By James Van Doren
Executive Director of Lenawee Now
To say 2020 has been one of the most unpredictable and unusual years in recent history would be an understatement. The coronavirus pandemic has left many of our businesses with challenges they’ve never experienced. While we know the local challenges are numerous, there is a national conversation happening surrounding our nation’s manufacturers and their offshore operations. Many of our nation’s leaders and economic experts have spoken about the opportunities for these manufacturers to reshore some of their business, moving sections of their operations and facilities back to the United States.
With this potential opportunity, we’ve affirmed the value that our relationship with the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) can have on our local economic future. This newer organization was founded in 2019, as the result of a targeted push to reimagine the 11-county area encompassing Southeast Michigan. The DRP is poised to attract reshoring opportunities through a vigorous marketing, advertising, and business development process. Locally we have many benefits to offer these companies that are looking for facilities, commercial property, and a talented workforce, as well as a great quality of life for their employees.
We’ve enjoyed working closely with Barry Matherly, the inaugural CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership, for the past year. While we were sad to hear he is moving on and thank him for his efforts in launching the organization, we congratulate his successor Maureen Krauss and welcome her to a great organization. We’ve been impressed with Maureen’s work with other regional organizations such as Oakland County, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and the Indy Chamber as well as her long-standing relationship with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Through collaboration with the Detroit Regional Partnership, we can position Lenawee County as an ideal candidate for attracting new employers to our communities. We look forward to working with Maureen and her team in the months ahead to position Lenawee County as a great place for companies to establish new operations.