2014 economic development strategy - clearzoning · city of wixom economic development strategy 7 ....

City of Wixom

2014 ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

MARCH 28, 2014

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Includes June 2014 Updates

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Acknowledgements The City of Wixom appreciates the efforts of the City Council, Boards & Commissions, staff, residents, and businesses who contributed their time and talents to this creation of an economic development strategy designed to increase jobs and opportunities in the City. The City also thanks the US Economic Development Administration for its financial support of the City’s efforts.

Consultant Team: Clearzoning, Inc. The Chesapeake Group Identity

City of Wixom Economic Development Strategy 3

CITY OF WIXOM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 5

Inventory & Analysis of Assets 13

Industrial Sector Analysis 33

Demand Forecast 63

Business Recruitment & Retention Strategies 89

Workforce Development 99

Branding & Marketing Strategies 103

Development Review Procedures Assessment 113

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Appendix 1—City of Wixom Development Manual Appendix 2—Supplemental information

125

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(1) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

F or 50 years, the City of Wixom was fortunate

to have a Ford Motor Company plant located

within its borders that, at its peak, employed more than 5,000 people. This plant was in

operation from 1957 to 2007. At its opening, the

plant employed approximately 2,400 people who

were involved with the production of 1958 Lincolns and Continentals. Its facilities included a

1,300,000 square-foot assembly plant, a 200,000

square-foot three-story office building, a test

track and power plant. The plant was innovative for its time, and was immediately selected as one

of the top ten plants in the US of 1958 by Factory

Management and Maintenance magazine for being

a “new plant for a radically new product – a plant

that is an almost complete departure from the

usual automotive facility.” Over the years, new

technologies were developed and launched at the

Wixom stands apart. Unique within southeast Michigan, the City of Wixom offers a perfect

mix of housing, business opportunities, and community goods and services that can provide

everything that businesses and families need for new beginnings that can last a lifetime. The

City of Wixom is a solid community, recognized for supporting entrepreneurship, that offers

quality economic development opportunities in desirable locations. The City is taking positive

steps to be clear on its vision, build upon partnerships with businesses and developers, and to

collaborate with others to direct growth and change in positive directions. This report is a

call to action; it provides an economic strategy built upon the City’s assets and offers a

framework for improvement.

The former Wixom Plant employed 5,000 people at its peak and produced award-winning vehicles.

6 City of Wixom Economic Development Strategy

Wixom Plant, including new systems for painting vehicles, treating

waste water, and creating an assembly line that accommodated three

different vehicle platforms – unibody/rear-wheel drive, unibody/front-wheel drive and body-on-frame – on the same line. The plant was

recognized again in 1990 as one of the best plants in the country.

Ford invested into plant improvements several times over the years,

adding space and new technologies. Cars produced at the plant won awards from Motor Week, Motor Trend, JD Powers and more. It

all came to an end, however, in 2007 when the company was forced

to close plants in response to the Great Recession; the Wixom

Assembly Plant was closed and by the summer of 2013, the entire facility was demolished and the site is vacant.

Not only is the property an asset to the City, but so is its legacy of manufacturing and

innovation. Manufacturing still is a viable industry in the United States, and the City of Wixom has

facilities, businesses, and the workforce to continue to lead the world. However, the recent economic downturn provided valuable lessons for manufacturing: be innovative, invest in new

technologies, strive for new markets. In addition, the workforce has learned lessons, too:

education and training are essential for job and career growth. Cities, too, are seeing

economic development programs shift away from simply providing infrastructure and tax incentives to lure businesses. Today’s economic development is much broader and considers the impacts of

business needs on the entire community. It means offering quality of life amenities for residents

(attracting the workforce), facilitating business collaborations and connections, as well as ensuring a

predictable, fair, and efficient development review process for all businesses and property owners.

The City of Wixom, with assistance from the U.S. Economic Development Administration,

developed this economic strategy to build upon the City’s foundation of manufacturing and business

growth in a way that reflects the City’s strengths. This strategy is presented as follows:

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS OF ASSETS

The City of Wixom is fortunate to have adequate infrastructure and

opportunities for development and redevelopment of commercial and industrial

properties, including a water system and wastewater treatment plant. The City enjoys quality office

and industrial space in desirable locations, which is evident in its 2013 8% vacancy rate for flex space

(as reported by Colliers International) Its transportation system includes an interstate freeway as well as several state trunklines and railroad access. In addition, its parks, arts, recreation, and

community offerings improve quality of life for residents and make a positive contribution to

economic development. The City continues to nurture its culture of entrepreneurship and

dedication to delivering quality service to its residents and business owners.

Executive Summary

Although the Wixom Plant is

physically gone, its legacy of

manufacturing and innovation

lives on in current businesses and

can influence additional economic

growth in the City.


INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ANALYSIS

Manufacturing and auto-related industries are alive and well in the City of Wixom.

New technologies and industry trends suggest that opportunities exist for growth and expansion of existing businesses as well as generating new businesses in the City. Beyond automotive manufacturing,

however, a range of products including genetic materials and composite materials for use in other

industries will keep manufacturing relevant into the future. Other industries, including information

technology, business management, and health care present other opportunities for growth in the City and region. The City should explore and facilitate business-to-business collaborations to promote

industry efficiencies and identify opportunities to improve the City’s supply chain ecosystem, in keeping

with the State of Michigan’s 2013-2020 Strategic Plan. Chapter 3 provides a forecast of select industries

for which there are major concentrations both within Southeast Michigan or within the City of Wixom. The following industries have been identified as having “high impact” due to their

concentration in Michigan

SUV and Light Truck Manufacturing Auto Parts Manufacturing Automobile Metal Stamping Automotive Brakes Manufacturing Automobile Engine and Parts Manufacturing Motor Vehicle Transmission Manufacturing Tank & Armored Vehicle Manufacturing

The next grouping of industries aren’t necessarily “high impact” in that they are not among the industries that Michigan holds high shares, but are relevant to trends and potential market opportunities for the City of Wixom: Restaurant and Hotel Equipment Wholesaling Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing Industrial Building Construction Commercial Building Construction Copier and Office Equipment Wholesaling IT Consulting Industrial Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing Laboratory Supply Wholesaling Medical Supplies Wholesaling Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturing

Executive Summary


Printing, Paper, Food, Textile & Other Machinery Manufacturing Gym, Health, and Fitness Clubs Screw, Nut and Bolt Manufacturing Automobile Interior Manufacturing Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment Manufacturing Automobile Electronics Manufacturing Barbeque and Grill Manufacturing Washer & Dryer Manufacturing Pressure Sensor Manufacturing Software Testing Services Medical Group Practice Management Research and Development: Many industrial and manufacturing businesses in Wixom have been

related to the auto industry and a variety of others providing parts, electronic systems and other products and services including, but not limited to:

Design, measurement and visualization measurement technologies for metrology applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy and medical industries.

Waterjet productivity, design, measurement and visualization technologies. Specialized chemical manufacturing and process industry in the metalworking fluids arena,

including: industrial coolants, cleaners, forming compounds, surface treatment chemicals and exotic/ conventional plant lubricants.

Engineered, mechanical assemblies to the automotive, furniture and multi-use vehicle markets.

Manufactured molded polyurethane foam products and assemblies. Manufactured spark plugs. Consumer packaging high-impact retail displays and packaging supply chain management,

industrial converted tubes and cores and reels for the wire and cable industry and uncoated recycled paperboard.

Advanced composites produced from carbon fiber to glass and from thermoset to thermoplastic.

Digital metrology that scans, measures and manipulates dimensional data within any space from breadbox to boxcar, creating new engineering plans and ensuring custom fit.

Single-use products for the foodservice, retail, and food packaging industries. Electronic control unit development’s products providing solutions for vehicle

manufacturers, testers, calibrators, and suppliers. Heat treat furnace systems suitable for various industries including aerospace, agricultural

equipment, aluminum foundry and forging, appliance, automotive, bearing, ceramics and glass, construction, marine, mining, and oil and wind energy.

Precision machining providing precision machining, fixtures, gauges and, custom fasteners. Manufacturer, importer, and distributor of towing system products.

Executive Summary


Ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, energy, automotive/diesel, and commercial applications. Advanced ceramic solutions for applications in automotive/engine, oil and gas, nuclear power, solar, industrial, medical, electronic and defense industries.

Nano-scale Technology and Materials Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing Ultra-precision Machinery Development and Manufacturing Alternative Energy, Composites and Polymers Water Jet Cutting Rocket Injector, Liquid-oxygen/Gaseous Hydrogen Drone Development

DEMAND FORECAST

The Demand Forecast finds that there could be a demand for approximately 750,000 sq. ft. space of retail goods and related services, 100,000-175,000 sq. ft. of multi-tenant office

space, and 5,000,000 sq. ft. of industrial space over the next ten years. The City of Wixom

could also capture entertainment dollars, about $2.3 billion in regional spending, none of which

currently is captured in the City. The City has four significant development parcels, including the Ford plant site, that are in desirable locations and could begin to tap into this demand. The City should

identify qualified developers and work with those members of the development community on the

revitalization and use of these key parcels.

BUSINESS RECRUITMENT & RETENTION STRATEGIES

It will be important for Wixom to effectively communicate its entrepreneurial

culture. In addition, the City must continue striving towards creating a supportive environment where

businesses can innovate. The City has been recognized as one of the top-performing communities at “fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development” by researchers at the University of

Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research (iLabs) for several years. iLabs found that the

City performs well in economic measures, and also finds that the City demonstrates an understanding

of what small businesses need to be successful.

The City should continue to communicate with businesses and help facilitate

connections to broader resources and insight on trends. In addition, partnerships with business

development agencies, related businesses, and training programs will help the City attract new and

retain existing businesses. A proactive, ongoing approach will include understanding the marketplace, available space, business trends, and the regulatory process as well. Specific strategies discussed in

more detail (Chapter 5) include:

Executive Summary


Privately Run Incubator. The incubator would capitalize on the creation of an environment that

provides amenities typical of serving larger businesses with the fiscal capacity to provide a range of

resources. Such an incubator would likely include established or growing businesses as well as offer affordable space, smaller spaces than typical, access to experienced entrepreneurial support

services, shared conference or meeting room, a Skype and technology room and other amenities.

Developer and Tenant Recruitment. Based on current conditions for the strategic sites,

recruitment of developer and investor interests is indicated to be a more cost effective approach to recruitment than tenant or direct business recruitment for Wixom in general. Cost

effectiveness in most cases involves targeting the market as a first step in the process. The strategy

details the suggested process in Chapter 5.

Industrial Recruitment. Additional industrial recruitment would follow the path described above in more general terms. Industrial recruitment should be done in cooperation with County

and State entities to be cost effective for Wixom, with others leading the effort. The City has

good relationships with political leaders, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

(MEDC), Oakland County, and Automation Alley, a technology business association and business accelerator in southeast Michigan. Industrial recruitment could also be linked to the potential for a

private sector incubator or with the developer recruitment activity and the creation of new larger

scale industrial spaces in Wixom as identified in Chapters 3 and 4.

Professional, Trade, and Service Organization Recruitment. A third type of recruitment will be for professional, trade, and service organizations to serve the growing needs of nearby

employers and local residents. Such organizations offer specialized networking and support specific

business needs as well as may catalyze opportunities for collaboration between businesses. The

target organization information can be generated from four primary sources: search of professional associations; Chambers of Commerce’s membership lists; state regulatory agencies; and Linkedin

or other professional-oriented web-based entities.

Research & Development Pursuit. Creating the atmosphere for R & D and industrial growth is

important. Fundamental to R & D recruitment activity would be the establishment of a “blue ribbon” committee, composed of national or international business interests in the area; the area’s

community college and state university branches; utility companies; and other interests involved

with related or other areas of research at the present time. An institution of higher learning or

the City of Wixom could coordinate the activities. The committee, with potential EDA or other

government sources of funds, might also be involved with license high-potential technologies, forming companies around technologies, building management teams with executives that possess

requisite experience and assisting with market acceleration using specialized tools, people, and

infrastructure.

Executive Summary


WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Technology has changed the way almost every business operates. Today’s workforce needs the right

skills to help business grow and be successful. Promoting training and educational opportunities to residents as well as others who work in the City requires an understanding of workforce needs,

business needs, and the programs available. The City should strive to promote key industries to its

workforce and be a hub for information. Many programs relating to key technologies are available in

the region (see appendix for comprehensive listing), but the City may wish to pursue specific programs locally. Chapter 6 describes approaches to enhance the City’s workforce in terms of:

Training. Successful appropriate training for which there is and will be employment

opportunities that will benefit residents both in the short and long-term should focus on:

research and development as it relates to industrial expansion; software testing; software optimization; IT training; Business Management and record keeping for medical group

management; resin and nano particle handling and manufacturing; manufacturing of composites

and polymers; water jet cutting; CAD for additive manufacturing/3D printing; robotics; health

care; and a few others.

Training Institute Recruitment. The recruitment activity for a training institution would be

identical to that associated with the described “R & D” recruitment process and activity with

one exception. Included at the “table” should be representatives of the educational institutions

at the high school level (Oakland Intermediate School district) both within and surrounding Wixom.

BRANDING & MARKETING STRATEGIES

An essential part of creating an economic development strategy is to have an effective communications component that provides information and solicits feedback. The City has an online

presence through its website that should be updated and refined to include important “branding”

information. Through interviews and surveys, and field observation, it appears that the City has tools

to promote all that it has to offer and should strive towards doing so in a consistent manner. See Chapter 7 for details.

While the bulk of this report focuses on improving business opportunities and maintaining a

skilled workforce, it shouldn’t be overlooked that key findings from the brand audit process suggest

that the City’s identity, it’s brand, is that it is “a best kept secret” in terms of offering “small town,

family-oriented, community living.” The City shouldn’t keep its best features a secret, and should use this special brand to differentiate itself from its regional neighbors. All messaging, especially recruitment

messaging, should be clear: Wixom stands apart. Unique within the region, the City offers a perfect

Executive Summary


mix of housing, business opportunities, and community goods and services that can provide everything

that businesses and families need for new beginnings that can last a lifetime.

The follow-up to this assessment is to create a marketing plan that lays out an action strategy for improving Wixom's exposure. A critical piece of this plan will be its implementation by a dedicated

professional who can tie together the various messaging required for civic and business engagement in

a consistent and comprehensive manner.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURES ASSESSMENT

An efficient, predictable, comprehensive development and building review process is an

important economic development tool for every community. For the most part, the City’s process is

logical and effective; from its Zoning Ordinance to building standards, all material is currently available online, but could be presented in a clearer and more logical fashion, without overwhelming the user

with too much information. This strategy includes a new comprehensive development review guide,

provided in the Appendix of this document, designed to help the City’s review process flow more

smoothly for staff, consultants, and applicants. The process is intended to ensure consistent application of the building and land development regulations, and result in quality development.

NEXT STEPS

1-3 months:

Develop an execution plan for this economic development strategy that breaks down each

recommendation into specific, measurable tasks. Include a responsible party/position and

measurable benchmarks. The development of this plan should include provisions to allocate

resources for its implementation.

Develop a marketing plan that builds upon the brand discovery process initiated in this strategy.

This plan should specifically address the needs outlined in the following chapters in terms of

business recruitment & retention, workforce development, and strategic area developments.

Ensure there are adequate resources for implementation of marketing needs.

3-6 months +:

Facilitate stakeholder collaboration by sharing this strategy with key businesses and regional

associations to pursue partnerships for implementation.

Reinforce and strengthen collaborative efforts with the MEDC, Pure Michigan Business Connect,

Michigan’s Foreign Trade Zone, Next Michigan Development Corporation, the Michigan Supply Chain Management Commission, Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services,

Automation Alley, and regional political leaders.

Work on implementation of the execution plan and benchmark success.



(2) INVENTORY & ANALYSIS OF ASSETS

EXISTING BUSINESS ACTIVITY, SPACE & UNDEVELOPED LAND

Most Wixom non-residential and non-recreation activity is focused south of West Maple Road in generally two activity forms. The largest in terms of acreage and space is associated with industrial parks and areas zoned for business and industrial activity south of Pontiac Trail.

Roughly 40% of the developable land in Wixom is associated with the former Ford plant site (Wixom Assembly Plant). Demolition, exclusive of structural foundations has occurred on this site. There are contamination issues on the property, as would be anticipated, that are being addressed by the former owner.

There have been a number of proposals for the site while still under Ford ownership. Since the sale of the property by Ford, two development plans for small portions, outparcels generally closest to or with significant visibility from the interstate have been received and reviewed by the City of Wixom. Over the years a number of reuse functions

In addition to the physical and organizational assets that lead directly to business

development, the City of Wixom is fortunate to have many quality of life assets that

contribute to economic development decisions. From modern business parks to recreation

facilities, a newer municipal complex to preserved historic structures, quality k-12 education

and vocational programming, single family neighborhoods to apartment complexes, the City of

Wixom has much to offer both businesses and talent.

This analysis will consider the following assets found in and available to the residents and businesses in the City of Wixom:

1. Existing Business Activity, Space & Undeveloped Land

2. Transportation System

3. Education

4. Business Expansion Incentives

5. Infrastructure

6. Public Safety

7. Parks & Recreation

8. Art & Culture

9. Housing


Village Center

ENLARGED VIEW OF THE VILLAGE CENTER AREA


and plans have been developed for the bulk of the property by those who wanted to or did purchase the site from Ford. The development plans and schedule of the current owner are not known at the date of publication of this document.

In addition to the industrial activity, but not exclusive to the industrial park areas is the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district. In the early 2000s, Wixom initiated the development of a town center within the DDA area. A small but attractive collection of retail, retail–related services, art and cultural activity, housing, and public facilities and services began to develop and flourish in the Village Center Area (VCA). However, and in spite of the quality, the Great Recession slowed or brought to a halt additional development from 2008 to present.

The core of the DDA area is the location of many of the better known food service establishments in Wixom. However, as direct result of economic conditions, the tenant mix within the commercial core transitioned somewhat since its inception.

According to published reports from Colliers International, a real estate company that provides market information, the average annual asking rental rate for all types of industrial space was $4.33 per square foot at the end of the 1st quarter 2013 in the Detroit area. This represented an increase of less than 1% in rental

rates from the end of the 4th quarter 2012, when rates were reported at $4.27 per square foot. The average rate for warehouse and manufacturing sector space was $3.97 at the end of the 1st quarter 2013. Flex space rates are generally higher, increasing to $7.62 in 2013, from $7.55 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012.

Colliers also reports that the net industrial space absorption for the first quarter of 2013 was 2,313,382 square feet, compared to 2,856,198 square feet in the 4th quarter 2012.

The average rate for Class A office space was $20.98, Class B $16.48, and Class C $13.79 at the end of the first quarter in 2013. New construction associated with office space increased significantly from the previous quarter.

Based on interviews conducted, Wixom has followed similar patterns to those found in the larger region. Industrial space in the area leases for around $4 per square foot, up somewhat from the depth of the recession. Flex space leases for about $6.50 per square foot. Both the levels are below what might be considered financial viability for the development of new space at present.

The following is a list of current businesses in Wixom categorized by their North American Industrial Classification Codes. (The list of operations was provided by the City of Wixom and then synthesized and aggregated.)

