< Previous88 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE I N V E S T ME NT - R E A D Y S ITE S Gov. Whitmer authorizes grants to improve development-ready sites statewide. ichigan is getting even more competitive for industry and jobs thanks to the launch of two initiatives designed to expedite economic development: the MI Sites Program and the Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP). Launched with a pilot round rollout in , MI Sites is designed to build a statewide portfolio of development-ready sites for marketing to companies and site selectors worldwide. To help accomplish this goal, the state established set criteria for site readiness. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the program is designed to position Michigan to better compete for current and future projects by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each industrial property and providing individualized plans for enhancing readiness. Training and guidance are provided to applicants at each step in the process to enable them to succeed and win state grant money. To help vet each site put forth by an applicant, the MEDC has retained the services of a professional site selection consulting rm to conduct site visits, collect information, and determine the site readiness of each property. Each site is evaluated and placed in one of three categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. If awarded status on one of these tiers, the applicant can apply for state funding. Each site must be at least acres in size and be available for sale. e current zoning must be known, and the site must be designated for future industrial use by the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Nine sites were vetted and moved forward during the pilot round process of . e SSRP, established in , was approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for $ . million in funding in . Some projects across Michigan received SSRP grants that year. ey ranged from the Hancock Business M by RON S TARNER Groundbreaking Programs Attract CompaniesM I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 89 & Technology Park in the far northern section of the Upper Peninsula to the DET Crosswind Runway in Detroit. “These grants will fund 18 projects across Michigan, preparing us to win more manufacturing projects creating thousands of good-paying jobs,” Gov. Whitmer said in announcing the 18 awards. “Together, with a strong, bipartisan economic development toolkit, we are competing with other states and nations to bring home supply chains of cars, chips, and clean energy. We will get it done while making communities across Michigan — from big cities to small towns — better places to live, work, and invest. Let’s move some dirt!” Established in 2021, the SSRP incentivizes eligible applicants to make improvements to strategic or large-scale sites in Michigan. The purpose is to attract more investment to the state. Gov. Whitmer was given up to $100 million to award to selected, qualified applicants. Paul O’Connell, vice president of real estate development for the MEDC, says the state recognized that it had fallen behind other states in site readiness, and that led to the creation of the two new programs. Photo: Getty Images “We are looking for sites that fit all sorts of industries. Michigan is focused on having a diverse economy, and this is helping us achieve that goal. ” — Paul O’Connell, vice president of real estate development, MEDC90 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE “We did not have the knowledge of how to develop sites,” O’Connell says. “The tiered program that we set up provides that roadmap. To help applicants get to Bronze, Silver, or Gold status, the state provides grant dollars to move the process forward. Since March of 2023, we have spent just under $400 million on site readiness.” O’Connell says that thanks to these twin initiatives, “We are now making great progress across the state on sites of various sizes — from 25 to 1,300 acres. It makes sense for the local community. We are looking for sites that fit all sorts of industries. Michigan is focused on having a diverse economy, and this is helping us achieve that goal.” When asked how MI Sites and the SSRP have been received by end-users, he says the feedback has been good so far. Site selectors understand that the state had been behind. This drives interest and changes the perspective. O’Connell adds that MI Sites delivers two main takeaways: “It is a two-step process: one application that is high level, and then we down select to a small group of the best and most marketable sites.” “Every site ends up with a few deliverables: site maps with overlays, site property report, utility questionnaire, what upgrades are needed to hit certain levels, etc.” He went on to describe the three tiers as follows: “Bronze tier is our lowest impact tier for the applicant. It involves a review of publicly available land. “Silver tier — we assess and quantify the biggest obstacles, estimate the cost of utility needs, and complete studies on the site. “Gold tier is truly the gold standard. All due diligence is done. We have complete engineering plans and control of the site. We can execute the land Over the past two years, Michigan has spent $400 million on site readiness. Source: MEDCM I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 91 to an end-user with no concerns whatsoever.” O’Connell adds that, unlike other states, Michigan does not require matching dollars at the local level. The entire site evaluation process, he says, takes about six months. “We want to make sure you can get started in this process quickly. The program is specifically designed around fields. Both brownfield sites and greenfield sites are