May 9-13, 2022: Economic Development Week

WHEREAS, every year the International Development Council recognizes Economic Development Week, when communities across North America celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities; and,

WHERAS, created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council, the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, as the state’s economic development agency, works in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners throughout the state to market Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state; and,

WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2022, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has already announced 13,775 jobs and $12.7 billion in new investment within all 10 Prosperity Regions throughout the state, which are helping to drive upward economic mobility and opportunities for all Michiganders; and,

WHEREAS, economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base; and,

WHEREAS, economic developers stimulate and incubate entrepreneurism in order to help establish the next generation of new businesses, which is the hallmark of the American economy; and,

WHEREAS, economic developers are engaged in a wide variety of settings including rural and urban, local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions; and,

WHEREAS, economic developers attract and retain high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 9-13, 2022, as Economic Development Week in Michigan.