City of Wixom: Quick Facts

Population 14,516 (2013)

Daytime Population 17,125

Number of Housing Units 6,578

Employment in City: 11,198

Median Household Income $51,503

Total Area 6,003 acres

Total Industrial Area 1,836 acres (31%)

Source: 2010 Census & SEMCOG


NAICS NAICS Descrip on # of

Businesses 233 Building, Developing, and General Contrac ng 16 325 Chemical Manufacturing 1 326 Plas cs and Rubber Products Manufacturing 1 327 Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 1 331 Primary Metal Manufacturing 3 332 Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 2 333 Machinery Manufacturing 2 334 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 1 335 Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing 4 336 Transporta on Equipment Manufacturing 2 551 Management of Companies and Enterprises 1 561 Administra ve and Support Services 2 562 Remedia on Service Companies 2 2211 Electric Power Genera on, Transmission and Distribu on 1 2332 Residen al Building Construc on Companies 4 2356 Roofing Contractors 2 3169 Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing 1 3221 Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills 2 3328 Coa ng, Engraving, Heat Trea ng, and Allied Ac vi es 2 3332 Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 10 3333 Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing 1 3335 Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing 27 3336 Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing 3 3351 Electrical Ligh ng Equipment Manufacturing 1 3353 Electrical Equipment Manufacturing 6 3361 Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 1 3371 Household and Ins tu onal Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing 1 3391 Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing 1 3399 Misc Manufacturing 3 4234 Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 17 4215 Metal and Mineral (except Petroleum) Wholesalers 1 4216 Electrical Goods Wholesalers 1 4217 Hardware, and Plumbing and Hea ng Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 3 4218 Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Wholesalers 1 4219 Misc Durable Goods Wholesalers 2 4231 Furniture Merchant Wholesalers 1 4411 Automobile Dealers 6 4422 Home Furnishing Stores 3 4431 Electronics and Appliance Store 2 4442 Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Store 2 4461 Health Personal Care Stores 1 4511 Spor ng Goods Stores 2 4529 Other General Merchandise Stores 1 4889 Other Support Ac vi es for Transporta on Companies 2 4931 Warehousing and Storage 11 5111 Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Database Publishers 1 5131 Radio and TV Broadcas ng 1 5132 Cable Networks and Program Distribu on 1 5133 Telecommunica ons 7

Current Wixom Businesses, by NAICS code

The highlighted areas in the following tables are those industries in which ten or more businesses are located in Wixom.


5142 Data Processing, Hos ng, and Related Services 1

5241 Insurance Carriers 5

5312 Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers 1

5411 Legal Services 6

5412 Accoun ng, Tax Prep, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services 4

5413 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 29

5416 Management, Scien fic, and Technical Consul ng Services 4

5417 Scien fic Research and Development 3

5419 All Other Professional, Scien fic, and Technical Services 8

5613 Employment Services 3

5614 Business Support Services 3

5617 Services to Buildings and Dwellings 13

5621 Waste Collec on 1

8111 Automo ve Repair and Maintenance 8

8113 Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance 5

8132 Grant Making and Giving Services 1

9241 Administra on of Environmental Quality Programs 1

31142 Fruit and Vegetable Canning, Pickling and Drying 1

31211 So Drink and Ice Manufacturing 1

32191 Millwork Companies 1

32312 Support Ac vi es for Prin ng 1

32541 Pharmaceu cal and Medicine Manufacturing Companies 1

32799 All Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 1

33151 Ferrous Metal Foundries 1

33152 Nonferrous Metal Foundries 1

33291 Metal Valve Manufacturing 1

33399 All Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing 4

33413 Semiconductors & Related Devices Manufacturing 1

33441 Semiconductors & Other Electric Component Manufacturing 1

33521 Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing 1

42161 Elect. Apparatus & Equip., Wiring Supplies, & Related Equip. Merchant Wholesalers 2

42313 Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers 1

42322 Home Furnishing Wholesalers 2

42332 Brick, Stone, and Related Construc on Material Wholesalers 1

42373 Warm Air Hea ng and Air Condi oning Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 1

42381 Construc on & Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery & Equip. Merchant Wholesalers 1

42391 Spor ng and Recrea on Goods and Supplies Wholesalers 1

42411 Paper & Wri ng Paper Wholesalers 1

42413 Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers 2

42651 Metal Service Centers and Other Merchant Wholesalers 1


Businesses



45112 Hobby, Toy, and Games Stores 1

45311 Florist 1

45322 Gi , Novelty, and Souvenir Stores 1

48411 General Freight Trucking, Local 2

48421 Used Household and Office Goods Moving Companies 1

48532 Limousine Services 1

51119 Other Publishers 1

52311 Investment Banking and Securi es Dealing 1

52421 Insurance Agencies and Brokerages 9

53131 Real Estate Property Managers 1

53221 Consumer Electronics and Appliance Rental 1

53249 Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental 1

54131 Architectural Services 1

54133 Engineering Service Companies 7

54138 Tes ng Laboratories 1

54143 Graphic Design Services 1

54161 Management Consul ng Services 7

54181 Adver sing Agencies 2

54192 Photographic Service Companies 1

56111 Office Administra ve Support Services 3

56132 Temporary Help Services 1

56149 Other Business Support Services 3

56161 Inves ga on, Guard, and Armored Car Services 1

81112 Automo ve Body, Paint, Interior, and Glass Repair 1

81121 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance Companies 1

81141 Home and Garden Equipment and Appliance Repair and Maintenance 1

221122 Electric Power Distribu on 2

221310 Water Supply and Irriga on Systems 1

235310 Electrical Contractor 9

236115 New Single‐Family General Contractors 1

236118 Residen al Remodelers 1

236210 Industrial Building Construc on Companies 1

238130 Framing Contractors 1

238210 Electrical Contractors 3

238220 Plumbing, Hea ng, and Air Condi oning Contractors 6

238310 Drywall and Insula on Contractors 4

238320 Pain ng and Wall Covering Contractors 1


Businesses



238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors 6

312120 Breweries 1

326199 Other Plas c Product Manufacturing 6

327215 Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing 1

332710 Machine Shops 4

332812 Metal Coa ng, Engraving 1

333112 Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing 1

333512 Machine Tools (Metal Cu ng Types) 3

333999 All Other MISC General Purpose Machinery 2

334111 Electronic Computer Manufacturing 3

334290 Other Communica on Equipment Manufacturing 2

334500 Naviga onal, Measuring, Electro‐medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing 1

334515 Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Tes ng Electricity and Electrical Signals 1

335999 All Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing 5

336339 Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 1

336370 Motor Vehicle Stamping Companies 1

336397 All Other Motor Vehicle Part Manufacturing 1



336400 Aerospace product and Parts manufacturing 2

337110 Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing 3

339950 Sign Manufacturing Companies 1

339991 Gasket, Packing, & Sealing Device Manufacturing 1

339999 All Other Misc Manufacturing 6

421450 Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 3



421830 Industrial Machinery and Equipment Wholesalers 16

421840 Industrial Supplies Wholesalers 7

421850 Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 5

421920 Toy and Hobby Goods and Supplies Wholesalers 2

421990 Other misc durable goods wholesalers 6

422590 Other Farm Product Raw Material Wholesalers 1

423120 Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Wholesalers 8

423220 Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers 1

423490 Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers 5

423610 Elect. Apparatus & Equip., Wiring Supplies, & Related Equip. Merchant Wholesalers 2

423620 Household Appliances, Electric Housewares, and Consumer Electronics Wholesalers 1


Businesses



423690 Other Electric Parts and Equipment Wholesalers 3

423710 Hardware Merchant Wholesalers 2

423930 Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers 2

424600 Other Chemical and Allied Products Wholesalers 1

441310 Automo ve Parts and Accessories Stores 1

441320 Tire Dealers 1

442210 Floor Covering Stores 6

443110 Appliance, TV, and Other Electronics Stores 1

443112 Radio, TV & Other Electronic Stores 1

444110 Home Centers 1

444120 Paint and Wallpaper Stores 2

444190 Other Building Material Dealers 3

445110 Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores 5

445120 Convenience Stores 2

445299 Other Specialty Food Stores 1

445310 Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores 1

446110 Pharmacies and Drug Stores 1

446130 Op cal Good Stores 1

446199 Other Health and Personal Care Stores 1


Businesses

447110 Gas Sta ons w/ Convenience Stores 7

448190 Other Clothing Stores 1

453910 Pet and Pet Supplies Stores 1

453920 Art Dealers 1

453991 Tobacco Stores 2

454210 Vending Machine Operators 1

484220 Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local 2

488410 Motor Vehicle Towing 3

488510 Freight Transporta on Arrangement Companies 2

492210 Local Messengers and Local Delivery Companies 1

511210 So ware Publishers 1

512110 Mo on Picture and Video Produc on 3

513120 Television Broadcas ng 1

514910 Marke ng Research and Public Opinion Polling 1

515210 Radio & TV Broadcas ng 1

517210 Wireless Telecommunica ons Carriers (except Satellite) 1

522110 Commercial Banking 4

522130 Credit Unions 1

522291 Consumer Lending 1




522298 All Other Non‐depository Credit Intermedia on 1

522310 Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers 4

522320 Financial Transac ons Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Ac vi es 1

523930 Investment Advice 1

524128 Other Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers 1

524298 Other Insurance Related Ac vi es 1

531110 Lessors of Residen al Buildings and Dwellings 10

532111 Passenger Car Rental and Leasing Companies 1

541211 Offices of Cer fied Public Accountants 1

541320 Landscape Architectural Services 2

541410 Interior Design Services 4

541490 Industrial Design Service Companies 2

541512 Computer Systems Design and Related Services 14

541613 Marke ng Consul ng Services 1

541618 Other Management Consul ng Services 1

541620 Environmental Consul ng Services 3

541712 Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences 1

541850 Outdoor Adver sing Companies 2

541890 Other Services Related to Adver sing Companies 2

541921 Photography Studios 2

541940 Veterinary Services 1

561450 Credit Bureaus 1

561499 Other Business Support Services 3

561612 Security Guards and Patrol Services 2

561621 Security Systems Services 2

561622 Locksmiths 1

561720 Janitorial Services 3

561730 Landscape Architectural Services 1

561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings 2

561920 Conven on and Trade Show Organizers 2

561990 All Other Support Services 2

611110 Elementary and Secondary Schools 2

611600 All Other Schools and Instruc on 1

611710 Educa onal Support Services 1

621111 Offices of Physicians 11

621112 Office of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists 1

621310 Office of Chiropractors 3

621340 Offices of Physical, Occupa onal and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists 2


Businesses


621490 Other Outpa ent Care Centers 1

621491 HMO Medical Centers 1

621610 Home Health Care Services 1

621910 Ambulance Services 1

624230 Emergency and Other Relief Services 1

624410 Child Day Care Services 4

711110 Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters 3

711120 Dance Companies 3

711190 Other Performing Arts Companies 1

711211 Sports Team and Clubs 4

711219 Other Spectator Sports 1

713110 Amusement and Theme Parks 1

713910 Golf Courses and Country Clubs 1

713940 Fitness and Recrea onal Sport Center 11

713990 All Other Amusement and Recrea on 1

721110 Hotels and Motels 3

721110 Opera ng Health Resorts and Spas 2

721211 RV Parks and Campgrounds 1

722110 Full Service Restaurants 12

722113 Limited Service Restaurants 2

722211 Limited Service Restaurants 20

722213 Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars 8

722320 Caterers 1

722410 Drinking Places 2

811111 General Automo ve Repair 3

811112 General Automo ve Repair 2

811191 Automo ve Oil Change and Lubrica on 1

811192 Car Washes 7

811310 Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance 1

811490 Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance 1

812112 Beauty Salons 8

812113 Nail Salons 4

812310 Coin‐operated Laundries and Drycleaners 1

812331 Linen Supply 1

812910 Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services 3

813110 Religious Organiza on 2

813320 Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services 3

813920 Professional Organiza on 1

813940 Other Similar Organiza on 1

813990 Poli cal Organiza on 1

Not Iden fiable Others 13

33 Manufacturing ‐ Non‐specific 27


Businesses



TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Wixom is situated on the western edge of the Detroit metropolitan area. Its primary north-south route – Wixom Road - intersects with Interstate 96, which links Wixom to the State’s capital city of Lansing to its northwest and to Detroit to its southeast. Pontiac Trail, which runs east to west, as well as Grand River Avenue are important arterials linking Wixom to its neighbors and commercial services outside of the City’s boundaries.

Wixom’s economic activity is served by a host of aviation options as well. These include but are not necessarily limited to those that follow:

Oakland County International Airport

Oakland Southwest Airport

Troy Executive Airport

Willow Run Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Bishop International Airport

Capital Regional International Airport

In addition to the noted arterials and interstate system components, Wixom is also served by rail. In fact, a spur running through the former Ford plant site is a potential development asset. The rail lines are still important to economic activity in Wixom. Numerous businesses are located along the rail lines that pass through Wixom and the spurs.

EDUCATION

K-12 Schools

Wixom is part of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, Novi Community School District, and the South Lyon Community School system. The elementary, middle and high public schools serving Wixom residents have

service areas that extend beyond the City boundaries. At the elementary school level, Wixom is served by Wixom & Loon Lake Elementary Schools. At the middle school level, the population is served by Sarah Banks Middle School. At the high school level, Wixom is served by Walled Lake Western & Walled Lake Central High Schools. All three of WLCSD’s comprehensive high schools have been ranked in Newsweek’s list of most desirable schools. The district reports increasing numbers of high school students taking Advanced Placement classes and tests. The district's Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and high school Michigan Merit Exam (MME) scores continue to exceed state and county averages.

Oakland County Schools also offers career training and development at four technical campuses; its Southwest Campus is located in Wixom. High school students from Clarenceville, Farmington, Huron Valley, Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake and West Bloomfield schools can be bused from their high school to the campus. Training and education programs include Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology; Biotechnology and Environment Science; Engineering/Emerging Technologies; Culinary Arts/Hospitality; Health Sciences; Transportation Technology; and Visual Imaging

In addition to the public school systems, the City of Wixom also has two private schools within its borders: 1) St. Catherine of Siena Academy, serving grades 9-12, and 2) Wixom Christian School, serving K3-12.

Higher Education

The Detroit Metropolitan area has numerous higher education institutions for those seeking Associates, Bachelors or advanced degrees. The closest, Oakland Community College, has two campuses within a 20-minute drive of the City of Wixom and serves residents of Oakland County


Highlights of the Transportation System Around the City of Wixom


as well as others. In addition to Oakland Community College, the following are some of the higher education institutions offer coursework within a reasonable commute of Wixom residents:

Schoolcraft College

Madonna University

Wayne County Community College

Oakland University

Baker College

Lawrence Technological University

Macomb County Community College

Wayne State University

Marygrove College

Michigan Technology University

University of Detroit Mercy

Walsh College

The University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University are all within an hour’s drive of the City.

There are extensive training and educational opportunities in the general Wixom/Detroit area and in the region. A list was generated using online research and may not be composed of all opportunities. The list, found in the Appendix, contains those opportunities associated with industries and training anticipated to generate future employment growth. Identified are various levels associated training achievement provided by the institution. Included are certificate programs (c), Associates Degree programs (AS), and Bachelorette programs (BS and BA). Each institution’s course offerings include, but are not limited to those indicated.

BUSINESS EXPANSION INCENTIVES

The City Manager oversees economic development and related programs for the City, including business attraction and retention. The City offers a broad range of services for businesses including site selection assistance, the Wixom Business Assistance Team, tax abatement programs and a streamlined site planning and building approval process.

A full range of support and incentives for economic development are available through the State of Michigan’s Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The MEDC has technical assistance and incentives for:

Start-up Capital

Site Selection

Business Development

Exporting

Taxes

Oakland County also provides economic development assistance, including leveraging Michigan and federal funding programs. They include but are not limited to those that follow.

SBA 504 Loan Program

Tax Exempt Bond Programs

Microloan Program

Capital Access Program

Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund

SBA 7(a) Loan Program

INFRASTRUCTURE

The City of Wixom is served locally with water and sewer systems that support industrial activity. The Wixom Water System is operated by an independent contractor (United Water) with general supervision and oversight provided


by the Department of Public Works. The system consists of approximately 81 miles of piping, a one million-gallon elevated storage tank and a booster/metering station. Water is purchased from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department then sold to the end user.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System is operated by an independent contractor (United Water) and overseen by the Department of Public Works. The system consists of approximately 81 miles of piping and a tertiary treatment plant with a capacity of 2.97 MGD which is capable of treating residential, commercial and industrial wastewater.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for planning and delivery of the basic day-to-day public services. Key objectives include maintenance and repair of the complex public infrastructure system. Specifically, services include maintenance of all City streets, buildings and grounds, public parks, sidewalks and bike paths, downtown street lights, vehicle and construction/maintenance equipment, street sweeping, park and cemetery mowing, and snow removal and ice control. The DPW is also responsible for providing the contractual oversight of the water and sanitary sewer systems, refuse collection, recycling programs, and storm water management as well as street tree maintenance,

The Department also provides oversight and direction to the City's contractual consulting engineers, who assist the City with planning and design of roads and safety path projects, as well as 5-year capital projects plans for both programs.

PUBLIC SAFETY AVAILABILITY

Wixom falls below national averages for violent and property crimes as well as those in other areas. Wixom has

its own Police and Fire Departments and has mutual aid arrangements with the County and other entities for emergency situations. Most importantly, Wixom is safe community with few crimes of any type. Reductions in the crime rates continue.

The Fire Department is responsible for the prevention and extinguishment of fires in the City of Wixom as well as providing basic life support services during medical emergencies. Additionally, the Fire Department performs annual safety inspections for businesses. The Fire Department also strives to improve the quality of life for City residents by providing public education, code enforcement, and ongoing training for firefighters.


Emergency services are delivered from two strategically located fire stations in the City. Fire Station # 1 is located at 1345 North Wixom Road. It is just north of Potter Road and houses emergency fire equipment and vehicles as well as the administrative offices of the Fire Department. Fire Station # 2 is located at 50430 Pontiac Trail. It is just west of Oak Creek Drive and is not typically staffed. This station is leased by Huron Valley Ambulance Company and contains emergency fire equipment and vehicles, providing protection for homes and businesses that are located south of Pontiac Trail.

The Police Department is responsible for the welfare and safety of the citizens of the City of Wixom. This requires the Police Department to enforce City ordinances and state and federal laws, and to ensure the safety of those living, working, or traveling in our community. It is the Police Department’s patrol strategy to facilitate public safety through community policing, crime prevention, and the aggressive apprehension and prosecution of offenders. Community policing helps create a strong relationship between citizens and the Police Department and provides a conduit to the Department for the promotion and facilitation of crime prevention initiatives.

The City of Wixom Police Department's House Watch Program is designed to provide peace of mind to our residents while they are away from home for extended periods of time, whether for vacation, illness, work-related travel, or other circumstances.

PARKS, RECREATION & RELATED COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Wixom is fortunate to have significant parks, recreation and other community facilities. The Civic Center includes City offices, a Police Station, a

Community Center and Public Library, outdoor area with gazebo for events, fountains and other amenities. The combination provides quality of life components often sought by corporate entities. In addition to the local activity, the transportation network provides easy access to regional facilities as well. City parks include:

Gilbert C. Willis Park

Gunnar Mettala Park

Gibson Park

Mack Park

Hickory Hills Golf Course (private/open to the public)

Loon Lake

Wixom Habitat area

Library Tot Lot

Sibley Park

ARTS & CULTURE

The City of Wixom’s Parks & Recreation Department offers many annual events and activities that draw larger crowds each year, including:

Summer Concert Series

Movie in the Park

Farmers Market

Founder’s Day

Tree Lighting

Seniors Activities: Educational, cultural,


Map from City of Wixom 2012 Master Plan


creative and social programs for individuals 50 years and older in the community.

