Lenawee Now had a major role in obtaining state funding for the Align Center for Workforce Development along with providing an incubation program while assisting in the process of renovating their new location.
About Lenawee Now
Lenawee Now Is A Public-Private Partnership Dedicated to Economic and Business Expansion Throughout Lenawee
By attracting new businesses, helping to grow established businesses and supporting entrepreneurial endeavors in Lenawee, Lenawee Now is creating an economically viable and vibrant region. In addition to business attraction, retention and start-up activities, Lenawee Now provides critical services to support business growth including access to funding sources and talent enhancement. Lenawee Now is formerly known as the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation. Want to get involved? Become a strategic partner or invest in Lenawee Now.
Pacesetters
President’s Club
Chairman’s Club
ContributeOur team
People Who Care About Lenawee County
PatriCk D. Farver
Executive Director
Patrick Farver has 40 years of economic development involvement in Lenawee County and 45 years in sales, marketing, engineering, and management with a Lenawee-based international manufacturing company doing business worldwide. In addition to his business experience, Patrick has been involved in various initiatives for community development, serving on various boards in Lenawee County including Boys & Girls Club, United Way and ProMedica Hospital. Patrick is a lifelong resident of Lenawee County, where he lives with his wife of 44 years. He is the father of two children and a grandfather of two.
Timothy S. Robinson
Director of Operations
Timothy Robinson has been an economic developer since 1997 and earned LEDC certification in 2004. During his career, he has worked with clients such as Toyota, Wacker, General Dynamics, Blissfield Manufacturing and Hyundai, which have resulted in over 5000 new jobs and $1.5 billion of new investment. Tim’s extensive experience allows Lenawee Now to leverage a multitude of federal and state programs to the benefit of Lenawee area businesses. In 2006, Tim was named Partner of the Year by the MEDC for “outstanding economic development achievement and collaboration” and in 2009, he was named Outstanding Volunteer for the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development’s Microloan program.
Gary Clemetson
Director of Entrepreneurship
Supported by 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund
Gary joined the Lenawee Now team in July of 2016. Gary graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom. He then went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. After obtaining his Master’s degree, he went on to serve as the Senior Manager of Product Management at Kaiser Permanente and worked for the British Government as a Business Development Advisor, where he advised companies from the United States on how to increase their presence in the United Kingdom. Gary brings a lot of great experience to Lenawee County and to Lenawee Now.
Gary joined the Lenawee Now team in July of 2016. Gary graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom. He then went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. After obtaining his Master’s degree, he went on to serve as the Senior Manager of Product Management at Kaiser Permanente and worked for the British Government as a Business Development Advisor, where he advised companies from the United States on how to increase their presence in the United Kingdom. Gary brings a lot of great experience to Lenawee County and to Lenawee Now.
RANDY YAGIeLA
Development Director
Randy brings a level of strategic structure to the economic development process. He earned his Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Interdisciplinary Technology. As a consultant and Certified Workforce Development Professional, Randy helps to facilitate planning sessions. Since 2011, he has owned and operated. Transformation Connection, which focuses on managing projects, grant writing and creating constructive changes within companies and organizations.
Michele Pisano Spence
Business Support Coordinator
Michele joined Lenawee Now in October of 2023. Michele has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and brings experience in non-profit development, grant writing and grant administration. In her role as Business Support Coordinator, Michele manages the data for our talent pipeline management grant and provides essential support to the whole team. Her diverse background and commitment to the community brings a fresh perspective to Lenawee Now, enhancing the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and development in the region.
Tisha Welter
Office Manager
Tisha joined Lenawee Now in May of 2025. Tisha oversees the day-to-day operations and administrative systems, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Known for her sharp attention to detail and strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, she champions transparency and accountability across all financial and operational processes. Deeply passionate about making a meaningful impact, Tisha plays a pivotal role in supporting both the internal team and the broader community. Her solutions-focused mindset and dedication to operational excellence directly support the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and foster sustainable community development.
