko and host Ed Clemente as she highlights manufacturing trends, especially related to Industry 4.0 and the Michigan partners available to support your business. Also hear about her unique background that led her on this international path, and some advice for people and their own career paths. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

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.

Access COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.