In addition, the Wixom Public Library offers several programs, including:

Summer Reading

SYNC 2013

Movie & Pizza Night

Book to Movie

Around the Town Book Talk

Other civic-related events include the annual Wixom Historical Society Wassail evening and the Wixom Fire Department hosts Breakfast with Santa.

Beyond these civic/public activities, the following is the range of internal arts and culture related institutions, activities and programs found in Wixom. It is noted that there are numerous others in the region.

Detroit Public Television. DPTV has operated from the Riley Broadcast Center, named for lead donors Dolores and George Riley, in Wixom since 2004. DPTV is the only public television station in the Detroit market and Michigan’s most watched public station, regularly viewed by some 1.5 million people in southeast Michigan each week. Additionally, DPTV is viewed by 1.2 million people per week throughout Canada via cable and Shaw Direct satellite-to-home.

Academy of Creative Artistic Productions. The organization offers a wide variety of programs including modeling, acting, photography, ideography, theatre and stage, personal development, marketing and advertising. ACAP offers an active production studio that supports local television shows and commercials. Student career aspirations can be in front of the camera, on stage, or behind the scenes. ACAP is reported to be the only certified acting school in Michigan and is located at 28389 Beck Road.

Academy of Russian Classical Ballet. This academy offers classes and several performance opportunities including The Nutcracker, Spring Performance, Stars of Russian Ballet Gala and a special performance in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Participation in the Nutcracker is open to all local ballet students. The Stars of Russian Ballet Gala is part of the annual Russian Ballet Festival. The organization also offers exceptional cultural exchange programs between Saint Petersburg in Russia, Beijing in China and Tokyo in Japan. Students from the ballet travel to Saint Petersburg, Russia over spring break for a weeklong program that includes daily master classes with instructors from the Mariinsky Theatre, sightseeing tours of the city, and ballet performances in the evenings.

For 2013, the Academy has expanded to offer master classes in Beijing and Tokyo. Top ballet students from Beijing and Tokyo have be selected by the Academy’s Director to travel to Michigan and study at the Academy in the summer. Students have gone on to professional careers with Alvin Ailey School of Dance; Berlin Ballet; Royal Ballet of London; Sarasota Ballet; and university dance programs at Butler, Joffrey, Julliard, North Carolina School of the Arts and the


University of Michigan. The Academy is located at 46969 West Road.

Big City Dance Center. This entity is a performing arts center specializing in all art forms of dance. Programs include those for the serious dancer wishing to take dancing further at college or the professional level as well as those taking courses for recreational purposes. Its dancers have gone to colleges on dance scholarships to institutions such as University of Hawaii, Western Michigan University, Oakland University, The Alvin Ailey School of Dance and Broadway Dance Center in New York. Dancers have also had the privilege of performing in professional shows such as The Choreographers Carnival in Los Angeles, The Purple Rose Theater for Jeff Daniels, The Radio City Rockettes, and dance teams for the Detroit Pistons, and performances of Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias and Boyz II Men. The operation is located at 50160 Pontiac Trail.

Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Inc. This entity has the Hall of Fame Dance Foundation, a fund that will provide college scholarships to hardworking dancers, as well as grants to public schools in order to help further students’ education. In addition to the need-based competition scholarships; it provides all levels of dancers with a chance to compete. The operation is located at 49145 Wixom Tech Drive.

Neu Wixom Dance Academy. The Academy offers three levels of dance, ranging from recreational sessions, school-year long recital classes, and the competitive dance company. Music, Theatre, Voice and Acro have also been added to the diverse curriculum. The Academy offers pre-school through adult dance including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Music

Theatre/Voice, Acro, and Ballroom Basics for Weddings. It is located at 1561 N. Wixom Road.

Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan. The organization helps to promote culture for Turkish-Americans living within Michigan. Its purposes are to promote cultural independence, provide social function gatherings, provide educational workshops in the community, and promote political awareness. TACAM sponsors cultural events that educate the Michigan community. These include activity related to Turkey, Turkish people and Turkish tradition. The promotion is done through publications; the conduct of educational projects and seminars; and published newsletters and articles. They also conduct seminars and/or open houses to promote Turkish music, folklore, and art. They are located at 28525 N. Beck Road.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

The average price for homes in Wixom fell over the past several years, as would have been anticipated, given the economic conditions in the nation. However, the average price is rebounding through the third quarter of 2013 and is approximately $195,000. There are a range of units that sold, providing opportunities for a variety of income level households.


According to the 2010 Census, Wixom consisted of a population of about 13,500 residing in roughly 5,725 households. While not synonymous, the greatest proportion of residents living in Zip Code Tract Area 48393 is found in the City of Wixom. According to the American Community Surveys (ACS), the median household income for Wixom in 2011 was about $48,000. The proportion of households living in zip code 48393 outside of the municipal boundaries caused a reasonably large drop in median household income for the overall zip code. Therefore, the residents living outside of the municipality had a significantly lower median household income than those living within.

According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), the total population is estimated to be in excess of 14,300, residing in 6,578 housing units, in 2012. SEMCOG estimated the 2012 housing vacancy rate to be about 8.9%.

In addition:

The area is split with roughly one-half of the housing units owner-occupied and one-half renter occupied.

About three-fourths of the units are non-condominium single-family units.

About one-third of the homes are between 1,800 and 2,400 square feet; about two in ten are larger; and the remainder is smaller, with about 4% being less than 1,000 square feet.

About two out of every ten units were built since the year 2000. The majority of homes were built between 1980 and 2000.

The following reflect a sampling of sales for the last quarter 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. The range is from a low of $67,000 to more than $250,000.

2317 CHIEF LN: $145,500 (2013)

545 HAMPTON CT: $193,500 (2013)

1426 MARIPOSA DR: $115,000 (2012)

1314 TRAILSIDE BLVD: $250,000 (2012)

3356 BENNINGTON DR: $205,000 (2012)

4223 DELPHINE DR: $264,900 (2012)

2729 LAKERIDGE: $67,000 (2012)

About 344 housing units sold during 2012. There are roughly about 25 currently for sale in Wixom (see map next page).

Area Census Popula on

2010

Census Households

2010

ACS Med. HH Income

2011

Wixom 13,498 5,725 $48,844

ZCTA 48393

16,111 6,708 $48,097

Total Popula on 14,316

Housing Units 6,578

Households (Occupied Units) 5,990

Residen al Vacancy Rate 8.9%

Average Household Size 2.39


Jan 2014 Map of Homes for Sale (Zillow.com)



(3) INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ANALYSIS

CLUSTER ASSESSMENT

The following is the preliminary cluster analysis based on comparative or gap assessment methodology, which is one of a number of methods employed to define opportunities.

The U.S. Census Bureau provides annual information on Business Patterns throughout the nation in three different geographical formats: by county, zip code, or by Metropolitan Statistical Areas. This analysis includes an assessment of local business patterns at the zip code level. The identified business gaps defined in this process may or may not be appropriate for Wixom because of the nature of operations, scale, or other factors; because of this, we consider these results in tandem with additional assessments.

It is noted that all population and household estimates upon which the comparisons are made were derived from the same source for comparability. That

The Industrial Sector Analysis is comprised of the following examinations:

1. Cluster Assessment: A look at local business patterns.

2. Dominant Industry Synopsis: Industries that Michigan holds a larger share than most other states.

3. Trends for Select Industries: Highlights of trends that impact the region.

Knowing which businesses are found in the City of Wixom (as noted in the previous

chapter) can help the City begin to see opportunities for building strategic alliances,

facilitating networking, clustering related businesses, and improving the City’s supply chain

ecosystem. Not surprisingly, the automobile industry is well represented in the City’s current

business mix. While struggling in the economy of recent years, the auto industry certainly still

offers opportunities for growth. Opportunities also exist for other industries who rely on

manufacturing and related alliances.


source was the 2011 U.S. Census Bureau data. For consistency purposes, a single source - the U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns - was employed to define the business structure and activity within all areas.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was introduced in 1997 as a more effective business classification system that identifies and groups establishments according to the activities in which they are primarily engaged. NAICS identifies and groups 1,170 different types of “industries” or establishments into twenty major industry sectors ranging from Agriculture (Sector 11) to Public Administration (Sector 92). This analysis examined and extracted data from all twenty sectors for all areas. These twenty sectors follow.

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (Sector 11): Crop and animal production, forestry and logging, fishing, hunting, trapping, support activities for agriculture and forestry.

Mining (Sector 21): Oil and gas extraction, mining, support activities for mining.

Utilities (Sector 22): Power generation, transmission, and distribution, water, sewage, and other systems.

Construction (Sector 23): Building, developing, general contracting, heavy construction, special trade contractors.

Manufacturing (Sector 31-33): Food, beverage and tobacco product, textile and textile product mills, apparel, leather and allied products, wood product, paper, printing and related support activities, petroleum and coal products, chemicals, plastics and rubber products, nonmetallic mineral products, primary metals, fabricated metal products, machinery, computer and electronic products, electronic equipment, appliances,

and components, transportation equipment, furniture and related products.

Wholesale Trade (Sector 42): Durable and nondurable goods.

Retail Trade (Sector 44-45): Motor vehicle and parts, furniture and home furnishings, electronics and appliances, building material and garden equipment and supplies, grocery and beverage, health and personal care, gasoline stations, clothing and accessories, sports, hobby, books and music, general merchandise and miscellaneous store retailers.

Transportation and Warehousing (Sector 48-49): Air, rail, water, and truck transportation, transit and ground passenger transportation, pipeline transportation, scenic and sightseeing transportation, support activities for transportation, postal service, couriers and messengers, warehousing and storage.

Information (Sector 51): Publishing, motion picture and sound recording and exhibition, broadcasting and telecommunications, information services and data processing.

Finance and Insurance (Sector 52): Monetary authorities, credit intermediation, securities, commodities, insurance, funds, trusts, and other financial vehicles.

Real Estate, Rental and Leasing (Sector 53): Real estate, rental centers and leasing services.

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Sector 54): Lawyers, accountants, engineers, computer services, veterinary services, etc.

Management of Companies and Enterprises (Sector 55): Management, holding companies, corporate and regional offices.

Administrative and Support, Waste


Management and Remediation Services (Sector 56): Administrative and facilities support services, employment and business support services, travel arrangements, investigative and security systems and other business services.

Educational Services (Sector 61): Public sector schools, business, technical, trade schools and instruction.

Health Care and Social Assistance (Sector 62): Ambulatory health care services, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance.

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (Sector 71): Performing arts, spectator sports, museums, historical sites, amusement, gambling and recreation industries.

Accommodation and Food Services (Sector 72): Accommodations, food service and drinking places.

Other Services (Sector 81): Repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services, and religious, grant making, civic and professional organizations.

Public Administration (Sector 92): Executive, legislative, and other general government support, justice, public order, and safety activities, administration of human resource programs, administration of environmental quality programs, administration of housing programs, urban planning, and community development, administration of economic programs, space research and technology, national security and international affairs.

The cluster analysis compared the business structure of zip code tabulation area (ZCTA) 48393, encompassing Wixom, to that associated with other ZCTAs and communities that are “similar.” In determining communities for which the comparison can be made, the following criteria were used.

The population size and household numbers had to be similar to those associated with Wixom, since demand for many goods and services are ultimately dependent largely upon the size of the market served.

The selected areas all have median household incomes that are comparable to Wixom reported incomes.

The selected communities are all located inland and part of a larger metro area.

Transportation and interstate highway access had to be similar.

Other zip code areas that are similar to the primary Wixom zip code were defined. (Similar based on population, households, incomes, transportation network and access, and geographic location. Consideration was also given to climate.)

48393 Wixom, MI

48377 Novi, MI

49512, Grand Rapids, MI

46637, South Bend, IN

45432, Dayton, OH

44089, Vermillion, OH

45344, New Carlisle, OH

60131, Franklin Park, IL

19057, Levittown, PA

13057, East Syracuse, NY

Under-represented “industries” or types of operations are defined as those where Wixom has less than seven of the nine communities. Thirty-one are under-represented in total. The only “cluster” that stands out is “professional services.” There is a smaller cluster associated with retail. These operations are noted on the following page.


Industry Code Industry Code Descrip on 238160 Roofing contractors 441110 New car dealers 441120 Used car dealers 441310 Automo ve parts and accessories stores 441320 Tire dealers 445120 Convenience stores 446110 Pharmacies and drug stores 451110 Spor ng goods stores 453110 Florists 453220 Gi , novelty, and souvenir stores 453991 Tobacco stores 488510 Freight transporta on arrangement 522120 Savings ins tu ons 523120 Securi es brokerage 524291 Claims adjus ng 531120 Lessors of nonresiden al buildings (except mini‐warehouses) 531210 Offices of real estate agents and brokers 531311 Residen al property managers 541110 Offices of lawyers 621111 Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists) 621210 Offices of den sts 621320 Offices of optometrists 722110 Full‐service restaurants 722310 Food service contractors 811111 General automo ve repair 812112 Beauty salons 812210 Funeral homes and funeral services 812220 Cemeteries and crematories 812310 Coin‐operated laundries and drycleaners 813110 Religious organiza ons 453998 All other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores)

Under-represented “industries” for Wixom compared to similar communities

Over-represented “industries” or types of businesses are defined as those where Wixom has more than seven of the other nine zip codes. In total, 89 are over-represented. Clusters include construction and contracting; certain manufacturing often related to vehicle assemblage; a range of wholesaling; trucking; certain consulting services related to manufacturing; and business consulting. These clusters could be either an impending problem or potential market niche. These industries are listed in the Appendix.

The Cluster Analysis is a useful approach to gaining insight into the marketplace; however, the additional assessments that follow in this chapter should also be added to gain further clarity when building an economic development strategy.


DOMINANT INDUSTRY SYNOPSIS

The State of Michigan and Oakland County have defined broad industrial categories that they determined should be focused upon for 2013 and beyond. If linked to NAICS codes, these industries or opportunities would be consistent with three or four level/digit NAICS. These industries include, but are not limited to, advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, biosciences, automotive, and medical devices. This analysis deals with a level of detail beyond those broad industries (6 digit NAICS codes) but is consistent or related to those industries.

The following table contains a list of manufacturing-related industries where Michigan has a greater proportion of operations than the United State’s share of manufacturing. Three groupings have been created based on the proportion of the industry in Michigan. “High Impact” consists of those with Michigan having 25% or greater share; “Moderate Impact” composed of those between 10% and 25%; and “Lesser Impact” containing those less than 10% but greater than 3%.

Industry

% Share in Michigan

compared to US

High Impact Industries (greater than 25%)

Automobile Metal Stamping 42.0%

Automobile Engine & Parts 38.2%

Automobile Transmission Manufacturing

29.7%

SUV & Light Truck 25.6%

Tank & Armored Vehicle 24.5%

Auto Parts 23.7%

Automobile Brakes 23.0%

Screw, Nut & Bolt 15.4%

Automobile Interior Manufacturing 12.7%

Car & Automobile 11.8%

Hea ng & Air Condi oning Equipment 11.1%

Plas cs & Rubber Machinery 10.9%

Abrasive & Sandpapers 10.6%

Automobile Electronics 10.2%

Wood Pulp Mills 10.0%

Moderate Impact Industries (between 10‐25%)

Industry

% Share in Michigan

compared to US

Automobile Steering & Suspension 9.4%

Cereal 9.2%

Solar Panel 9.2%

Ferrous Metal Foundry 8.4%

Metal Pla ng & Trea ng 7.9%

Hand tool & Cutlery 7.6%

Glass Product 7.5%

Sugar Processing 7.4%

Forkli & Conveyer 7.2% Power Tools & other General Purpose Machinery 7.0%

Nonferrous Metal Foundry Products 6.6%

Hardware Manufacturing 6.3%

Plas c Products Miscellaneous 6.1%

Lubricant Oil 6.0% ATV, Golf Cart & Snowmobile 5.7%

Metal Stamping & Forging 5.6% Breweries 5.5%

Wire & Spring 5.5%

Engine & Turbine 5.4%

Machine Shop Services 5.4% Prin ng, Paper, Food, Tex le & Other Machinery 5.3%

Steel Rolling Drawing 5.3%

Urethane Foam 5.3%

Lesser Impact Industries (less than 3%)


TRENDS FOR SELECT INDUSTRIES

The following are brief descriptions of trends for select industries for which there are major concentrations both within the larger region/Detroit area of Michigan or within the City of Wixom.

The following section highlights trends for industries that have been identified as having “high impact” due to their concentration in Michigan:

SUV and Light Truck Manufacturing (MI share: 25.6%)

This industry includes those companies that produce light trucks and utility vehicles, including pickups, sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs). They also assemble light truck and utility vehicle chassis; but they are not involved in manufacturing cars and motorcycles. The main players that dominate this industry are General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. The onset of high gas prices, environmental concerns, and deteriorating consumer sentiment all contributed in the drop off in the revenue of the SUV and light truck manufacturing industry during the Great Recession. Nonetheless, revenues have been seen a strong resurgence as the industry recovers.

Automakers are offering expanded hybrid and CUVs lines in response to increasing consumer concerns about the environment. The popularity of these vehicle types have driven down demand for SUVs, with CUVs sales accountable for more than 48.2% of all revenue in 2013. Overall industry demand remains low in spite of the popularity of these vehicles. In the short term, manufacturers will see

considerably higher costs to meet fuel efficient standards set by the government and to develop new technologies to reach these goals. However, in the long run, this trend toward a cleaner and more fuel-efficient engine could benefit the industry significantly. Recent activity has boosted industry revenue to $139.2 billion in 2013. This is a moderate 1.8% increase over 2012.

Industry operators will concentrate on manufacturing CUVs and trucks with an emphasis on improved fuel economy over the next five years. Operators will boost their revenue by offering additional powertrain options such as diesel and hybrids. This new approach will not only reduce overall operating costs, but with the addition of a restructured business model, further stabilize the industry. Accordingly, industry revenue is estimated to grow to $160.5 billion in 2018 at an annualized rate of 2.9%. Domestic auto manufacturers were building a large international presence before the recession and have since looked to return to global growth. Industry experts estimate exports will generate a 20.8% share of industry revenue in 2013.

Auto Parts Manufacturing (MI share: 23.7%)

Manufacturers in the auto parts industry produce a wide range of motor vehicle parts and accessories. These parts include air bags, air conditioners, catalytic converters, engine exhaust systems, mufflers and resonators, radiators, radiator cores and wheels. Auto parts manufacturers suffered declining sales due to the Great Recession. Many consumers deferred costly purchases including vehicles.


Consequently, demand from motor vehicle manufacturers - the industry’s largest customer - plunged 43.4%. While numerous problems facing chief automobile manufacturers came from already existing structural issues; these issues aggravated the problems for industry participants.

However, demand for automobiles saw a resurgence beginning in 2010; and the recession is expected to create lasting benefits across the automotive sector. Automakers were forced to cut unnecessary costs and, as a result, are expected to increase profitability. Industry revenues were projected to grow 4.8% in 2013.