acceptable. We are not reviewing buildings at this time.” Another plus is that these new programs are making it possible for Michigan to compete for projects that require large tracts, known as mega-sites. “Our largest site is 1,300 acres,” O’Connell says. “That is the Advanced Manufacturing District in Mundy Township in Genesee County. It is a mega-site. No one has committed to taking that site yet, so it is still available, and we are actively marketing it.” He adds, “We will see smaller average sites in Northern Michigan. About 100 to 500 acres is the range that is needed in Michigan now. Our goal is to maximize economic development and jobs across the state.” Next up for Michigan is the kickoff of the next round of site awards and funding. “We hope to have 12 to 14 sites in that round,” O’Connell says. “Those designations will come out in the fall of 2025.” To promote the investment- ready sites, the state launched a new website at the beginning of March. It is focused on meeting the needs of companies and site selectors. “We continue to search for new sites proactively and reactively,” O’Connell adds. “We have engaged a consulting firm to help with that. On top of that, we set aside another $25 million last year to help local economic developers find sites in their region.” 92 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE A G R IB U S IN E S S & F O O D P R O C E S S IN G As the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, it’s no surprise that some of your favorite crops are grown in Michigan. e state set a new record for its agricultural-related exports in , with a $ million increase from the previous year, totaling $ . billion. Michigan’s products are increasingly moving out on a global scale, with top export markets including Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and China, which delivered a $ . billion economic impact in . Data released by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) shows that top exports were led by processed food products ($ million); sugar beet, soybean, soybean residue, brewing waste, and animal feed ($ million); dairy products ($ million); pasta, bread, and other starches ($ million); and wood ($ million). “ is record-breaking success for our agriculture, food, and forestry companies demonstrates that Michigan agriculture consistently delivers high-quality products in high demand both domestically and internationally,” says Tom Boring, MDARD director. “With so much uncertainty caused by new tari s, these record numbers serve as a testament to the economic prosperity we can foster with the right support and a level playing eld. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and producers as they expand their markets.” rough a larger scope, Michigan produces over commodities, leading the U.S. in crops such as apples, dry edible beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, blueberries, asparagus, and more. ese crops show A TASTE OF MICHIGAN by ALE XIS ELMORE Michigan’s food and agriculture system employs about 17% of the state’s workforce Photo courtesy of MEDC MICHIGANM I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 93 favor to the state’s topography, which supports diverse climates and nutrient-rich soil, unlike any other state in the Midwest. Access to a cool environment supported by the Great Lakes has positioned the state as a top 10 grape producer, which has translated into a thriving wine industry with over 175 commercial wineries producing about 4 million gallons of wine annually. Michigan’s true liquid gold lies in its dairy products and milk, as cash receipts show the state’s 438,000 dairy cows produced more than 12 billion pounds of milk in 2023, resulting in a $2.4 billion impact. In addition to dairy cows, Michigan farms house over 1.09 million cattle and calves, which account for more than 101,000 beef cattle. They are the second highest livestock product in terms of cash receipts, pulling in $832.5 million, followed by chicken eggs at $707.3 million. With more than 16.6 million laying hens, the state is capable of producing billions of eggs annually. Agriculture has cemented its position as a leading industry in the state, directly supporting 805,000 jobs and generating an annual $104.7 billion in total economic impact in Michigan. PRIMED FOR PRODUCTION Approximately 45,581 farms cover over 9.5 million acres of land in Michigan. These operations showcase the deep-rooted experience and expertise harnessed by the state’s industry, as 95% of Michigan farms are individually or family owned. To ensure seamless connectivity between farmers and food businesses within processing, aggregation, and distribution, MDARD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture entered an agreement under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RSFI) program to invest $8 million in grant funding for supply chain projects. The agreement was first announced in 2024, offering technical assistance and supply chain coordination with a goal of expanding production capacity, modernizing traditional manufacturing processes, creating better markets for producers, and promoting new or underserved farmers. In 2025, MDARD announced Michigan’s first grant program specifically designed for middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems. The Food Hubs and Farm Stops grant program takes a unique approach to delivering fresh, locally grown food to residents. This program creates a new economic opportunity for farmers in the state, while providing funding toward innovative distribution solutions. Grants can reach up to $50,000 toward eligible projects. These can include expanding processing capacity, sourcing, transportation infrastructure, distribution services, and more. A robust local