The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP) was formed in 2001 to serve the economic well being of Shiawassee County.
The SEDP is a department within the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Mission Statement
To improve Shiawassee County's economy by creating the environment,
infrastructure and partnerships through which annual net new jobs, average
wage, and new investment targets are met or exceeded.
History
The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP) was created by
the Board of Directors of the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce as the
fifth of five departments of the Chamber in 2001. The intention of the Board
of Directors was to create a fully-funded, full time economic development
effort for Shiawassee County and to collaborate with interested public and
private organizations to reverse a 30 year decline.
Throughout 2002 the Chamber was successful in acquiring planning grants from
the State of Michigan to assist in a four-phase roll out plan of the new
SEDP which included an economic assessment, target industry studies, goal
setting studies and the first business plan. In November 2002, the Chamber
Board approved the Chamber four year business plan which included the new
economic development department. The plan described the launch, funding and
operation of the SEDP. Also in November 2002 an outside fund development
firm was hired to begin the process to raise $1.25 million from the public
and private sectors to fund the plan at the rate of $250,000 per year for
five years. In October of 2003, the SEDP announced it had met that goal and
hired its first Director.
What's being said about the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership:
RWI Manufacturing
“I can think of no organization that has been as helpful as our chamber, especially one of its departments, the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership. The staff has been extremely helpful in getting the information that we need to function and thrive in our hands. We have been encouraged by their willingness to help, empowered by the information they distribute and amazed by the effect of networking opportunities they provide.”
- Bret Ruess, President, in the 01/11/05 Argus Press
Dux Boats
“We are excited to bring our business to Shiawassee County. I want to thank the SEDP for their help in our relocation efforts. They are a valuable resource for the local business community.”
- Tom Chaffee, Owner, in the 08/12/04 Independent
Allied Motion Technologies, Motor Products Division
“The Chamber’s SEDP has been instrumental in assisting Motor Products in its recent plant consolidation activities. Through their guidance, Motor Products will (save) almost $70,000 in personal property taxes. They are true partners to the industrial community.”
Bill Stout, President/CEO
SCA Packaging
“I am thankful for the Partnership’s efforts in facilitating the transition to our new location in Owosso, including help with professional and workforce development. The Partnership welcomed us and helped us in any way they could. I look forward to utilizing their services for years to come.”
- Joe Bender, Plant Manager
Vaungarde
“The SEDP has been instrumental in providing information and connectivity for our everyday business needs, including workforce and financial incentive assistance. I appreciate all the valuable services they have provided.”
- Don Moorer, Owner