Trends bode well for the automotive parts industry in the foreseeable future, with higher demands for automobiles creating higher demands for industry products. In the five years from 2013 to 2018, new car sales are expected to increase to 16.5 million vehicles as consumer sentiment grows according to industry sources. Furthermore, planned increases in fuel-economy will encourage auto parts manufacturers to produce more lightweight and efficient automobiles. As a result, auto parts manufacturers that are involved in developing these automobiles and components will benefit. According to industry sources, auto parts manufacturing revenue is projected to grow to $63.9 billion from 2013 to 2018 at an average annual rate of 3.7%.

However, companies in the auto parts manufacturing industry face an extremely competitive global market. One of the factors in the auto parts industry is the newly divergent routes in its product segmentation. Manufacturers that usually produce lower value products stopped or outsourced these products to foreign companies. Many auto parts manufacturers have concentrated on the production of high value-added auto parts to counteract the growing trend of outsourcing. These auto parts are more resilient in difficult economic conditions. The producers of air bags, air conditioners and exhaust systems have, in general, been working very closely with the engineering teams of automakers to meet specific goals. Automakers are continually seeking to improve fuel efficiency due to regulations and high fuel prices. Therefore, auto parts manufacturers will also continue to have a dominant market presence in such an environment.

Foreign-based automakers capitalized on the opportunity to enter the U.S. automotive industry market. Companies like Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen all expanded their U.S. operations. Others are currently expanding in this country. This has improved and will continue to potentially improve the domestic performance of parts manufacturers which have strong ties to emerging foreign car companies. Foreign-based manufacturers have increased industry performance overall with their rising influence.

Yet, the Great Recession forced considerable downsizing in the industry. According to industry sources, the number of industry employees fell to roughly 110,000 or by an annual rate of 5.0% from 2008 to 2013. Industry operators have been able to find ways to maximize productivity, thereby increasing labor efficiency with little or no diminishing returns.


The improved long-term competitiveness of the sector provides the prospect for growth among auto parts manufacturers from 2013 to 2018. New automobile sales are projected to return back to pre-recession levels, helping auto parts manufacturers. The auto parts manufacturing industry is predicted to benefit from the improving economic environment.

Automobile Metal Stamping (MI share: 42%)

This industry produces metal vehicle parts. These include body panels, bumpers, trim pieces, and other structural components from sheet metal using a machine press or stamping press.

The automobile metal stamping industry's revenue has declined to $27.4 billion from 2007 to 2012 at an estimated annualized rate of 2.7%. With the industry's primary clients being automakers, the demand for the metal stamping industry’s products is directly correlated with the demand for finished vehicles. The industry's other major customers - the heavy-truck manufacturers - had an equally turbulent five years from 2007 to 2012.

The Great Recession had a negative impact on the industry. Ward's Auto, which is a leading automotive analysis publication, reports that automobile production began to increase in 2010 as previously noted. Demand for automobile metal stamping increased due to increased automobile production.

New regulations for fuel efficiency encourage automakers to save weight invariably leading to the use of less metal. Nonetheless, the industry is projected to reach $30.9 billion over the next five years. While automobile metal stamping is expected to grow from 2013 to 2017;

larger automobile metal-stamping operations, including the internal operations of automakers, will see the benefits of lower labor costs and growing automobile production over the next five years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set automakers standard goals for miles per gallon higher by 2020. To help achieve these goals, automakers and metal stamping companies will increase their use of more exotic metals. High-performance vehicles frequently use aluminum and carbon fiber body components today, which weigh less than half of comparable steel components. Advances in carbon fiber manufacturing will bring the cost of such materials down. A transfer to body components using non-metallic materials like carbon fiber would require fundamentally different manufacturing processes. As of now, all of the industry's major players are capable of producing plastic body components which will likely ease the transition to carbon fiber-reinforced plastics over more traditional metals. On the other hand, this also means a decline in demand for automobile metal stamping due to the transition to non-metals. According to industry sources, industry demand will never reach historic levels in the foreseeable future; and domestic operators are unlikely to benefit from new markets.

The largest portion of automotive metal-stamping facilities is located around the Great Lakes region. Concentration in this region is unlikely to change. However, a growing number of establishments (15%) are also located in the Southeast where Honda, Nissan and Toyota have assembly plants; and others are now building facilities in the Southeast as well. The bulky and heavy nature of the automobile metal stamping industry's products makes it advantageous to keep production facilities close to automaker assembly plants.


Automotive Brakes Manufacturing (MI share: 23%)

Companies in this industry manufacture and rebuild motor vehicle brake systems and related components for automakers having U.S. manufacturing operations.

The performance of the industry was stop and go over the five years to 2013. However, with successful years in 2010, 2011 and 2012, industry revenue is expected to grow to $11.0 billion during 2013. While brake manufacturers primarily rely on new vehicle demand, the products are also used for replacement purposes. Revenue generated from replacements on existing vehicles is estimated to account for 35.0% of the industry in 2013. Assuming new vehicle growth continues that growth will take away from demand for replacement brakes.

With an upswing in vehicle production from the automakers over the five years to 2018, the industry is poised for growth. Newly redesigned cars, including hybrid and electric versions of existing vehicle platforms, will increasingly take advantage of fuel-efficient technologies, like regenerative braking. Brake manufacturers will benefit from these trends, with revenue expected to grow to $12.5 billion over the five years to 2018. Also, exports as a percentage of revenue are expected to grow. This trend largely reflects the relative health of foreign auto markets.

Industry sources expect the demand for replacement braking systems and parts will grow a modest 0.6% per year through 2018; while total motor vehicle registrations are forecast to grow 1.3% per year on average. In general, technological innovation has substantially improved brake performance and life, a trend that hurts the replacement aftermarket. Brake manufacturers will need to master producing

regenerative brakes and other fuel-efficient brake technologies to meet the demands of automakers as hybrid and electric vehicle production grows.

Industry players will need to aggressively realign their production capacity to produce the next generation of brake components at competitive prices. Generally, companies in this industry that survived cost cutting and consolidation during the Great Recession will be more profitable in the future. Over the next five years, the industry's structure is expected to become increasingly concentrated and globalized, with a handful of volume brake producers accounting for the majority of industry revenue. While changes in the brake product mix during the next five years will require capital investments, existing facilities can still provide sufficient capacity for expected vehicle demand. The number of brake manufacturing plants will grow only slightly over the next five years at an annualized rate of 2.3% to 254 locations. Some additional diversified auto parts suppliers are expected to divest themselves of brake manufacturing divisions to focus on more technologically intensive and profitable market segments. However, most of this has already occurred.

Automobi le Engine and Parts Manufacturing (MI share: 38.2%)

Companies in this industry manufacture motor-vehicle gasoline engines and related parts including valves, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, fuel injectors and pumps. This industry does not include hybrid engines, electric vehicle motors, or diesel engines. Revenue is expected to grow to $31.7 billion in the five years to 2018, jumpstarted by a 7.0% rise in 2014.


Concerns over climate change and aggressive fuel economy regulations are prompting large investments in alternative engine technologies and fuel-saving initiatives. For example, major players are introducing engines using turbochargers and lower cylinder counts to improve mileage. Despite these advances in traditional engine construction, consumers and manufacturers are increasingly looking to diesel, hybrid-electric and fully electric power train technologies. Regardless of the underlying technology, consumers are believed to be willing to pay more for fuel-efficient engines due to rising oil prices. Industry profit is expected to stabilize during the next five years as sales of advanced engines increase.

Hybrid and diesel vehicles have already established a steady presence in the automotive market; over the next five years, trends toward fuel-efficiency, clean emissions and frugality will increase these competing technologies' share of the overall vehicle market. More electric vehicle technologies will add to the threat against industry engine manufacturers. Counterbalancing are exports. Exports of engines are expected to climb during the five years to 2018. Exports are anticipated to rise over this period, reaching $7.3 billion of industry revenue by 2018.

The industry's downward spiral for employment opportunities will reverse during the next five years, but major companies will keep operations efficient and production costs minimal. Over the five years to 2018, the number of industry employees is expected to grow to about 49,000. Increasingly stringent fuel economy guidelines make reduced engine sizes and new technologies essential for automakers. Smaller, diesel and hybrid-electric engines will cause the industry to lose market share to external competitors over the next five years.

M o t o r V e h i c l e T r a n s m i s s i o n Manufacturing (MI share: 29.7%)

Entities in this industry manufacture motor vehicle (cars and light, medium and heavy-duty trucks) transmissions, parts for transmissions and powertrain parts. Industry products include clutches, gears, differentials and axle bearings. As with other automotive related activity, this industry suffered loses during the Great Recession but has seen growth the past few years. Demand from consumers for new vehicles is keeping production up, facilitating higher demand for transmissions and resulting in anticipated growth of 5.3% during 2013.

Over the next five years, transmission manufacturers will look to innovate products to complement fuel-efficient engines with enhanced vehicle performance. Industry operations will develop entire lines of automated transmission gearboxes intended to work well with high-efficiency engines as an example. Over the next five years, manufacturers will invest in similar technology to accommodate changing trends in automobile production. Renewed demand is expected to grow industry revenue to $40.2 billion by 2018.

Vehicle manufacturers are relying on their suppliers for design, research and development expertise and new products. This trend has resulted in significantly shorter product development cycles for supplier-engineered parts. However, suppliers face increased inherent risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims.

The worldwide automotive parts sector continues to consolidate as suppliers seek to continue to achieve operating synergies through business combinations, build stronger customer


relationships by following their customers as they expand globally, acquire complementary technologies, and shift production to locations. The need for suppliers to provide assemblers with single-point sourcing of integrated systems and modules on a global basis has also fueled industry consolidation. During the previous five years, the number of automobile transmission manufacturing establishments is reported to have fallen to just under 500 locations.

Tank & Armored Vehicle Manufacturing (MI share: 24.5%)

Included in this industry are producers of completed military armored vehicles, combat tanks, and also specialized parts for combat tanks such as self-propelled weapons.

The tank and armored vehicle manufacturing industry is expected to diminish over the coming year as the U.S. government and allied governments focus resources elsewhere. The industry will be negatively impacted by the ongoing withdrawal of U.S. troops internationally. Industry revenue is projected to be $7.2 billion in 2013.

The U.S. government is predicted to continue focusing on revitalizing consumer and business confidence lost during the economic downturn and as a result of budget cuts. Industry revenue is estimated to fall to $6.5 billion in the five years leading to 2018. Global demand for industry products will help reduce the impact on revenue by U.S. spending declines. Major industry participants are leveraging their international market power in an effort to secure contracts with foreign governments. Exports are projected to increase to $1.5 billion at over the five years leading up to 2018.

The Section that follows describes industries that aren’t necessarily “high impact” in that they are not among the industries that Michigan holds high shares, but are relevant to trends and potential market opportunities for the City of Wixom.

Restaurant and Hotel Equipment Wholesaling

Firms in this industry distribute, sell and repair commercial machines and equipment used in restaurants and stores. These products include cooking equipment, dishwashing equipment, balances and scales, soda fountains and food-service fixtures and signs. This industry excludes the wholesaling of refrigeration equipment. The industry's performance is driven by a number of factors, including the state of the economy and travel-related trends.

During the Great Recession, industry revenue declined as restaurants; and hotels made fewer capital improvements. However, beginning in 2010, the industry started recovering. During this recovery, the industry has posted continuous growth. The number of international arrivals into the United States is also expected to have increased in 2013.


Increased sales in these industries justified the need for capital improvements like kitchen expansions and equipment upgrades. The positive growth of consumer spending is forecast to continue over the five years to 2018.

During the five years to 2018, improving economic conditions will encourage hotel and restaurant operators to resume their expansion and growth plans, resulting in more hotel and restaurant equipment purchases. Restaurants will likely look to industry participants for technologically advanced, energy-efficient and multi-purpose kitchen products and equipment. These newer, automated products offer higher margins to hotel and restaurant equipment wholesalers; and as a result, industry revenue is forecast to increase to $28.6 billion by 2018.

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing

The industry produces equipment used to make semiconductors such as chips or integrated circuits. These include wafer-processing equipment, packaging equipment, semiconductor assembly, and other machinery that build semiconductors.

The industry is notoriously volatile. The demand for industry products depends on the conditions in semiconductor manufacturing, characterized by rapid technological change and demand for electronic products like TVs, computers and cell phones. Revenue fell sharply in 2008 and 2009. However, signs of a recovery in demand began to emerge in the second half of 2009. Even with increases since, industry revenue has fallen an estimated 7.4% since 2007. Exports account for a substantial share of revenue (an estimated 54.1% in 2013), making international trade a key for the industry. Global trade of industry goods also staggered as an effect of the recession.

The value of industry exports actually increased to $6.0 billion at an average annual rate of 3.5% from 2008 to 2013 despite the severe declines in export revenue over the period. Imports also fell sharply during the Great Recession. They have since recovered and account for an estimated 23.7% of domestic demand in 2013. The source of most of these imports is from the Netherlands and Japan, with major domestic export destinations being Taiwan and Korea. These countries also account for a substantial share of demand for downstream semiconductors. From 2013 to 2018, revenue growth is predicted to increase to $11.9 billion.

Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing

Manufacturers in this industry produce sawmill and woodworking machinery. This excludes handheld power tools however. Produced machinery include circular and band sawing equipment, band saws, circular saws, jigsaws, jointers, lathes, mortises, plain machinery, sanding machinery, power-driven bench and table saws and other woodworking machines. The industry's revenue is estimated at $590 million in 2013.

The number of woodworking machinery manufacturers declined from 2008 to 2013. This trend is projected to continue moving forward to 2018. In addition, from 2008 to 2013, employment in this industry decreased at an annualized rate of 10.7%. However, this trend is predicted to turn around from 2013 to 2018. On the other hand, employment will still not attain the level it was at prior to the recession. The difficulty in finding skilled labor will limit their ability to expand, especially as technology advances. As workers become more productive and efficient due to improved technology, there


is also a need for an increasingly technical and complex skill sets.

Industry revenue is projected to grow to $745 million from 2013 to 2018 as woodworking machinery manufacturers benefit as housing starts increase. However, the number of companies in the industry is projected to decline marginally from 2013 to 2018, as the increased revenue will not be enough to go back to pre-Great Recession levels.

Industrial Building Construction

The industry is made up of contractors that are primarily responsible for the construction and maintenance of industrial and manufacturing buildings. Establishments include general contractors, design-build firms and construct ion management operators . Overdevelopment and poor global economic conditions led to a drop in industry revenue in 2008. At the same time, credit conditions worsened, import activities increased and manufacturing capacity utilization declined.

Firms retained positive profit margins during the Great Recession by increasingly relying on subcontractors for construction projects. This trend helped firms reduce overhead and employment costs. Some firms were able to negotiate lower materials prices, reducing input costs. This strategy was most effective among larger firms. Industry sources estimate the number of operations in the industry to be roughly 2,000 firms in 2013.

Since loans and bonds finance most activity in the industry; interest rates, property values, and lending standards are important factors that influence industry growth. Industry revenue is estimated at $33.7 billion in 2013; based on growth over the past two to three years and continued low interest rates. In

addition, the rising trend in “on-shoring” as well as an increase in foreign demand for U.S. goods are also expected to boost industry growth. Industry revenues are projected to grow moderately over the next five years to $37.8 billion in 2018.

Commercial Building Construction

This industry includes operators associated with work on the construction such as additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs of office, retail, hotel, agricultural and entertainment buildings. Industry operators are usually general contractors or project managers. This industry does not include institutional buildings like hospitals, schools, and heavy industrial buildings like factories and power plants, or infrastructure like communications towers or oil pipelines.

The commercial building construction industry is one of the industries hit hardest during the Great Recession. During the Great Recession, there was little demand for new commercial space. Consequently, industry revenue is expected to have fallen to $190.5 billion in 2013. Fortunately, profit margins are expected to recover to 2.0% in 2013, a modest improvement with new demand for commercial construction and the regaining of pricing power.


Due to the length of construction contracts and the pipeline of projects the general contractors usually keep, commercial construction is typically a step behind the overall economy. High office vacancy rates will likely delay turnaround as will technological change that will impact retailing. Nevertheless, the improvement in the overall economy will drive some industry growth. Over the five years to 2018, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 7.5%, reaching $273.5 billion. However, declines could occur or growth cease again after this point as technology changes impact inventory needs for retail.

Copier and Office Equipment Wholesaling

The industry wholesales office machines and related equipment, with the exception of computers and computer peripherals. Manufacturers wholesale an array of office equipment including calculators, dictating machines, and mail machines. Manufacturers also wholesale automated teller machines (ATMs) and point-of-sale (POS) systems. However, the industry does not take account of the wholesaling of computers and computer software, office furniture, stationery or office supplies.

This industry has experienced tough conditions during the Great Recession. The Great Recession marked the steepest decline in revenue since 2002. In general, revenue is projected at $36.9 billion for 2013. Along with the weakened downstream demand, revenue for wholesalers has been stalled by the practice of wholesale bypass, in which manufacturers pass by wholesale distributors entirely and sell directly to retailers. For instance, point-of-sale (POS) equipment manufacturers such as Dell and NCR

Corporation are increasingly reliant on direct sales models leading to a decline in demand for operators. To offset this trend, industry players have found ways to cut costs to compensate wholesale bypassing, such as automating their inventory control processes.

Regardless of these efforts, industry revenue growth will continue to be constrained through 2018. Demand conditions are predicted to improve. The number of businesses and white-collar jobs are forecast to grow through 2018. In the five years to 2018, revenue is projected to increase to $37.2 billion.

IT Consulting

This industry’s businesses provide specific services to client companies, including writing, testing, and supporting custom software; planning and designing integrated hardware; software and communication infrastructure; and on-site management of computer systems and data processing facilities. This industry does not include packaged software publishers and off-site data processing and hosting services.

Since the industry requires low capital. As a result, most of the operators consist of small employment firms and independent contractors. Over the five years leading up to


2013, demand for all-inclusive consulting services consolidated through a rash of mergers and acquisitions among and by larger players, but with smaller, specialized companies still penetrating the industry. Consequently, the number of industry enterprises is growing at a slower rate than the number of establishments.

Even through the Great Recession, the industry grew by an average of 2.2% through 2013. Industry revenue is projected at $337.0 billion in 2013.

With the economic recovery, the improvement in business sentiment and corporate profit levels will push industry performance up. In 2018, industry revenue is projected to be $389.4 billion. Growing mergers and acquisitions in other industries will continue to stimulate demand for IT consultants; companies will require support in the integration of accounting, information storage and other systems. While competition among major players is expected to grow; more large multi-national hardware and software providers will penetrate the industry and price competition will likely escalate.

Industrial Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling

Those in this industry are primarily engaged in buying, stocking, and selling products for the manufacturing, extraction and warehousing industries, with the exception of the mining industry. New and used products are included as well as labor performed on customer equipment and service receipts from repairs. Industry operators do not sell products to the public.

Similar to most other wholesaling, the distributors of industrial machinery and equipment follows the overall trend of decline.

Yet, wholesalers in this industry are not copying the vertical and horizontal structural transformations in the manufacturing sector as a whole. Companies in this industry are trailing those in other countries decreasing the number of companies in the United States.

