U.S. Commerce Secretary Announces Saginaw Future
and Partners Award
July 2, 2009
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently
announced that Saginaw Future Inc., the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce of Saginaw,
Mich., received the 2009 Excellence in Economic Development Award for
Excellence in Environmental or Energy Economic Development for their
commitment to research-based, market driven economic development in
helping grow the local economy.
"Saginaw Future Inc., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and
the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce represent the best and brightest in
21st century economic development," Locke said. "Excellence Award winners
exemplify the importance of supporting regional strategies to ensure
American communities succeed in the global marketplace and create
higher-skill, higher-wage jobs."
The Saginaw Future led team worked together to assist Dow Corning
Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (HSC) in a global site
search in late 2007 for its next poly-silicon expansion project. The
challenges were energy costs, infrastructure needs and investment
diversification - needed incentives to level the playing field. The economic
team effort resulted in a HSC investment of up to $1 billion and 300 new
permanent jobs and 800 construction jobs to expand poly-silicon production.
Saginaw County, the Great Lakes Bay Region
and the State of Michigan brought a diverse group of influential leaders and
organizations together to support bringing this project to Saginaw County.
Saginaw Future Inc., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the
Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce were the driving force and the organizers
behind this regional and state effort.
"I want to extend my utmost congratulations
to Saginaw Future, the MEDC, and the Saginaw Country Chamber of Commerce on
their extraordinary accomplishment," Senator Debbie Stabenow said. "This
award is a further testament to the cutting-edge development of renewable
energy technology that is happening right here in Michigan. By helping to
grow the industries of the 21st century and beyond, these companies are at
the forefront of the economic innovation we need to create good jobs and
move Michigan forward."
Nominations are made annually in different categories and are evaluated
by a Selection Panel appointed by the Assistant Commerce Secretary for
Economic Development.
This year's categories were:
- Excellence in Urban or Suburban Economic Development
- Excellence in Rural Economic Development
- Excellence in Environmental or Energy Economic Development
- Excellence in University-led Economic Development
- Excellence in Economic Diversification Strategies
- Excellence in Community and Faith-based Social Entrepreneurship
- Excellence in Historic Preservation-led Strategies.
EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the
economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United
States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by
promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for
growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed
communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be
accessed at
www.eda.gov
