Snyder names Hackel as point man on luring defense contractors to Mich.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel has been named as the point man by Gov. Rick Snyder's administration on solidifying a Michigan label as the "Defense Capital of the Midwest." Here is the press release issued by Hackel's office earlier today. The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development has been awarded a grant by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to launch a statewide strategy for support of existing defense companies and to also attract new defense business to the state. Planned activities include a new website, promotional video, participation in targeted national defense events and development of a robotics cluster. The County will also organize three statewide events to encourage employers to hire veterans. The defense industry is important to Michigan’s economy. In the last decade, more than 1,600 companies throughout the state have fulfilled U.S. Department of Defense contracts valued at more than $4.6 billion. These contractors are found in 71 of our state’s 83 counties and employ some 45,000 people. “Macomb County companies receive nearly two-thirds of all of Michigan’s defense work,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “It makes sense for us to use our assets to attract new investment to the state.” The $231,000 grant is part of the MEDC Collaborative Development Council’s Regional Projects program. The department will work closely with the Michigan Defense Center to develop a strategy for attracting key global defense and homeland security companies to the state. Specific activities will include  developing a 60-second video aligned with the Pure Michigan campaign that showcases the state’s defense and homeland security industry as a tool for attracting new investment and jobs. building a new website to highlight the strength of Michigan’s defense industry. targeting and coordinating business attraction efforts through participation in selected trade shows. facilitating activities centered on creating a robotics cluster. coordinating three statewide events that will educate and motivate employers about the benefits associated with hiring veterans. “The first priority of the MEDC Michigan Defense Center is to retain and grow jobs in the defense industry," said MEDC Director Sean Carlson. “Macomb County is an important regional partner and we look forward to furthering our relationship through this project."