At the outset of 2013, demand from oil companies and food manufacturers primarily contributed to revenue. In 2013, total revenue is estimated $190.3 billion. Even with the recent recovery, these gains will not be able to bring back pre-Great Recession revenue levels. While renewed private investments into industrial machinery and equipment will help keep revenues up, with strong demand from the energy exploration and warehousing sectors being the foundation. Technological advances are also predicted to stimulate growth, especially with regard to more energy-efficient machinery and equipment. As a consequence, revenue is predicted to increase to an estimated $204.0 billion in 2018.

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing

Businesses in this industry produce power-operated tools used for finishing or shaping metal parts used to produce other machines. Products manufactured in this industry include coil handling equipment, metal cutting tools, special dies, and wire drawing and fabricating machines. However, operations that manufacture power tools and other general purpose machinery accessories are excluded.

A key source of demand for metalworking products are machine shops. Industry operators produce tools and equipment that downstream manufacturers like the motor vehicle parts industry use. Revenue is estimated to be $29.9 billion in 2013. It is expected to


return to a growth mode.

Competition from cheaper imports and the Great Recession has nevertheless impacted domestic manufacturers, lowering the number of operators to roughly 6,500. Operators are less likely to hire new employees in the future than in the past as employees become more productive and efficient.

The industry is expected to experience moderate growth in the five years to 2018. Renewed investment in the mining and energy divisions will be driven by high demand from Asian markets and the rising prices of inputs. This in turn will sustain and support demand for industry products that manufacture related equipment. Assuming the global economy continues to improve, industry revenue is projected to increase to $32.1 billion by 2018.

Laboratory Supply Wholesaling

This industry distributes laboratory, scientific and school equipment and instruments and supplies with the exception of medical, hospital, vision and dental equipment and supplies.

The laboratory supply wholesaling industry's revenue experienced a drop during the “Great Recession;” but it recovered quickly. The quick recovery can be attributed to how closely revenue follows demand from scientists and laboratories. Though new equipment is not essential, it may facilitate and supplement research projects. Average annual revenue growth of the five previous years was estimated at 1.6%. This includes a 5.5% increase in 2013. Total 2013 revenues are expected to be $22.1 billion.

Restructuring activities are predicted to restart in 2013. Competition from online

retailers and the costs associated with mergers and acquisitions will probably negatively impact industry operators and their profits over the next five years. Restructuring and consolidation efforts are expected to reduce the number of industry firms to 1,766 by 2018. Industry performance may be hurt by cut backs on education funding. However and as a result of recovering demand in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; the cuts in education funding will be more than compensated. Industry revenue is estimated to grow to $25.6 billion by 2018.

Medical Supplies Wholesaling

Operations in this industry procure medical and surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies from suppliers. Once procured, these items are delivered to clinics, hospitals, and medical and dental professionals. Not included are operations distributing to ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometrists.

The medical supplies wholesaling industry has experienced strong revenue growth in the five years leading up to 2013. The primary factors driving the industry are increased health concerns, improving or maintaining health, and the aging of the population. Also, the number of non-elective procedures carried out domestically has increased.


Devices that the senior population uses, such as neurological and cardiovascular products, are predicted to exhibit strong sales growth. Industry revenue is estimated to total $157.4 in 2013. Profit margins have largely remained stable over the past five years.

Industry revenue is projected to grow to $199.1 billion by 2018. Revenue is predicted to rise as healthcare providers begin investing in the new equipment delayed by the Great Recession. The restructuring of medical device manufacturers will prompt wholesalers to merge. Although larger company structures will help reduce costs, industry profitability is still expected to suffer.

Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturing

The ups and downs of this industry closely parallel the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole. Manufacturers of this industry have increasingly off-shored their production operations to take advantage of lower costs and other benefits. Producers of plastics and rubber have been following their downstream customers overseas to be near their markets. Consequently, the number of industry participants has been decreasing.

Over the past five years, demand from the global markets has accounted for most of the plastics and rubber machinery industry revenue. The manufacturing capacity of both Taiwan and Korea has failed to match demand. U.S. manufacturers of industrial machinery have stepped in to fill this void and encourage new international trade activity.

Over the five years to 2013, industry revenue is expected to have declined at an annualized rate of 3.1%. This includes a 7.4% gain

in 2013. Estimates of revenues are about $3.6 billion in 2013. The Industry revenue gains in 2013 are driven by strong and steady export sales, renewed demand from U.S. markets, and increasing investment in new machinery. Industry profits are projected to increase. Industry revenue is estimated to be $4.5 billion in 2018. This represents an average annual growth rate of 4.3%.

Printing, Paper, Food, Textile & Other Machinery Manufacturing

Instead of a single industry, this manufacturing is more like an assortment of five industries making machinery for food, printing, paper, textile and other industries. For each of these industries, demand depends wholly upon activity in the respective markets. The price of steel and the value of the dollar both have a major impact on all these industries to a certain extent.

During the Great Recession, textile manufacturing industries suffered the largest drop in demand due to import competition and domestic apparel manufacturing outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs. On the other hand, demand for food processing equipment has risen, being driven by the changing eating habits and global demand for food.

The industry is predicted to continue its recovery from the Great Recession. Exports are expected to be a main factor behind growing revenue over the next five years. Increased economic activity will encourage manufacturers to expand production capability through machinery acquisition. Mounting consumer demand, increasing exports, and higher business confidence are predicted to grow revenue to an estimated $26.9 billion by the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018.


Gym, Health, and Fitness Clubs

The gym, health, and fitness club industry consists of fitness and recreational sports facilities that offer exercise and other physical conditioning or recreational sports activities. These activities include swimming, skating, or racquet sports. Entities are also involved in the management of facilities and fitness instruction.

This industry has benefited immensely from marketing campaigns aimed at growing consumer trends for fighting obesity and improving health. Over the past ten years, gym memberships have grown significantly from 46.4 million in 2003 to more than 52.6 million by 2013. Demand for fitness activities soared, and industry operators have expanded establishments in both size and number to capitalize on this growth. Additionally, the industry has introduced small-scale gyms and women-oriented gyms to diversify and expand customer base.

Impacted by the Great Recession, demand for gym and health clubs weakened. However, compared with other industries, the gym, health and fitness clubs industry has remained notably strong. Gyms and health clubs have widened their markets in order to maintain membership count throughout the Great Recession's aftermath. Small-budget gyms with fewer amenities benefitted during the downturn due to their lower cost advantage over more expensive, all-inclusive clubs. Overall, industry revenue is estimated $25.9 billion for 2013.

The industry will benefit greatly in the next five years thanks to the growing youth and "baby boomer" memberships. Revenue is projected to increase at an average annual rate of 2.9% to $29.9 billion by 2018. Membership growth will continue to outpace population growth. The industry will likely transition

back toward larger and all-inclusive clubs. Total health club membership is estimated to reach $58.2 million in 2018.

Screw, Nut and Bolt Manufacturing

Manufacturers in this industry produce metal fastening products split into two groups based on mass production or custom use. Metal bolt, nut, screw, rivet, washer and other industrial fastening products are manufactured to an industry standard and are intended for a wide market. Precision fastening products are custom made exclusively for a project or customer.

The screw, nut and bolt manufacturing industry experienced slowed productivity, growing demand for imports, and increasing competition in the five years to 2013. Increased production in 2013 is expected to increase profit margins to 5.8% of revenue. However, recent positive trends are not sufficient to grow revenues. Industry revenues are projected at $26.5 billion.

The industry’s revenue relies on both the manufacturer and construction markets. Higher production levels will result in market growth over the next five years. However, increasing external pressures may counter this growth. This can occur when globalization causes domestic demand for cheaper imports to grow. Industry manufacturers will progressively shift toward precision turned products in an effort to counter increasing imports. Foreign companies have not yet entered this specialized segment so it presents a potential for the industry. Industry revenue is projected to grow to $28.0 billion by 2018.

Automobile Interior Manufacturing

Operations in this industry manufacture


and produce automobile seats and a range of interior components, including automobile upholstery, seat covers, and seat belts.

The automobile interior manufacturing industry has always been driven by the demand of major automakers. Consequently, with the onset of the Great Recession, this relationship also became this industry's downfall. When demand for automobiles faltered, demand for interior components also suffered. Revenue is projected to be $19.5 billion in 2013.

Profit margins will likely return to normal by 2018 due to the increased expenditure on expansion and price pressures from downstream motor vehicle manufacturers. Domestic operators will thus likely reap the benefits of a rising global demand for industry products. Revenue is estimated to rise to $21.8 billion in 2018.

Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment Manufacturing

Industry operators include those that manufacture commercial heating, industrial heating, residential heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment. Industry revenue includes the receipts for resale of products, contract work, and receipts for repairs, scrap and refuse sales. Excluded are air conditioning units in automobiles.

The heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturing industry has begun to recover from the Great Recession. Demand for industry products comes primarily from the food service, wholesaling, and construction sectors. There is a trend toward outsourcing to third party warehouses in wholesaling that has encouraged growth.

Revenue is expected to grow to an estimated $43.6 billion total in 2013. By 2014, sales are predicted to return to pre-recession levels, attributed largely to the growth in exports and revitalized construction activity in the residential and commercial markets. A potential opportunity for the industry lies in the trend towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning units. Industry revenue is estimated to reach $48.3 billion in 2018.

Automobile Electronics Manufacturing

Companies in this industry manufacture automobile parts that control electric currents. Industry operators include manufacturers of lighting systems, electronic ignition systems, driver displays, electrical wiring, electrical control units, and sensors. Electric motor manufacturers are not included.

Industry revenue is expected to grow to $17.9 billion in 2013. The stronger economic climate in 2013 will contribute to industry growth as demand for automobiles rise. Profit margins are expected to increase to 3.3% in 2013 as companies benefit from increased streamlined operations. Positive trends are estimated to drive revenue to $20.4 billion in 2018.


Barbeque and Grill Manufacturing

The State of Michigan produces 3% of the nation’s total barbeques and outdoor grills. Both employment and revenues declined significantly during the Great Recession. Both the Great Recession and off-shoring have contributed to its decline.

The business is dominated by gas grills (57%). Gas gill production is followed by charcoal grills (41.1%) and electric grills (1.9%). As the world price for steel fluctuates, so does the cost of production. Domestic production is predicted to focus on high-end grills as imported products dominate the lower price end of the scale.

The major players are Weber and Electrolux with manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Others, such as WC Bradley and Char Broil, have moved their manufacturing elsewhere, Industry reports determined imports have increased to almost 60% of the market. Globally the business has expanded with Electrolux based in Sweden having increased its market share in the past 5 years and major U.S. companies, such as Weber-Stephen, having enlarged their foreign market sales.

There has also been a lack of technology development and innovation in the industry. While grilling remains a favorite American pastime and entertaining option, expansion through exporting is a major recognized growth strategy.

Washer & Dryer Manufacturing

This industry sector manufactures household products. Michigan-based entities hold a 10% market share in the U.S.; while the entire Great Lakes’ region has a 60% share. The major products include: dryers, front-load and top-load

washers, parts and accessories.

The typical buyers/sellers include television and appliance wholesale stores, home Improvement stores, warehouse clubs and supercenters. Market segment estimates for 2013 indicate that retailers represent 64.5% of the sales, exports 20.2%, wholesalers 9.1%, and direct sales, 6.2%.

Demand contracted between 2008 and 2013, directly impacted by the lack of new housing construction. 2013 is anticipated to provide a modest 1.6% revenue increase as the housing market recovers. In the next five years, anticipated revenue growth is estimated at 2.8% annually. During the recession years, the low-cost imports gained acceptance; and the U.S market focused on premium markets. Large, multi-national manufacturers dominate the industry, including General Electric Company, Whirlpool Corporation, AB Electrolux (Sweden) and LG Electronics (South Korea).

Profit margins fluctuate due to manufacturing materials costs and the ability to restructure operations through greater use of robotic computer systems and other machinery to improve manufacturing eff iciency. These advancements are incremental, improving existing products rather than developing new technologies.

Pressure Sensor Manufacturing

Companies in this industry manufacture devices that measure fluid, gas and mechanical pressure in a broad range of industrial process control applications. Key markets include automotive (63.3%) and medical device (12.7%) manufacturing; oil and gas (14.9%) exploration and shipping; and electronics, HVAC, military


and aerospace industries (3.9%). Michigan’s national manufacturing share of business is 6.2%, which is the highest in the Great Lakes’ region (18.5%). California ranks highest in the U.S.

Recent technological advancements, such as the application of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensors, have improved microprocessor and electrical components that allow for greater functionality and efficiency in a smaller, more cost-effective design (micro and nano-dimensions). This has been a key driver of growth in the automotive and medical device manufacturing markets. The same demand for more sophisticated technology abroad is a key driver of the industry’s revenue growth.

These same technological advances have reduced the industry’s demand for labor. However, the need for highly-skilled research and development staff is critical as technology advances; and there is a need for ever-increasing usage applications.

Rising demand for pressure sensors in new and existing manufacturing markets is expected to experience considerable industry growth 2013-2018, averaging 4.1% annually. Domestically increased industrial production activity will drive demand; while rising consumption and car ownership in the Asia Pacific region will further boost demand for exports. However, the exports will likely be more than offset by increased imports through 2018. As a result of the increased imported products, the number of U.S. companies is expected to be reduced by about 5% by 2018.

Within the marketplace, Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany) is the largest manufacturer with 12% of market share. This company is followed by Denso (Japan) at 8.5%, Sensata

Technologies (U.S.) at 8%; and GE (U.S.) at 7%. The balance is highly fragmented due to the wide range of applications of pressure sensors.

Software Testing Services

This industry provides software testing for performance, stability, usability and security functions in the development process. Manual functional testing represents 65% of the market. In the past five years, industry providers have added secondary services, such as strategy consulting and project management. Software publishers, video game software publishers and movie/video production companies all need these testing services. Within this market segment, media and communications are the highest users. This is currently a weak business sector for the Great Lakes region; and Michigan has just a 2.2% share of the national market.

Within the global economy, demand for new software has brought steady growth. Most of the industry’s growth has been in India which is anticipated to account for more than half of the global testing industry by 2020. A contributing factor to India’s anticipated dominance is “cloud-based testing.” Expanding broadband connections, which has risen at a 17.5% annual rate, has led to the burgeoning cloud-based testing service.” India’s software industry accounted for 32% of the global industry’s revenue in 2010. The industry requires highly-skilled technicians.

Medical Group Practice Management

The industry comprises medical groups of individual physicians and group practices providing business management, facilities management, records keeping and personnel. Included are family practices services (9.9%),


internal medicine services (8.4%), pediatric services (5.2%), diagnostic radiology services (4.4%), obstetrics/gynecology services (4.2%), and all others (67.9%).

With the increase of operating costs, rising healthcare costs, medical errors, changes in payment systems and reimbursement pressures; many individual practices are joining larger practices and medical groups. As this change has occurred, the group practice management industry has as well. Its industry revenue has risen at an annualized rate of 5.8% during the past 5 years and is expected to grow by 6.9% in 2013.

Many provisions of healthcare reform, including health insurance exchanges, bundled payments and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), are expected to benefit the industry and will encourage further integration among healthcare providers and payers. Electronic health records (EHR) will increase public and private spending on activities that promote health and prevent disease. Additional demand will be created by the population as it ages. An annual increase of 6% to 2018 is forecasted, driven by healthcare reform and the aging demographics. Highly-skilled trained technicians are required.

Practice Management suppliers provide services for health and welfare funds, home care providers, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and nursing care facilities. Within the industry Kaiser Permanente leads with less than 1% of the marketplace, followed by Cleveland Clinic which has a lesser share of less than 1%. The key success factors for groups is their proximity to key markets, an understanding of government policies, a loyal customer base, effective product promotion and a full range of goods/services. Maintaining pace with technological advancements, the group management industry

has significantly upgraded computerized systems for electronic medical records and financial/administrative information, as well as an extensive range of medical equipment and drugs that enable tests to be performed quickly, delivering results to doctors and patients. These efficiencies are rapidly being integrated into the practices.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Many industrial and manufacturing businesses in Wixom have been related to the auto industry and a variety of others providing parts, electronic systems and other products and services including, but not limited to:

Design, measurement and visualization measurement technologies for metrology applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy and medical industries.

Waterjet productivity, design, measurement and visualization technologies.

Specialized chemical manufacturing and process industry in the metalworking fluids arena, including: industrial coolants, cleaners, forming compounds, surface treatment chemicals and exotic/ conventional plant lubricants.

Engineered, mechanical assemblies to the automotive, furniture and multi-use vehicle markets.

Manufactured molded polyurethane foam products and assemblies.

Manufactured spark plugs.

Consumer packaging high-impact retail displays and packaging supply chain management, industrial converted tubes and cores and reels for the wire and cable industry and uncoated recycled paperboard.


Advanced composites produced from carbon fiber to glass and from thermoset to thermoplastic.

Digital metrology that scans, measures and manipulates dimensional data within any space from breadbox to boxcar, creating new engineering plans and ensuring custom fit.

Single-use products for the foodservice, retail, and food packaging industries.

Electronic control unit development’s products providing solutions for vehicle manufacturers, testers, calibrators, and suppliers.

Heat treat furnace systems suitable for various industries including aerospace, agricultural equipment, aluminum foundry and forging, appliance, automotive, bearing, ceramics and glass, construction, marine, mining, and oil and wind energy.

Precision machining providing precision machining, fixtures, gauges and, custom fasteners.

Manufacturer, importer, and distributor of towing system products.

Ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, energy, automotive/diesel, and commercial applications. Advanced ceramic solutions for applications in automotive/engine, oil and gas, nuclear power, solar, industrial, medical, electronic and defense industries.

Significant scientific and technological achievements have been made as a result of research and development in many industries. However, continued research is critical. The following summarizes identified opportunities in the research arena associated with existing Wixom operations and products, evolution of

products, or adjunct or new product development employing potential skill sets associated with those that already exist.

Nano-scale Technology and Materials

Nano-technologies are at the forefront of progressive enhancements and improvements of existing products and services.

Nano-scale materials add strength to consumer’s everyday products including plastics while making them lightweight. They also make fabrics water-and stain-resistant. Almost every electronic device made in the last decade uses some nano-materials, including today’s most advanced computer chips. Some pharmaceutical products have been reformulated with nano-sized particles to improve their performance.

Nano-technology has the potential to transform aerospace, agriculture, information technology, national defense, transportation and many other sectors. The next generation of nano-materials will be stronger, lighter and more durable than the materials used today in buildings, bridges, airplanes and automobiles. The technology holds great promise for developing revolutionary tools to create a more energy efficient world through fuel cells, batteries and solar panels. The technology can provide solutions for cleaning contaminated soil and water; and it will play a critical role in transforming medicine and health care.

Nano-composites enhance the properties of thermoplastic resins, making them tougher or more heat, dent- and scratch-resistant, and can be processed using the same equipment and methods as "traditional" resins. The technology brings products that would have been impossible with macro-sized materials. Examples are postage-stamp sized memory chips


capable of holding 25 DVDs' worth of data, or completely scratch-resistant auto body paints.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s manufacturing processes and applications are intended to accelerate commercial use of nano-materials including, but not limited to those that follow.

Nano-sensors for thermal management.

Energy savings and energy producing products.

Modular hybrid plasma reactor and process for low cost nano-particle production.

Filled carbon nano-tubes (superior latent heat storage enhancers).

Synthesis of highly ordered TiO2 nano-tubes using ionic liquids for photovoltaics applications.

Microwaves and beam activation of nano-structured catalysts for environmentally friendly energy-efficient heavy crude processing.

Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing is advancing the tool and die industry, which is the primary existing business sector in Wixom. Many business professionals use the terms “additive manu fac tur ing” and “3D pr in t ing” interchangeably. Additive manufacturing is receiving unprecedented attention from the mainstream media, investment community, and national governments around the world. This attention reached a pinnacle when 3D printing was mentioned by President Obama in his February 2013 State of the Union address.

Additive manufacturing is a breakthrough production technology that enables functional

end-products or product feathers to be grown from materials such as conductive inks and metal powders in a layer-wise manner. The approach is inherently more efficient and flexible than subtractive manufacturing methods; and the benefits are compelling in terms of reduced manufacturing and material costs, reduced process time, reduced environmental impact and improved product performance.

Rep l a c i n g twen t i e t h c en t u r y manufacturing tool and die methodologies, researchers are developing a high-volume process for manufacturing superhdrophobic (SHP) nano-structured surfaces to enhance water repellency, boiling heat transfer and condensation heat transfer. The image transfer can be achieved via plastic injection molding, stamping, forging, dye-casting and pressing. Hydrophobic or water repelling surfaces are increasingly important in applications to reduce corrosion, drag, biofouling and other undesirable effects of water exposure.

Additive manufacturing technologies encompass laser melting and injection molding technologies. Laser melting process is an emerging manufacturing technology with a presence in the medical (orthopedics) industry as well as the aerospace and high technology

3-D Printer (Image from Stratasys)


engineering and electronics sectors. Laser melting is a digitally driven additive manufacturing process using focused laser energy to fuse metallic powders into 3D objects. Injection molding machines are suited to either short series production using resin tooling or volume production of small shot components less than 12 grams, depending on the model chosen.

Development of complex and high-value metal parts made by additive manufacturing is also evolving. Corporate owner GE has announced its intention to produce fuel injector assemblies for its next-generation LEAP jet engine by additive manufacturing. The company’s aviation division also plans to use 3D printing to produce the titanium leading edges for the LEAP engine’s fan blades.

European companies are leading the way in manufacturing of metal powder bed fusion systems used in dental copings. A coping is the metal structure for dental crowns and bridges. Acetabular (hip) cups have been manufactured using electron beam melting powder bed fusion systems. These are standard, off-the-shelf products that come in a range of sizes. More than 30,000 of these parts have been implanted into patients.

Other companies are focused on the accessibility and rapid adoption of desktop 3D printers. There are now significant collections of downloadable digital designs for making physical objects. The app numbers are expected to grow exponentially. Products and apps are increasingly used by professionals, including engineers, designers, and architects, and by manufacturers, entrepreneurs and individuals, including for personal applications.

Ultra-precision Machinery Development and Manufacturing

Development of machinery is an additional opportunity area, including ultra-precision machinery for diamond turning and deterministic grinding systems and glass press molding equipment in the production of advanced plano, spherical, aspheric, conformal, and freeform optics. Sectors primarily include consumer electronics, defense, aerospace, lighting, medical, and automotive.

Alternative Energy, Composites and Polymers

Evolutionary changes are occurring with continued research into battery storage, fuel cells, wind turbines, solar panels and others. The tech related research and nano-material development has implications to the potential in alternative energy related research and product development as well. Materials can be used in coatings, batteries (storage), fuel cell electrodes, and anti-reflection coatings for highly efficient crystalline silicon solar cells, include, but are not limited to those that follow.

Quantum Dot Structures (solid-state lighting applications, photovoltaics).

Architecture nano-membranes for in-situ energy conversion technologies including fuel cells, solar cells, catalytic membrane reactor and thermoelectric devices.

Filled carbon nano-tubes (CNT), used as latent heat storage enhancers focusing on high-rate heat transfer and thermal energy storage.

Infrared (IR) absorbing nano-particles to reduce cure temperatures of industrial coating at laboratory scale.


Synthesis of Highly Ordered TiO2 nano-tubes using ionic liquids for photovoltaic (PV) applications and increased light absorbance for UV light, visible and infrared light and double the photo-current density in water splitting. Potential applications include TiO2-polymer hybrid cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, de-sensitized solar cells, DSSC, water s p l i t t i n g , wa s t e de compos i t i on , photocatalysis and gas sensoring.

Nano-structured superhydrophobic (SH) coatings. Silica-based coatings substantially reduce friction between water and a given substrate’s surface, resulting in surfaces that are more water-repellent and durable than anything found in nature.

Large-scale manufacturing of nano-particulate-based lubrication additives.

Boron-based nano-particulate lubrication additives can drastically lower friction and wear in a wide range of industrial and transportation applications. Improved lubricant performance plays a vital role in extending machine life, augmenting performance, reducing friction and wear and preventing component failure.

Thermally stable, polycrystalline diamond/silicon carbide nano-composites for drill bits and multiple industrial functions: drilling, mining, cutting and grinding. The composites have superior wear resistance and offer superb hardness, enhanced yield strength comparable to that of a diamond and a 200% improvement in fracture toughness.

Nano-structured solar cells, using a monolayer of organic dye to harvest solar energy, can be manufactured using low-temperature and low-energy processes. Project development will scale-up the size of the nano-structured photovoltaic devices by

a factor of 100x, while maintaining power efficiencies above 5%.

Industrial-grade coolants’ thermal properties are improved by nano-fluids. The thermal properties are made possible by suspending nano-meter-sized particles (such as silicon carbide) in conventional heat transfer fluids (such as water or ethylene glycol). The result can be an improved chemistry to scale-up from one liter to the pillow-production scale of 100 liters.

Mesoporous Catalytic Solid (MSC) nano-particles are being used to develop microalgae-produced biodiesel fuel ultimately leading to commercial scale production. This MSC approach speeds up the reaction requires less thermal input, uses less water and eases recovery and reuse. The benefit is the delivery of biodiesels with a cetane number that is optimal for engine performance; while ensuring at least an 80% microalgae cell survival rate, as sharp contrast to the current extraction methods that result in 100% microalgae cell death.

Nanostructured techniques, materials and devices are in development to provide low-cost production of high-efficiency organic/h y b r i d p h o t o v o l t a i c ( P V ) a n d Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells which are relatively easy to manufacture at high throughputs.

Composites and polymers have applications to many industries, including a significant number of existing Wixom businesses that can participate in and take advantage of the rapidly advancing technologies in this sector. The following are examples of research activity.

The University of Dayton Research Institute/ Materials and Manufacturing Directorate’s researchers work has developed polymer


nano-composite materials capable of carrying or dissipating significant electrical charges. Electrically conductive polymer nano-composite materials offer substantial weight savings, flexibility, durability, low-temperature processability and tailored reproducible conductivity compared to conductive metal-filled systems. Applications could include conductive paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, adhesives, fibers, thin films, thick sheets and tubes for use the in aerospace, automotive and chemical industry markets.

SPI, which is the Plastics Industry Association, noted developments produced by a collaboration of universities working with the U.S. National Laboratory System. Nano-composites are Nano-clays or nano-carbon fillers, in a polymeric matrix. Nano-scale reinforcing materials are used in a variety of thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene and nylon. Nano-composites outperform standard f i l lers and reinforcements in raising heat resistance, dimensional stability, stiffness, flame retardancy and electrical conductivity.

U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program has developed nano-structures super-hydrophobic (SH) powders which cause water to bead off surfaces, resulting in surfaces that are non-wetting and water-repelling. The SH powders create oxide-based powders so each powder grain is both porous and nano-textured. This enables the grains to trap a layer of air on the coating’s surface, making the powders remarkably water repellent. They reduce the frictional forces and can potentially result in major energy savings. They may also help

reduce rusting in steel and have the potential to impede algae grown on surfaces of water transportation systems, potentially decreasing maintenance costs. They will also provide resistance to wetting and ice formation for telephone and high voltage power cable lines. The technology is patented and licensed to VeloxFlow.

UMASS at Lowell’s Nano-manufacturing Center is developing high-rate, environmentally benign nano-manufacturing techniques, ensuring rapid transfer of nano-technology discoveries to industry. Its polymer based nano-material’s sensing and metrology application areas are for flexible electronics, sensors, structures, energy and nano-medicine. UMass Lowell has extended its research to include: synthesis of novel polymeric materials; manufacturing of nano-composites; co-extrusion of nano-layered films; electro-spinning; and molding and imprinting of micro and nano-structured surfaces.

Industry publication, Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2013 reported the private company Optomec’s research in metal, ceramic, and carbon nano-materials have been incorporated into additive manufacturing, Its systems can deposit materials directly onto 3D surfaces enabling printed electronics devices such as conformal antennae, sensors, passives and active components and interconnects. Defense-oriented printed electronic applications currently in development include solder free electronics, high efficiency solid oxide fuel cells, conformal antennae, and sensors and circuitry printed directly on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) structures.

Optomec’s Aerosol Jet Systems utilize additive manufacturing technology to


fabricate, enhance and repair electronic circuitry directly from CAD data. The Aerosol Jet systems print functional electronics from a wide variety of state-of-the art materials, such as nano-particle inks, dielectrics, conductive adhesives and etch materials. The system can produce high resolution features as small as 10 microns or deposit wide area films as thin as 100 nanometers on a variety of substrates including 3D surfaces. Unlike other deposition processes such as ink jet or screen printing, the Aerosol jet process is gas based, which enables material to flow through the system without contacting internal mechanisms. The Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory is also utilizing Optomec printed electronics systems to develop next generation high efficiency solar cells.

Reinshaw Inc’s additive manufacturing technologies also include vacuum casting, which is primarily used to produce high quality prototypes in a range of polyurethane (PU) resins that mimic the performance of engineering polymers. It is also possible to cast nylon and create wax masters for the lost wax investment casting process.

NanoTech Industries has created the first-ever modified hybrid polyurethane (PU) manufactured without using hazardous isocyanates at any point in the production process. Green Polyurethane™ is a potential replacement for current polyurethanes that use isocyanates in their production, especially those that leave post-reaction free isocyanates in aerosolized forms, such as foams and coatings. Green Polyurethane's™ unique formulation combines the best mechanical properties of polyurethane and chemical resistance properties of epoxy

binders. Isocyanates are hazardous and considered a potential human carcinogen. Exposure is known to cause irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Prolonged exposure has been known to cause severe asthma and even death.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) “Spectrum” newsletter reported the approach to integrating silicon within graphene has involved building a semiconducting or an insulating buffer between graphene and a metallic substrate. Metal silicides, a compound of silicon with a more electropositive element, are used extensively in applications including complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, thin film coatings and photovoltaics as interconnects and barriers. The researchers determined the unique properties of graphene making it so attractive in the first place are largely maintained. They believe the research has demonstrated a way to integrate graphene into current metal silicide technologies. It seems the main benefit is to give the structure a new resistance to oxidation.

Water Jet Cutting

"Water jet cutting" is not a new technology but is being used in new ways, There are new advantages from water jet cutting now that mitigate previous health and safety issues of the harmful fumes given off by laser cutting that have made it difficult for the laser companies to actually machine most plastics. The process allows for “nesting” of items on a sheet proving it’s very cost effective with very little waste. There is also the bonus of “no heat” produced during the machining so the plastics are not


affected or changed. The following are some examples.

NJIT, New Jersey's Science and Technology University registered U.S. patent number 8,459,078 entitled “System and Method for Forming of Tubular Parts” which discloses a method for using propellant driven water. It involves a combustion chamber generating gas to drive water through a tubular part with sufficient force to mold the part into the form provided by the die surrounding the high tensile strength alloy work piece. One mechanism applies water jet technology for the cleaning operations used in the electronics industry and other applications included a chemical-free method for precision cleaning of metals and ceramics as well as a cleaning system for pharmaceutical reactors. The work received support from federal agencies including several grants from the National Science Foundation to develop "green" water-based machining technology. Manufactured items were "finished" by removing extraneous material with ultra, high-speed water slugs, delivered through a nozzle. The process requires only minimal water consumption and generates little debris and almost no emissions. Other applications included a method for extinguishing fires by removing oxygen, high speed drilling through underground concrete barriers, and an

improved method for building demolition.

Precision Engineering Research Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported the true preloaded kinematic constraint between parts to be pinned together can be obtained by treating the pins themselves as components of the assembly, then properly constraining the pins against appropriate rigid surfaces, and then preloading them against those surfaces with flexural elements. This method is particularly useful for assembling plates containing flexures cut using an abrasive water jet. An abrasive water jet cut part can be 1/3-1/4 of the cost of an electrical discharge machining wire cut flexure. Further cost reduction can be achieved and the taper created can be mitigated using new alignment methods. Thinner parts can be cut which saves cutting time and costs. Cutting two 12 mm thick parts and then accurately aligning them reduces the total machining time by 40% when compared to machining a 24 mm thick part. Cutting thinner parts reduces the taper generated by the water jet. The two plates can be assembled back-to-back.

Rocket Injector, Liquid-oxygen/Gaseous Hydrogen

Rocket injector, liquid-oxygen/gaseous hydrogen is a highly specialized field, one in which two existing Wixom companies can explore for business expansion and or diversification. The following example is provided.

Aerojet Rocketdyne, working in partnership with NASA, successfully completed a series of hot-fire tests on a liquid-oxygen/gaseous hydrogen rocket injector assembly built using

Waterjet cutting machine (Image by Flow Water Jet)


additive manufacturing technology. This testing, in cooperation with NASA Glenn Research Center under a Space Act Agreement, was a key step in the development and certification of the integrated manufacturing process, analysis and design tool, and component technologies required to implement Selective Laser Melting (SLM) for highly critical rocket engine components. The hot-fire test required significant material design data deve lopment f rom the add i t i ve manufacturing/3D printing process to ensure adequate factors of safety and reliability. This injector was designed by the company’s engineers to reduce manufacturing lead time from more than a year to just a few months, resulting in potential cost savings of more than 70% compared to traditional manufacturing processes.

Drone Development

One of the most significant growth industries in the country that would fit with Wixom activity and labor pool would be drone manufacturing. While most people think of drones as unmanned aircraft utilized by the military for surveillance or attach purposes; they are being utilized and deployed by both the public and private sector in many ways. Furthermore, the size of the drones vary significantly as do the materials utilized. They can and are as small as insects in some cases.

In fact:

Local government police forces are utilizing drones now throughout many communities around the country.

Mapping companies are utilizing them for high resolution photography purposes.

They are being used in the Florida Keys to track areas of mosquito larvae concentration.

They are being employed to gain knowledge of wildfire movements.

The agriculture industry is increasing utilizing the drones to follow potential migrations of pests and disease.

This year they will be employed to assist with defining the strength, wind speeds, paths and other factors associated with tropical storms.

They are being used to locate distressed or lost hikers in mountain and forest areas.

They are being employed to track reforest generation success.

By the end of 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration will issue draft rules regulating the use of drones under 55 pounds in United States airspace. However, devices will be in the air by then. Major companies, such as Amazon, Google and United Parcel Service are testing drones for delivery and other purposes already. The amount of research, production and other related activity associated with this emerging "vehicle" can be argued to grow exponentially in the foreseeable future. The commercial drone market is expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2022.



(4) DEMAND FORECAST

COMMUNITY SURVEY

To facilitate realistic projections of market opportunities, an online survey of Wixom and surrounding area residents was conducted. Information was gathered on the demographic characteristics, purchasing patterns otherwise not available, exportation of dollars from Wixom to other areas, and some attitudes with respect to future activity. The current spending is used to forecast future spending, with growth in revenues or sales and related supportable space derived from growth in the market. Theoretically, none of the growth in revenues or sales indicated is extracted from any existing operation. The following is also noted:

All survey methodologies, including those employed by the U. S. Census Bureau, have inherent biases. Online surveys have a tendency to be biased toward higher income households and those without pre-school aged children.

The demand forecast considers:

1. Community survey

2. Local trends affecting demand

3. Housing units and household estimates

4. Retail goods and related services sales and supportable square footage of space

5. Entertainment spending

6. Demand-generated office space

7. Demand-generated industrial space

8. Redevelopment Opportunities

The Demand Forecast provides information on other economic development

opportunities that may serve to enhance quality of life for residents as well as attract

and retain businesses. The analyses that follow show the demand for a variety of goods,

services, and entertainment, as well as office and industrial space. The City is fortunate to have

several sites ready for redevelopment that may help fill the demand as outlined in this chapter.


Grocery shopping is used as a surrogate for convenience shopping in general; while apparel shopping is used for non-convenience shopping.

Food for home consumption is generally purchased from supermarkets or box operations containing food space.

People also purchase food from food service establishments. There is a relationship between the type of food service establishment and the typical price of the meal.

There are certain forms of entertainment and recreation which are often associated with food consumption.

Regardless of income, most households spend the majority of the income on three basic commodities. These are food, housing and transportation.

The following is salient information derived from the survey of residents utilized, with modifications to account for biases associated with this form of survey, in the formulation of demand forecasts.

Table 1 - Number Living in Household* Number Percent

1 8.5%

2 45.7%

3 10.6%

4 24.5%

5 7.4%

6 or more 3.2%

*Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

More than one-half of the survey respondents reside in households containing one to two members. About one-third of the households have three or four members.

Table 2 - Number Having Youth under the Age of Six*

Number Percent

0 83.9%

1 8.0%

2 5.7%

3 2.3%

4 or more 0.0%


About eight out of ten households do not have pre-school age children. (Pre-school age children often impact household income, spending patterns and a host of other factors.)

Table 3 - Number Employed Full-time* Number Percent

0 23.7%

1 44.1%

2 31.2%

3 1.1%


Almost one-fourth of the households have no one employed on a full-time basis. These households include seniors who are retired, those on disability, those in economic distress, and those not employed for other reasons.

Table 4 - Number Employed Part-time* Number Percent

0 67.8%

1 24.4%

2 5.6%

3 2.2%


About one-third of the households have one or more member employed part-time.

Table 5 - Number in Household Unemployed in Past 3 Years That Wanted to Work*

Number Percent

0 75.6%

1 22.2%

2 2.2%


About one-fourth of all households have had someone unemployed in the past three years that wanted to work.

General & Labor Force Characteristics & Conditions


9% of the households have someone employed at two different jobs.

About 20% of the households have at least one member that is either employed part-time or unemployed that would like to be employed full-time.

About eight out of every ten household members that are either employed part-time or unemployed that would like to be employed full-time have a reasonable level of education. About four in ten have a Bachelor’s or advanced degree. About one-third have some college or an Associate’s Degree.

83% of the households are from Michigan. For the small proportion that is not, the majority (60%) defined employment opportunity as their primary reason for coming to Michigan and Wixom.

Age is a factor for about three out of every ten household members employed part-time or unemployed that would like to be employed full-time.

About one-fourth of the households have a primary income earner at least 65 years of age. The majority of primary income earners fall between the ages of 35 and 64.

Table 6 - Number Employed at a Position that Pays Less than Previous Position*

Number Percent

0 80.2%

1 16.5%

2 2.2%


Two in ten households have someone employed now at a position that pays less than the previous position held by that household member

3 1.1%

1 resident

0 residents

0 residents

1 resident

Table 7 ‐ Primary Factors for Not Having the Type of job Desired*

Number Percent Lack of employment opportunities near home

48.60%

Age factors 29.70% No jobs for my experience level 27.00% Other factors 27.00% No jobs for my skill or education level available

24.30%

Pay insufficient 18.90% Need to be trained for available jobs 13.50% Child care issues 5.40% Lack of transportation 2.70% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

The lack of employment opportunities or lack of jobs given the experience and education level are defined by the households as being the primary reasons for not having full-time employment


MAJOR COMMODITY SPENDING

Irrespective of income, the majority of households in this country spend the majority of their income on three major commodities: food, transportation and housing. The amount and type of food purchased, the size and type of housing, and the type of transportation may vary with income. The following is spending information generated on the major commodities as well as other commodities.