supply chain has served as a powerful magnet for leading food processors. Industry giants such as Cargill, Coca-Cola, Dow, WK Kellogg Co., PepsiCo, and Tyson Foods are just a taste of Michigan’s extensive base of over 2,100 licensed food processors. This ecosystem is bolstered by assets like the Michigan Food Processors Association, which provides a platform for Michigan-based food processors, companies, and organizations to collaborate on industry challenges, access resources, and enhance the state’s industry. These operations are here to stay, and their presence continues to find new growth. “For five generations, we have been making top-quality pickles in Michigan, and we plan to remain here for generations to come,” said Craig Gielow, vice president of Gielow Pickles, in 2024. Michigan is ranked No.1 nationally in the production of cucumbers for pickling, supported by companies like Gielow Pickles. The company specializes in pickles, peppers, Michigan’s diverse climate supports over 300 commodities grown across the state Photo: Getty Images94 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE sauerkraut, and relish products, fully grown and processed in the state. As the manufacturer aims to increase market growth, expansion was a crucial step forward. A $ million investment supports the construction of an additional facility at the site in Lexington, creating new jobs. e project is supported by a $ million performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP). “ is expansion will enable us to create more jobs and increase agricultural production of additional tonnage for crops such as cucumbers, banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, cherry peppers, cabbage, carrots, and cauli ower right here in Michigan,” said Gielow in . He added that, along with growth driven by the expansion, partnerships with other Michigan-based companies — such as Michigan Sugar, Cargill’s Michigan salt division, and Mizkan’s Michigan vinegar — will further boost local job creation and strengthen the agricultural industry. TAPPED IN e fruition of the Southeast Regional Force Main project was no simple feat and required all hands on deck. Muskegon County partnered with the state as well as local municipalities and industries to deliver infrastructure improvements and extend wastewater service to the county’s southeastern region, in addition to the City of Coopersville. is project was identi ed as a key way to boost West Michigan’s food and agricultural industry. It will extend the Southeast Regional Force Main, a -inch force main wastewater line, by an additional miles. e infrastructure expansion project o cially commenced in , supported by $ million from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). For regional dairy producers Applegate Dairy, Continental Dairy, and Fairlife, along with Swanson Pickle Company and DeVries Meats, who will soon connect to the extended line, the increased wastewater capacity solves a long-standing challenge. “Fairlife has been a proud part of the West Michigan community for more than a decade, and the teamwork and commitment to bettering the community demonstrated in this project is a testament to the continued opportunity here for all of us,” said Fairlife CEO Tim Doelman in . “ is critical project will help fuel the next decade of growth for our employees who live and work here, our farm partners, and our community as a whole.” As of , there have been , ft. of force main installed, , ft. of pipe fused, and ve miles of corridor cleared, resulting in % of the total project budget completed. In total, the initiative is expected to result in an estimated $ million in private investment and will create jobs upon completion. After a year of monumental growth, Michigan’s agriculture and food processing industries are poised to dive further into innovations across technology, sustainable practices, and workforce development while continuing e orts to strengthen the supply chain. In the meantime, state leadership is committed to allocating the necessary funding and resources to implement transformative strategies, positioning Michigan’s agribusiness industry for success in the future. The state is home to over 45,500 farms whose operations cover more than 9.5 million acres Photos: Getty Images96 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE Branch County Economic Growth Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 https://www.coldwater.org/806/Economic-Development Consumers Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62-63 https://www.cmsenergy.com City of Royal Oak Economic & Business Development . . . . . 71 https://www.romi.gov/Business Detroit Regional Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC - 1 https://www.detroitregionalpartnership.com Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 https://developflintandgenesee.org Grand Rapids Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 https://www.grcc.edu Kettering University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 https://www.kettering.edu Michigan Economic Development Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . BC https://www.michiganbusiness.org Midland Business Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 https://mbami.org Oakland County Michigan Economic Development . . . . . . . . 51 https://www.advantageoakland.com Port of Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 https://portofmonroe.com Saginaw Future Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 http://www.greatlakesbaysites.com Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership . . . . . . . . . 49 https://sedpweb.org Washtenaw Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 https://www.wccnet.edu/mobility INDE X TO ADVERTISERSNext >