Mt. Clemens, MI - Business leaders from across the region attended the 11th annual Macomb Business Awards, presented by Consumers Energy, May 4, 2023 at the historic Emerald Theatre in downtown Mount Clemens.
Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, to recognize award winners.
“Business matters in Macomb,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “We always make it a priority in Macomb County to support our businesses and the Macomb Business Awards is a prime opportunity for us to showcase their incredible capabilities and the impact they have on us every single day.”
Winners of the 2023 awards include:
- Hidden Gem: Horstman Inc., Sterling Heights
Based in Sterling Heights, Horstman Inc. supplies suspension systems for nearly all new military vehicles. This work, which is a crucial part of military readiness and capability, has helped the company grow tenfold since it was founded in 2010. Today Horstman is future-focused. They’ve invested in solutions like artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies to create state-of-the-art products for the military. And ultimately, this ensures the safety and well-being of soldiers on and off the battlefield. - Hometown Hero: Families Against Narcotics (FAN), Clinton Township
Families Against Narcotics was founded in 2007. It has since grown from a small group of concerned individuals to an established organization, with 50 employees and 20 chapters across Michigan. FAN offers free, community- and evidence-based services to anyone who has been impacted by addiction. They also have numerous programs aimed at bridging gaps and breaking down barriers, including Hope Not Handcuffs, which has connected more than 9,500 people to recovery resources. These efforts are erasing the stigma that surrounds addiction, and they are saving lives. - Manufacturer of the Year: TARUS, Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights-based TARUS creates products for companies who develop complex shapes and forms for manufactured goods. Founded in 1969, the organization is known as the inventor of the Claymill, a tool which revolutionized transportation design. This commitment to new technologies and innovations has helped the company expand and diversify its customer base outside of automotive. TARUS now serves the aerospace, oil and gas, and energy production industries. They sell their machines throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and include among their clients, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian and Harley Davidson. - Small But Mighty Award: Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, St. Clair Shores
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan is a local 501(c)3 organization that provides wigs and support services to children at no charge. Since its creation in 2003, the nonprofit has helped 5,200 Michigan children while also providing classes, social activities, field trips and counseling at its Wellness Center. All of this is made possible through a small but mighty team of six full-time employees who work to advance the group’s mission, which is boosting the self-esteem of young people as they journey through health challenges. - Trailblazer of Future Talent: KUKA Systems North America, Sterling Heights
KUKA Systems North America is a leading international supplier of design and assembly tooling automation for industrial and automotive applications. Based in Germany and established in Sterling Heights in 1981, KUKA employs more than 1,500 local workers. The company has long been committed to fueling the talent pipeline, working to build connections with high schools and colleges through Manufacturing Day, AUTOSteam Days, student visits, co-op experiences and summer internship opportunities. KUKA has also created two successful in-house training programs - including Kickstart Academy and the PLC Programming Academy. Notably, nearly 200 individuals have completed the programs. - Workforce Champion: Godlan, Inc., Clinton Township
Clinton Township-based Godlan, Inc. is a professional manufacturing services company that implements integrated technology solutions. Founded in 1984, the company is dedicated to creating a positive employee experience. Along with competitive salaries, it provides an all-encompassing benefits package, work-from-home options, flexible scheduling, professional development and an employee recognition program. Godlan also sponsors a charitable giving program, which in the last three years has seen more than $70,000 donated to projects around the world. Together, these efforts create an environment for retention – with an average employee tenure at Godlan being ten years or more. - Economic Development Partner of the Year: Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is an organization dedicated to supporting Michigan manufacturers. In 2008, during the recession, this organization stepped up to help businesses diversify their customer portfolios into emerging markets. More recently, they have joined the County’s Macomb Next Industry 4.0 effort by providing assessments and recommendations for technology advancements to more than 70 local businesses.
WXYZ Channel 7’s Alicia Smith served as emcee of the Macomb Business Awards while Kerry Ebersole Singh, chief talent solutions and engagement officer, provided a keynote address.The 11th annual event was presented by Consumers Energy. Additional sponsors include Clark Construction Company, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, Velocity, First State Bank, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Macomb County Chamber, Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, Macomb Community College, Macomb Intermediate School District, RCO Engineering, ITC Holdings, and Jefferson Street Pub. For more information, visit www.macombbusiness.com.
Photos from the event are available here.
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.