The annual average (mean) household income is estimated at $90,700. About one-half of all households have annual incomes of at least $100,000, with about 40% of these having annual average incomes above $150,000.

Table 8 - Total Annual Household Income*

Number Percent

Less than $19,999 1.3%

$20,000 to $29,999 2.6%

$30,000 to $49,999 9.0%

$50,000 to $74,999 19.2%

$75,000 to $99,999 16.7%

$100,000 to $149,999 30.8%

$150,000 or more 20.5%


The average household spends about $110 on groceries and related merchandise in a typical week .The overwhelming majority purchase their groceries and related merchandise regularly at either Kroger (50%) or Meijer (43%).

Table 9 - Amount of Weekly Grocery Spending*

Number Percent Less than $35 2.2% $35 to $44.99 2.2% $45 to $59.99 5.4% $60 to $74.99 7.5% $75 to $99.99 19.4% $100 to $124.99 29.0% $125 to $149.99 15.1% $150 or more 19.4% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

In addition to the primary operation, grocery shopping is done at other establishments, including wholesale clubs.

Table 10 - Secondary Grocery Shopping or Specialty Stores Not in the Immediate Area Frequented*

Opera on Percent Whole Foods 15.0% Costco 18.0% Kroger 10.0% Sam’s Club 6.0% Hiller’s 27.0% Meijer 10.0% Target 6.0% Joe’s Produce 5.0% Trader Joes 25.0% Busch’s 8.0% Walmart 5.0% Others 41.0% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

Food—Groceries


Prepared foods are purchased at food service establishments primarily for lunch and dinner trips. The residents generally eat lunch or dinner out at food service establishments at least once per week.

Table 11 - Frequency of Eating lunch and Dinner Outside of the Home at a Food Service Establishment *

Frequency Percent Lunch

Percent Dinner

A few times/week 26.9% 19.3% About once/week 32.3% 36.4% About twice/month 23.7% 23.9% Once/ month 6.5% 12.5% 4 to 9 times/year 5.4% 2.3% Once or twice/year 4.3% 2.3%

Less often than once/year 1.1% 3.4%


Full service establishments are preferred for both lunch and dinner trips. (There is a relationship between the typical cost of meal and related per person spending and the type of restaurant frequented.)

Table 12 - Type of Establishment Frequented for Lunch and Dinner *

Type of Establishment Percent Lunch

Percent Dinner

Full-service restaurant 57.6% 85.2% Fast food operation 23.9% 4.5% All you can eat buffet 1.1% 1.1% Sub shop 12.0% 3.4%

*Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013 Other 5.4% 5.7%

Outback Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesday, Red Robin and the Milford House each are the most frequented locations for dinner by roughly 5% to 10% of the household members responding to the survey

Table 13 - Name of Establishment Most Often Frequented for Dinner *

Establishment Percent Outback Steakhouse 6.0% Ruby Tuesday 6.0% Red Robin 7.0% Volare 4.0% TGI Fridays 3.0% Applebee’s 4.0% Milford House 6.0% Pepino's 3.0% Coney Islands 3.0% Varies 14.0% Others 38.0% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

Food—Eating Out

Subway is the most frequented establishment attracting about 15% of the respondents. Jimmy johns, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Leo’s Coney Island, and Backyard Coney Island each attract between 5% and 10% of the respondents

Table 14 - Name of Establishment Most Often Frequented for Lunch *

Number Percent Jimmy Johns 5.0% Subway 14.0% McDonalds 8.0% Lil Georges Coney Island 7.0% Wendy’s 6.0% Olga's 4.0% Leo's Coney Island 6.0% Bagger Dave's 3.0% Panera Bread 3.0% Red Robin 3.0% Taco Bell 3.0% Bayside 3.0% Backyard Coney Island 8.0% Varies 8.0% Others 20.0% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013


About six out of every ten households own or lease two personal vehicles. It is noted that about 1% of the households does not own or lease a personal vehicle but: could have a vehicle available to them through their employment; others may not need or operate a vehicle any longer; and others may utilize other forms of transportation.

Table 15 - Number of Personal Vehicles Owned or Leased*

Number Percent

0 1.2%

1 10.7%

2 61.9%

3 17.9%

4 or more 8.3% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

Generally, vehicles at least five years of age have lesser or no monthly payments associated with their ownership. On the other hand, costs of maintenance typically increase with vehicle age. About one-third of the households has no vehicle five years of age or older

Table 16 - Number of Personal Vehicles Five Years or Older *

Number Percent

0 31.0% 1 32.2% 2 28.7% 3 6.9% 4 or more 1.1% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

Transportation


About one-fourth of the households anticipate a possible move to a different housing unit in the next five years. Of these, about 75% anticipate that the move may be outside of the Wixom area. About four in ten anticipate that the next unit will be either larger or smaller than the current unit, with the substantial majority anticipating a smaller unit

Table 18 - Anticipated Size of Future Unit *

Unit Size Percent

Larger 14.5%

Smaller 30.1%

Same 44.6% Uncertain 10.8% *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

About two in ten households do not have a monthly rent or mortgage payment which reflects the tenure. Including those that have none, the average monthly rent or mortgage payment is estimated at $995.00. Excluding those that do not, the average is roughly $1,260.00

Table 17 - Monthly Rent or Mortgage Payments *

Monthly Payment Percent

None 21.0%

Less than $400/month 2.5%

$400 to $599/month 2.5%

$600 to $799/month 9.9%

$800 to $999/month 8.6%

$1,000 to $1,249/month 19.8%

$1,250 to $1,499/month 14.8%

$1,500 to $1,749/month 9.9%

$1,750 to $1,999/month 4.9%

$2,000 to $2,499/month 3.7%

$2,500 or more/month 2.5%


The following is a list of other communities in which the respondents would live or potentially move to in the greater Detroit area if the respondents would stay in the area

Table 19 - Other Community in Which You Would Live *

Community

Brighton

Novi

Walled Lake

Clawson

Grand Rapids

Commerce

Westland

Detroit

Farmington

Waterford

Milford *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

Housing

93% of the respondents own the unit in which they live. Tenure is often a factor in stability. However, many housing issues are associated with the “bubble” created by units purchased between 2000 and 2007, or between 6 and 13 years ago. About one-fourth of the households have lived at their current address more than twenty years. On the other hand, about three in ten have lived at their current address for 10 to 19 years. About two in ten have lived at their current address for two years or less.


Many food purchases are associated with entertainment activity. In fact, for much entertainment the greatest return on investment is provided by food purchases. Wixom residents spend significant resources on entertainment based on select information obtained.

Most people purchase their clothes, which is a surrogate for general merchandise shopping, at traditional operations.

About 15% of the households have one or more members that go to theaters to see movies at least twice a month. An additional 15% generally go about once a month

Table 20 - Frequency View Movies at Theaters *

Frequency Percent

A few times/week 0.0%

About once/week 4.5%

About twice/month 10.2%

Once/month 14.8%

4 to 9 times/year 28.4%

Once or twice/year 25.0%

Less often than once/year 17.0%


About three in ten households have one or more members that attends professional sporting events at least four to nine times per years

Table 21 - Frequency of Attendance at Professional Sporting Events *

Frequency Percent



Once/month 3.4%





In addition to several named stores, four of ten households having one or more members regularly shopping at Kohl’s.

Table 22 - Operation at Which Apparel Is Purchased *

Business Percent

J Crew 2.0%

Kohl’s 41.0%

Macy's 6.0%

Target 8.0%

Chico's 2.0%

Target 2.0%

JC Penney 8.0%

Salvation Army 2.0%

Marshall's 2.0%

Others 19.0%


Most general merchandise shopping is done at Twelve Oaks Mall.

Table 23 - Area, Shopping Center, or Store Most Often Frequented *

Shopping Center/Operation Percent

12 Oaks 52.0%

Target 9.0%

West Oaks 17.0%

Walmart 2.0%

Kohl’s 2.0%

Meijer 2.0%

Others 7.0%


Entertainment Apparel Shopping


Much of the available dollars for commercial activity is exported to other communities. About three-fourths of the Wixom residents regularly shop in the neighboring community of Novi with its regional shopping malls and centers

Table 24 - Other Townships or Cities Frequented for Retail and Other Activity *

Community Percent

Brighton 11.0%

Novi 72.0%

Commerce 11.0%

Milford 20.0%

West Bloomfield 9.0%

Northville 13.0%

Livonia 13.0%

Plymouth 9.0%

Walled Lake 23.0%

Farmington 8.0%

Others 23.0%


Exportation of Dollars

When going to the other communities, dollars are most often spent both shopping and eating

Table 25 - Primary Reasons for Going to Other Communities *

Reason Percent

Shopping 39.0%

Restaurants 39.0%

Events 1.0%

Groceries 11.0%

Visit Family 13.0%

Recreation 6.0%

Work 8.0%

Downtown Areas 4.0%

Church 3.0%

Retail/Services not in Wixom 18.0%


Increasing competition for consumer dollars and exporting of dollars from the community is today a result of online shopping. About four in ten households have one or more members shopping online at least twice per month

Table 25 - Frequency of Online Purchases *

Frequency Percent

A few times/week 5.6%



Once/month 22.5%






Aspirations for Additional or Expanded Activity and Businesses

The following table contains activities or businesses residents would like to see added to or expand in Wixom.

Table 25 - Types of Businesses, Activities or Retail Residents Would Like to See Near Home *

Types of Business or Ac vity Percent

Nicer Restaurants 33.0%

Movie Theaters 5.0%

Thri Stores 3.0%

Produce/Fruit Market 10.0%

High End Groceries 14.0%

Indoor Recrea on 6.0%

Outdoor Recrea on 9.0%

Specialty Grocery Stores 10.0%

Bookstores 8.0%

Clothing Stores 6.0%

Bars 5.0%

Swimming Pools 3.0%

Home Improvement Stores 8.0%

Arts & Cra Stores 5.0%

Coffee Shops/Cafes 3.0%

Kid Friendly Recrea on 5.0%

Gi Shops 8.0%

Furniture Stores 3.0%

Downtown Development 6.0%

Others 8.0%


LOCAL TRENDS AFFECTING DEMAND Population patterns and employment of the residents are driving forces in income and commercial opportunity. While projections show an increase in older adult population and decrease in the younger population segment, the estimates do not consider changes in local policy that might stimulate further growth, boundary adjustments, or certain other factors which could alter household characteristics.

The Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) estimates that the number of residents 65 years of age or older in Wixom is expected to increase by more than 300% from 2010 to 2040. Simultaneously, the number of youth under 18 is expected to decline during the same time period.

Table 26 - Senior and Youth Population Projections for 2040 *

Senior and Youth Popula on

2010 Census

SEMCOG 2040

% Change

2010‐2040

65 and over 945 3,839 306.2%

Under 18 3,423 3,047 ‐11.0%

5 to 17 2,502 2,146 ‐14.2%

Under 5 921 901 ‐2.2%


SEMCOG also estimates that the number of jobs in Wixom will remain essentially stagnant through 2040. It is uncertain as to whether or not SEMCOG has taken into consideration the sizable available acreage for economic activity associated with the closed Ford plant site and other strategic available sites in the City of Wixom.

Table 27 - Senior and Youth Population Projections for 2040 *

Year 2015 2020 2025

Jobs 11,730 11,769 11,794


2030 2035 2040

11,698 11,701 11,620


HOUSING UNIT & HOUSEHOLD ESTIMATES

The U. S. Census Bureau estimated the Wixom population to be about 13,500, residing in 5,725 households in 2010.

Wixom’s population grew 1.8% during the 2000 to 2010 time period. The number of new housing units permitted in 2000, 2001 and 2005 exceeded 85 per year. The numbers for 2002, 2003 and 2004 were much lower, ranging from 3 to 32 annually. More than 470 units were permitted between 2000 and 2010 in Wixom. Roughly 60% of all the units were single-family. The remaining units were attached condominiums, generally associated with the town center. The number of new housing units permitted since 2010 are insignificant.

Wixom grew during the 2000 to 2010 time period. Table 28 - Housing Unit Permits and Growth *

Year Single

Family Two

Family Attach Condo

Multi Family

Total Units

Total Demos

Net Total

Totals for 2000 81 0 20 0 101 3 98 Totals for 2001 82 0 9 0 91 5 86 Totals for 2002 40 0 6 0 46 16 30 Totals for 2003 34 0 0 0 34 3 31 Totals for 2004 19 0 6 0 25 22 3 Totals for 2005 26 0 118 0 144 4 140 Totals for 2006 5 0 19 0 24 1 23 Totals for 2007 1 0 5 0 6 1 5 Totals for 2008 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals for 2009 0 0 0 0 0 1 -1 Totals for 2010 0 0 5 0 5 6 -1 Totals for 2011 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 Totals for 2012 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals for 2013 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Totals 2000 to 2012 291 0 188 0 479 63 416 *Developed by The Chesapeake Group, Inc., 2013

The number of households residing in Wixom is estimated to be 6,250 in 2013. The number of households is expected to increase by about 300 over the next ten years, or an average of 30 per year. However, this estimate is considered conservative in nature. Local policies can be directed to the following:

Creating greater housing options for existing and future seniors to continue to live in Wixom as they “downsize.”

Providing a full range of senior housing from independent living through the three levels of assisted living.

Re-stimulating workforce housing opportunities in and around the Village Center.

Providing additional opportunities for niche housing for high income earners and mixing housing with employment and entertainment activity.

Expanding economic activity and promoting living near such activity.


RETAIL GOODS AND RELATED SERVICES SALES AND SUPPORTABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF SPACE

The potential for all goods and services is based on the ability of the market to purchase those goods and services.

There are three general markets for the full range of commercial goods and services in Wixom. The primary market consists of Wixom residents. The secondary market is composed of residents in an area outside of the City but in other surrounding parts of Oakland County. A third market is composed of those who would come to the area for very select purposes from other parts of the greater region. For analysis purposes, the latter has been excluded except for consideration in entertainment activity.

No matter the success of any region, jurisdiction, commercial center, or any other area or facility where consumers invest or spend dollars; none will be able to capture all the dollars of any market. As examples, people employed often spend resources at or near their places of employment. At other times, people make visits and spend money with relatives and friends living in other locations or while on vacations. As noted, the rapidly increasing exportation of dollars today is from “online” or catalog activity.

Growth in housing units and households will result in increased demand for retail goods and related services. Countering the increased demand for goods and services generated from household growth will be increased growth of online sales and technological change that will result in changes in required inventories within “bricks and mortar” operations.

It is also noted that:

All sales estimates are in 2013 dollars.

Focusing on opportunities associated with growth is important from a public sector perspective since the opportunities are not derived from any existing operations or activities.

There have been some substantial changes nationally in consumer spending in the past five years that are anticipated to remain relatively constant over the next few years if not longer. They include a significant shift away from discretionary spending that impacts what is often termed “shopper goods” categories of retail associated with general merchandise, furniture, apparel and many miscellaneous operations.

Aggregate retail sales figures represent a compilation of sales associated with ten major categories and the types of operations within those categories. The ten major categories of retail goods and related services follow.

Food, such as groceries and related merchandise generally purchased for home preparation or consumption.

Eating and drinking, consisting of prepared food and beverages generally consumed on the premises or carried to another location.

General merchandise, including variety stores, department stores, and large value oriented retail operators.

Furniture and accessories, including appliances and home furnishings.

Transportation and utilities, including the sale of new and used automotive and other personal vehicles and parts and basic utilities for the home.

Drugstores, including those specializing in health and beauty aids or pharmaceuticals.

Apparel and accessories.


Hardware & building materials, including traditional hardware stores, and garden & home improvement centers.

Auto services, including gasoline and vehicle repair.

Miscellaneous, including a plethora of retail goods and services ranging from florists to paper goods.

Many of today’s better known operations in fact fall into more than one category. For example, many of the “big box” general merchandisers, such as Walmart, have traditional supermarket components within their operations.

A productivity level is the sales per

square foot figure essential to pay all costs of operation and provide a reasonable return on investment. Sales productivity levels vary for each sub-category, type of business operation, or store-type. The productivity levels vary from low figures for bowling centers to thousands of dollars for others. Supportable space is derived by dividing the amount of sales by the appropriate productivity level.

Based on current spending, Wixom households are estimated to generate $287 million in sales at any and all locations in 2013. This is sufficient to support about 788,000 square feet of retail goods and related services at any and all locations.

The added sales generated from Wixom residents from 2013 to 2023 will be roughly $14 million. This will be sufficient to support only an addition of 39,000 square feet of space at any and all locations.

Table 28 - Primary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Category *

Category 2013 Sales 2023 Sales 2013-23

Sales 2013

Space 2023

Space 2013-23

Space

Food $58,551,000 $61,479,000

$2,928,000

109,347

114,815 5,469

Eat/Drink 37,581,000 39,460,000 1,879,000

93,953

98,650 4,698

General Merchandise 13,770,000 14,459,000 689,000

44,916

47,164 2,247

Furniture 4,131,000 4,338,000 207,000

12,724

13,362 638

Transportation 63,313,000 66,479,000 3,166,000

184,232

193,445 9,213

Drugstore 18,274,000 19,188,000 914,000

36,548

38,376 1,828

Apparel 13,741,000 14,428,000 687,000

42,758

44,895 2,137

Hardware 25,044,000 26,296,000 1,252,000

106,462

111,783 5,322

Vehicle Service 31,642,000 33,224,000 1,582,000

77,032

80,883 3,851

Miscellaneous 20,827,000 21,868,000 1,041,000

80,440

84,461 4,022

TOTAL $286,874,000 $301,219,000 $14,345,000 788,412 827,834 39,425



More than 29,000 households reside in the area defined by a 5-mile radius of Wixom, making the secondary market roughly five times as large as the primary market in terms of population.

It is noted that the secondary market’s population is heavily skewed to its east and is dominated by regional activity within the City of

Novi from a commercial perspective. Furthermore, some of the area to the east has a tendency to be composed of households with higher average annual incomes than those found in Wixom. The result of both the larger population and related household base as well as higher incomes results in higher retail goods and sales associated with the secondary market.

