Michigan wins Silver Shovel Award for economic development

High-impact projects and job creation garner national attention

Michigan has received a Silver Shovel Award for excellence in economic development and job creation projects by Area Development magazine, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

Each year, the Shovel Awards recognize state development agencies that drive job creation through innovative policies, new employers, infrastructure improvements and investments in new and expanded facilities. The awards are given to the states with the highest weighted scores based on number of high-valued added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities, and industry diversity. 

“This award celebrates Michigan’s dedication to improving our business climate and creating good jobs,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “Our continuous improvement distinguishes Michigan as a great place to live, work and play.”

In its description of the winning states, Area Development said, “Michigan’s unemployment rate — once the worst in the nation — was one of the best in 2015 and is expected to continue to drop in 2016 and 2017. Job growth is largely related to booming auto manufacturing. The state unemployment rate for 2016 is expected to be below 5 percent.”

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation received recognition for the following company projects: Clemens Food Group, Coldwater; ZF North America, Inc., Northville; Brose North America, New Boston; Magna International of America, Mimco Inc., Plymouth Township; Forest River Manufacturing LLC, White Pigeon; Sakthi Auto Group USA, Detroit; MOVE Systems, Grand Rapids; Notions Marketing Corporation, Grand Rapids, Magna Cosma International, New Hudson; and ARAUCO North America, Grayling.

North Carolina and Georgia also won Silver Shovel awards in the 8 to 12 million population tier. 

This marks Michigan’s ninth Shovel since the award’s 2006 establishment. Previous Silver Shovels were earned in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015; and a Gold Shovel was earned in 2011.

A full report on the 2016 Shovel award winners will be published in Area Development and is available online at www.areadevelopment.com. 

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.