In recent years, the trend in economic development has been to move toward a more regional approach. Historically, economic development organizations operated as independent silos. Every community was out there looking after themselves and they looked at every other community as a competitor. At Lenawee Now, we’ve experienced more success by viewing economic development as regional and working together for the common good of our County.
Regional partnerships have become an important tool in our toolbox. Our partner organizations have been able to bring business opportunities to us that we might not have had access to otherwise. Some of our key regional partners include:
- Detroit Regional Partnership (11-County Consortium in Southeast Michigan)
- Prosperity Region 9 (6-County Region surrounding Lenawee)
- Greater Ann Arbor Region (6-County Region surrounding Ann Arbor)
- Regional Growth Partnership (14 Northern Ohio and 3 Southeast Michigan County Group)
Regional Partnerships Cross Boundaries
Companies seeking to locate in a region do not think in terms of boundaries. They are not concerned with the difference between a state line, a county line, a township line, a city line, or a village line. To them, these artificial distinctions are meaningless. Their sole focus is on doing what is best for their business. Through our regional partnerships, Lenawee Now can circumvent a lot of the problems that come with boundaries.
Our relationship with the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) has helped us to successfully navigate cross-border issues with Ohio. For example, Kamco Industries was looking for a facility close to the border of Michigan and Ohio several years ago. RGP reached out to see if we had any available facilities, and fortunately, we were able to help bring that new business and jobs to Morenci.
Regional Partnerships Provide Access to More Opportunities
Through our regional partnerships, Lenawee Now gains a broad perspective on all of the economic development activity that is happening around us. Our attendance at the partner meetings helps us learn about their best practices, what they are offering, and what they have available. At the same time, they are learning about Lenawee County and the opportunities available in our communities. When an opportunity comes along, we work together to find the right fit for that company, based on the strengths and benefits of each community.
For example, Lenawee Now was talking with a high-tech company from California. It was apparent to us that our partners at Ann Arbor SPARK were a natural fit because of the technology focus they have in that area. We made the introduction and we were able to successfully spawn a new business in our region by working with our local partner. New business in the greater region attracts employees from our County and brings that money back into our communities.
Regional Partnerships Extend Our Reach
Our relationships with the Detroit Regional Partnership and the Detroit Regional Chamber represent our interests with companies in foreign countries. There are companies in Lenawee County that have headquarters in Germany, China, Canada, and Japan. When our regional partners travel abroad and visit with leaders of foreign companies, they represent Lenawee Now as part of their regional approach.
Our partners are constantly looking for new opportunities and making connections for us. Just recently we had a foreign company look at a site in Tecumseh. That referral came from our partners in the Greater Ann Arbor Region.
At the end of the day, we all gain more from being collaborative than from being competitive. It is not about us versus them. It is about how we can all work together for a better Michigan, a better region, and a better Lenawee.