Mt. Clemens, MI - Business leaders from across the region attended the 9th annual Macomb Business Awards September 16, 2021 at Jimmy John’s Field in downtown Utica. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, to recognize award winners.
“After an incredibly challenging year and a half, I am proud to recognize the local businesses and organizations that contribute so much to our community,” said Rowinski. “The Macomb Business Awards give us a chance to shine a light on the great work being done across multiple industries. From nonprofits on the ground helping those in need, to manufacturers pivoting and diversifying services to ensure economic growth, I am so impressed with all of our nominees today.”
Winners for the 2021 awards include:
- Champion of Workplace Culture: PMS Diversified Construction Services
PMS Diversified Construction is a hardscape company in Sterling Heights that specializes in the design, build, restoration and maintenance of hardscape projects. Established in 2012 with over 30 plus years of experience in the hardscape industry, the company currently has one location with two buildings and 38 dedicated, hardworking employees.
- Diversity and Inclusion Leader: Macomb County Habitat for Humanity
Macomb County Habitat for Humanity has been entrenched in the community for 27 years. Whether it is building or rehabbing homes; providing financial education; selling 156 energy-efficient homes to working families; improving the exterior of homes owned by veterans; or operating two retail stores (one in Shelby Township and one in Warren), - it provides integrity, community and hope. Twenty-four employees work for this business, which is also supported by thousands of volunteers and donors.
- Hidden Gem: Ethel’s Baking Company
Ethel's Baking Company has been in business since 2011. The family-owned company creates gluten free and old fashioned baked goods from its Shelby Township facility, where they have invested a substantial amount to expand their footprint in Macomb County. Currently the company has nearly 30 employees and it is looking to grow beyond that number in 2022.
- Hometown Hero: PTI Engineered Plastics, RCO Engineering and Wish Upon a 3D Star
All three finalists in this category were chosen as recipients of this award for their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each organization pivoted to make masks, parts for ventilators, face shields and other personal protective equipment to help various individuals and organizations across the region.
- Manufacturer of the Year: Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool LLC
Founded in 2007, Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool is a woman-owned business that offers services for build to print precision machining and plastic injection tooling. Located in Richmond, its team of 11 serves the medical, defense, aerospace/space and automotive industries in the greater United States. Even with a turbulent 2020, sales for the company grew 22 percent over the previous year - which consisted of 33 percent medical, 23 percent defense, 23 percent automotive, 15 percent space/aerospace and 6 percent other.
- Trailblazer of Future Talent: TK Mold & Engineering, Inc.
TK Mold & Engineering, Inc. is a plastic injection company located in Romeo that designs, builds and assembles molds for the automotive, aerospace, medical and consumer goods industries. Owner Tom Barr and his wife Krista work hard to promote the skilled trades. They currently employ 25 people and have seven active apprentices. Their hands-on approach and involvement in the local schools over the last five years has been a primary focus for building a new generation of individuals ready to join this workforce.
- Economic Development Partner of the Year: Ford Next Generation Learning
Ford NGL is nationally recognized for its work transforming public high schools into career-themed academies designed to better prepare students for college and professional success. Both Romeo and Center Line schools have NGL designations.
- Beacon of Economic Development: Camille Silda
Silda worked for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development for more than 36 years, serving the needs of a variety of businesses and industries, including medical and automotive manufacturing. She worked with more than 100 companies during her tenure, assisting them with expansions or locating their manufacturing sites. By the time she retired in 2021, Silda had helped these companies invest over $1 billion in new facilities, machinery and equipment in Macomb County. These investments also created more than 5,000 new jobs.
WDIV Local 4’s Nick Monacelli served as emcee of the Macomb Business Awards while Josh Linkner, the event’s keynote speaker, discussed small innovations driving oversized results.
One of the region’s largest gatherings, the 9th annual Macomb Business Awards was presented by Consumers Energy. Additional sponsors include Clark Construction Company, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Macomb County Chamber, First State Bank, Michigan Works!, Trion Solutions, Dominion Technologies Group, Macomb Community College, RCO Engineering, Mad Habit Creative, DTE and Tucker Induction Systems.
For more information, visit www.macomb business.com.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home.