Table 29 - Primary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Sub-category or Type of Operation *

Sub-category 2013 Sales 2023 Sales 2013-2023 Sales

2013 Space

2023 Space

2013-2023 Space

Food $58,551,000

$61,479,000 $2,928,000 109,347 114,815 5,469

Supermarkets 48,890,085 51,334,965 2,444,880 82,865 87,008 4,144

Independents 4,684,080 4,918,320 234,240 11,710 12,296 586

Bakeries 1,288,122 1,352,538 64,416 4,294 4,508 215

Dairies 761,163 799,227 38,064 2,114 2,220 106

Others 2,927,550 3,073,950 146,400 8,364 8,783 418

Eat/Drink 37,581,000 39,460,000 1,879,000 93,953 98,650 4,698

General Merchandise 13,770,000 14,459,000 689,000 44,916 47,164 2,247

Dept. Stores 4,874,580 5,118,486 243,906 16,249 17,062 813

Variety Stores 991,440 1,041,048 49,608 3,813 4,004 191

Jewelry 950,130 997,671 47,541 1,338 1,405 67

Sporting Goods/Toys 1,500,930 1,576,031 75,101 5,003 5,253 250

Discount Dept. 5,163,750 5,422,125 258,375 17,213 18,074 861

Antiques, etc. 68,850 72,295 3,445 299 314 15

Others 220,320 231,344 11,024 1,001 1,052 50

Furniture 4,131,000 4,338,000 207,000 12,724 13,362 638

Furniture 623,781 655,038 31,257 2,012 2,113 101

Home Furnishings 859,248 902,304 43,056 2,455 2,578 123

Store/Office Equip. 652,698 685,404 32,706 2,176 2,285 109

Music Instr./Suppl. 177,633 186,534 8,901 888 933 45

Radios, TV, etc. 1,817,640 1,908,720 91,080 5,193 5,453 260

Transportation 63,313,000 66,479,000 3,166,000 184,232 193,445 9,213

New/Used Vehicles 22,159,550 23,267,650 1,108,100 55,399 58,169 2,770

Tires, Batt., Prts. 27,921,033 29,317,239 1,396,206 93,070 97,724 4,654

Marine Sales/Rentals 3,355,589 3,523,387 167,798 9,069 9,523 454

Auto/Truck Rentals 9,876,828 10,370,724 493,896 26,694 28,029 1,335

Drugstore 18,274,000 19,188,000 914,000 36,548 38,376 1,828

This table identifies the breakdown of sales and space by sub-category or type of operation for the primary market for 2013 and 2023 and the change from 2013 to 2023.


Sub-category 2013 Sales 2023 Sales 2013-2023

Sales 2013

Space 2023

Space 2013-2023

Space

Hardware 25,044,000 26,296,000 1,252,000 106,462 111,783 5,322

Hardware 12,121,296 12,727,264 605,968 48,485 50,909 2,424

Lawn/Seed/Fertil. 475,836 499,624 23,788 1,400 1,469 70

Others 12,446,868 13,069,112 622,244 56,577 59,405 2,828

Vehicle Service 31,642,000 33,224,000 1,582,000 77,032 80,883 3,851

Gasoline 10,758,280 11,296,160 537,880 7,420 7,790 371

Garage, Repairs 20,883,720 21,927,840 1,044,120 69,612 73,093 3,480

Miscellaneous 20,827,000 21,868,000 1,041,000 80,440 84,461 4,022

Advert. Signs, etc. 333,232 349,888 16,656 1,212 1,272 61

Barber/Beauty shop 1,270,447 1,333,948 63,501 6,352 6,670 318

Book Stores 958,042 1,005,928 47,886 2,589 2,719 129

Bowling 479,021 502,964 23,943 4,790 5,030 239

Cig./Tobacco Dealer 145,789 153,076 7,287 292 306 15

Dent./Physician Lab 833,080 874,720 41,640 2,563 2,691 128

Florist/Nurseries 1,562,025 1,640,100 78,075 3,675 3,859 184

Laundry, Dry Clean 708,118 743,512 35,394 2,360 2,478 118

Optical Goods/Opt. 499,848 524,832 24,984 1,428 1,500 71

Photo Sup./Photog. 1,437,063 1,508,892 71,829 4,106 4,311 205

Printing 1,686,987 1,771,308 84,321 6,134 6,441 307

Paper/Paper Prod. 895,561 940,324 44,763 4,478 4,702 224

Gifts/Cards/Novel. 2,978,261 3,127,124 148,863 9,928 10,424 496

Newsstands 166,616 174,944 8,328 333 350 17

Video Rent/Sales 2,707,510 2,842,840 135,330 13,538 14,214 677

Others 4,165,400 4,373,600 208,200 16,662 17,494 833

TOTAL $286,874,000 $301,219,000

$14,345,000 788,412 827,834 39,425

Continued: Table 29 - Primary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Sub-category or Type of Operation *

Apparel 13,741,000 14,428,000 687,000 42,758 44,895 2,137

Men's and Boy's 1,800,071 1,890,068 89,997 4,500 4,725 225

Women's and Girl's 4,562,012 4,790,096 228,084 12,330 12,946 616

Infants 288,561 302,988 14,427 962 1,010 48

Family 3,819,998 4,010,984 190,986 12,733 13,370 637

Shoes 2,871,869 3,015,452 143,583 10,443 10,965 522

Jeans/Leather 54,964 57,712 2,748 183 192 9

Tailors/Uniforms 247,338 259,704 12,366 1,237 1,299 62

Others 96,187 100,996 4,809 370 388 18


The secondary market generates roughly $1.2 billion retail goods and related services space at any and all locations in 2013. The sales will grow to roughly $1.27 billion by 2023, increasing by about $61 million.

Category 2013 Sales 2023 Sales 2013-23

Sales 2013

Space 2023

Space 2013-23

Space

Food $247,031,000 $259,382,000

$12,352,000

461,345

484,410

23,068

Eat/Drink 158,555,000 166,483,000

7,928,000

396,388

416,208

19,820

General Merchandise 58,096,000 61,001,000

2,905,000

189,503

198,979

9,474

Furniture 17,429,000 18,300,000

871,000

53,685

56,368

2,683

Transportation 267,122,000 280,479,000

13,356,000

777,288

816,156

38,864

Drugstore 77,099,000 80,954,000

3,855,000

154,198

161,908

7,710

Apparel 57,975,000 60,874,000

2,899,000

180,403

189,423

9,020

Hardware 105,663,000 110,946,000

5,283,000

449,171

471,628

22,458

Vehicle Service 133,501,000 140,176,000

6,675,000

325,006

341,256

16,250

Miscellaneous 87,871,000 92,264,000

4,394,000

339,385

356,355

16,970

TOTAL $1,210,342,000 $1,270,859,000 $60,518,000 3,326,372

3,492,691

166,317

Table 30 - Secondary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Category*

The amount of additional space generated by the secondary market will increase from 3.33 million in 2013 to 3.49 million by 2023. This represents an increase of roughly 166,000 square feet


The table below contains the breakdown of sales and space by sub-category or type of operation for the secondary market for 2013 and 2023 and the change from 2013 to 2023.

With the capture of a small proportion of the secondary market, it is estimated that the amount of space within Wixom generated from the secondary market, excluding home improvement center activity, can increase by roughly 50,000 square feet over the next ten years.

Table 31 - Secondary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Sub-category or Type of Operation *


Sales 2013

Space 2023

Space 2013-2023

Space

Food $247,031,000 $259,382,000 $12,352,000 461,345 484,410 23,068

Supermarkets 206,270,885 216,583,970 10,313,920 349,612 367,091 17,481 Independents 19,762,480 20,750,560 988,160 49,406 51,876 2,470 Bakeries 5,434,682 5,706,404 271,744 18,116 19,021 906 Dairies 3,211,403 3,371,966 160,576 8,921 9,367 446 Others 12,351,550 12,969,100 617,600 35,290 37,055 1,765 Eat/Drink 158,555,000 166,483,000 7,928,000 396,388 416,208 19,820 General Merchandise 58,096,000 61,001,000 2,905,000 189,503 198,979 9,474

Dept. Stores 20,565,984 21,594,354 1,028,370 68,553 71,981 3,428

Variety Stores 4,182,912 4,392,072 209,160 16,088 16,893 804 Jewelry 4,008,624 4,209,069 200,445 5,646 5,928 282 Spor ng Goods/Toys 6,332,464 6,649,109 316,645 21,108 22,164 1,055

Discount Dept. 21,786,000 22,875,375 1,089,375 72,620 76,251 3,631

An ques, etc. 290,480 305,005 14,525 1,263 1,326 63 Others 929,536 976,016 46,480 4,225 4,436 211 Furniture 17,429,000 18,300,000 871,000 53,685 56,368 2,683

Furniture 2,631,779 2,763,300 131,521 8,490 8,914 424

Home Furnishings 3,625,232 3,806,400 181,168 10,358 10,875 518 Store/Office Equip. 2,753,782 2,891,400 137,618 9,179 9,638 459 Music Instr./Suppl. 749,447 786,900 37,453 3,747 3,935 187 Radios,TV, etc. 7,668,760 8,052,000 383,240 21,911 23,006 1,095 Transporta on 267,122,000 280,479,000 13,356,000 777,288 816,156 38,864 New/Used Vehicles 93,492,700 98,167,650 4,674,600 233,732 245,419 11,687 Tires, Ba ., Prts. 117,800,802 123,691,239 5,889,996 392,669 412,304 19,633 Marine Sales/Rentals 14,157,466 14,865,387 707,868 38,263 40,177 1,913 Auto/Truck Rentals 41,671,032 43,754,724 2,083,536 112,624 118,256 5,631 Drugstore 77,099,000 80,954,000 3,855,000 154,198 161,908 7,710

This table identifies the breakdown of sales and space by sub-category or type of operation for the secondary market for 2013 and 2023 and the change from 2013 to 2023.



Sales 2013

Space 2023

Space 2013-2023

Space

Hardware 105,663,000 110,946,000 5,283,000 449,171 471,628 22,458

Hardware 51,140,892 53,697,864 2,556,972 204,564 214,791 10,228

Lawn/Seed/Fer l. 2,007,597 2,107,974 100,377 5,905 6,200 295

Others 52,514,511 55,140,162 2,625,651 238,702 250,637 11,935

Vehicle Service 133,501,000 140,176,000 6,675,000 325,006 341,256 16,250

Gasoline 45,390,340 47,659,840 2,269,500 31,304 32,869 1,565

Garage, Repairs 88,110,660 92,516,160 4,405,500 293,702 308,387 14,685

Miscellaneous 87,871,000 92,264,000 4,394,000 339,385 356,355 16,970

Advert. Signs, etc. 1,405,936 1,476,224 70,304 5,112 5,368 256

Barber/Beauty shop 5,360,131 5,628,104 268,034 26,801 28,141 1,340

Book Stores 4,042,066 4,244,144 202,124 10,925 11,471 546

Bowling 2,021,033 2,122,072 101,062 20,210 21,221 1,011

Cig./Tobacco Dealer 615,097 645,848 30,758 1,230 1,292 62

Dent./Physician Lab 3,514,840 3,690,560 175,760 10,815 11,356 541

Florist/Nurseries 6,590,325 6,919,800 329,550 15,507 16,282 775

Laundry, Dry Clean 2,987,614 3,136,976 149,396 9,959 10,457 498

Op cal Goods/Opt. 2,108,904 2,214,336 105,456 6,025 6,327 301

Photo Sup./Photog. 6,063,099 6,366,216 303,186 17,323 18,189 866

Prin ng 7,117,551 7,473,384 355,914 25,882 27,176 1,294

Paper/Paper Prod. 3,778,453 3,967,352 188,942 18,892 19,837 945

Gi s/Cards/Novel. 12,565,553 13,193,752 628,342 41,885 43,979 2,094

Newsstands 702,968 738,112 35,152 1,406 1,476 70

Video Rent/Sales 11,423,230 11,994,320 571,220 57,116 59,972 2,856

Others 17,574,200 18,452,800 878,800 70,297 73,811 3,515

TOTAL $1,210,342,000 $1,270,859,000 $60,518,000 3,326,372 $,492,691 166,317

Continued: Table 31—Secondary Market Generated Retail Sales and Supportable Square Footage of Space for 2013 and 2023 and the Change from 2013 to 2023 by Sub-category or Type of Operation *

Apparel 57,975,000 60,874,000 2,899,000 180,403 189,423 9,020

Men's and Boy's 7,594,725 7,974,494 379,769 18,987 19,936 949

Women's and Girl's 19,247,700 20,210,168 962,468 52,021 54,622 2,601

Infants 1,217,475 1,278,354 60,879 4,058 4,261 203

Family 16,117,050 16,922,972 805,922 53,724 56,410 2,686

Shoes 12,116,775 12,722,666 605,891 44,061 46,264 2,203

Jeans/Leather 231,900 243,496 11,596 773 812 39

Tailors/Uniforms 1,043,550 1,095,732 52,182 5,218 5,479 261

Others 405,825 426,118 20,293 1,561 1,639 78


ENTERTAINMENT SPENDING

While the anticipated growth in retail sales in Wixom and associated space is small at about 80,000 square feet; there is ample opportunity to expand entertainment related activity because such activity will serve the local and secondary markets as well as potentially regional markets. Furthermore, there are gaps in entertainment activity in the region that could be filled.

The regional market generates more than $2.3 billion in entertainment sales in 2013. Virtually none of the existing dollars are captured by Wixom. The entertainment spending is estimated to grow by roughly $150 million by 2023.

DEMAND-GENERATED OFFICE SPACE

Regionally, the automotive industry, the medical community and tech industries continue to expand absorbing space in key buildings. According to published reports from Colliers, between the final quarter of 2012 and the beginning quarter of 2013, about 560,000 square feet of Class A office space was absorbed in the Detroit area market.

The overall average quoted rental rate per square foot was just under $17, or a figure that was a little less than the rate at the end of 2012. The average Class A rate was about $21.00 and Class B about $16.50. Class C space

had an average quoted rental rate of less than $14.00. The office vacancy rate stabilized during the first half of 2013. Class A vacancy rates were below those for Class B and Class C.

In the suburban sections of the market, there was more than 164 million square feet of office space, with roughly 28 million square feet vacant. It is noted that in the suburban market, Class C space was being absorbed at a faster pace than the other classes of space during the first half of 2013.

In addition to the regional market considerations and conditions, anticipated changes in Wixom will result in changes in the market for office space. The growth in households anticipated alone within Wixom over the next ten years will result in additional demand for roughly 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of multi-tenant office space. In addition and assuming growth in the population in surrounding areas, Wixom is conservatively estimated to capture an additional 50,000 to 75,000 square feet of multi-tenant office space, bringing the potential total to between 100,000 and 175,000 square feet. A number of specific office tenant opportunities have been defined in the cluster analysis for Wixom.

The estimates could well be exceeded if R & D activity opportunities previously indicated are pursued or if a single-tenant larger user of space is attracted. Pursuit of the R & D activity could generate demand for more than 250,000 of additional space in the latter years of the ten year period, with double to quadruple the amount over a 20 year period.

Market 2013 2023

Primary $30,469,000 $35,74,000

Secondary $142,833,000 $149,974,000

Oakland Co. $2,184,736,000 $2,326,744,000


DEMAND-GENERATED INDUSTRIAL SPACE

According to published reports from Colliers, the industrial sector vacancy rate in the Detroit market area was 11.6% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012. The rate decreased to 11.2% at the end of the 1st quarter of 2013.

The warehouse and manufacturing vacancy rate was below the level for the sector in total. The manufacturing and warehouse sector vacancy rate fell from 12.5% at the end of 2012 to 11% at the end of the first quarter. Net absorption of industrial space during the first quarter of 2013 was more than 2.3 million square feet of space. It is estimated that net absorption during 2013 will total more than 9.5 million square feet of space. Furthermore, the net absorption is estimated to increase to between 10 million and 12 million square feet in 2014. According to published reports from Cushman & Wakefield, the vacancy rate continued to improve during the final quarter of

2013, with the rate in Wixom about 50% below the rate in neighboring Novi and substantially below other communities in the I-96 corridor.

There is roughly 55 million square feet of industrial space in the geographic area that includes Wixom. About 16% of the space is “flex” space. The overall vacancy rate is low when compared to the region as a whole. The overall vacancy rate is under 8%, with the warehouse and manufacturing components of the space being about 25% below the overall rate.

It is anticipated that the amount of space in the geographic area that includes Wixom will expand by 75% to 100% in the next ten years. Given Wixom’s attributes that include available utilities, sites and transportation network components; it is conservatively estimated that Wixom could absorb 5 million or more square feet of such space in the next ten years. Specific industrial opportunities for manufacturing have been defined.

OPPORTUNITIES LINKED TO SPECIFIC SITES. This map identifies the specific site described in the following pages.

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OPPORTUNITIES LINKED TO SPECIFIC SITES

A full range of opportunities have been identified from market rate housing to manufacturing, research and related product development, educational/training institution activity, regional entertainment activity, and office development to meet the needs of an expanded population or to fill niches in the market.

The strategic location is critical to the success of some of the opportunities in Wixom. Wixom is currently situated northwest of the major concentrations of population. Yet, it is easily accessed by the majority of the region’s population through the interstate system. Wixom’s neighboring community to its east has seized a similar location to create a regional shopping concentration at and around the interstate interchange.

Wixom has large and smaller sites available for development with utilities at the interchange and near other strategic areas, such as Pontiac Trail in downtown. Much of Wixom’s available acreage is adjacent to the interchange with the interstate and is visible from the interstate or at the interchange. The largest tract of land is associated with the former Ford Motor Company’s plant and related parking and operations. Like virtual any site involving redevelopment and therefore the norm, there are environmental issues that will be addressed in a redevelopment process.

The City of Wixom identified four strategic sites for which development options were explored. The four sites are shown in the illustrations that immediately follow. Two of the four sites are associated with land near the interstate interchange. The other sites are in

close proximity to the core of downtown Wixom off Pontiac Trail .

Those sites associated with the Former Ford plant and surrounding activity are identified as the “Ford & Alpha Tech” sites. The sites are clustered in the northwest and northeast corners of the interchange of I-96 with Wixom Road. An additional site is located closer to the I-96/Beck Road area, and is an extension of Alpha Tech. Both share common assets including but not limited to those that follow.

Interstate or interchange visibility.

Direct or linked access to Wixom Road or others with the interstate.

Available utilities.

Zoning and regulations that support a fairly broad range of development options.

Local public sector administrative and legislative branches of government that desire to see beneficial development and willingness to play a responsible role in such development

The former Ford plant site also has rail access via a spur directly to the site.

The following are defined development options for the Ford and Alpha Tech sites which are likely to be physically and fiscally feasible. Unless otherwise noted, the options are not mutually exclusive. None of these or other options have been endorsed by the City of Wixom or its contractors collectively or exclusively. Furthermore, names of specific operations may be stated or visually depicted. Such does not represent an expression of interest on the part of any of those entities nor an endorsement by the City of Wixom or its contractors.


FORD - NORTHWEST CORNER

This is the largest of the four sites in terms of acreage. It also has the highest visibility from the interstate. There are identified opportunities for which only this site of the strategic sites are appropriate.

The first of these is a single or multi-themed entertainment complex. One possible theme is sports. However and irrespective of the theme, such a development would likely include a unique collection of themed restaurants, such as T-Rex and the Rainforest; one or more sports activity centers for entertainment, youth athletics, etc.; other associated commercial activity, such as a major sports or recreation store; youth oriented entertainment operations such as Chuck-E-Cheese and adult centers such as Dave and Buster’s; indoor and outdoor amusements; specialized “resort” or “destination” hotel-motel

accommodations; and interactive play. The graphic that follows contains a visual associated with such a successful development in the Kansas City, Kansas area situated on the fringe of the urban area in that region.

Development of an entertainment complex on the site that would have regional appeal would not in most cases include additional “un-related” industrial space development, flex spaces, or traditional multi-tenant office activity on the site. It could include a training or educational institution. However, other additional activity could include 35,000 to 60,000 square feet buildings for manufacturing, closing an existing gap in the Wixom market, as well as smaller spaces although such is less probable.

A second option for the site, which is mutually exclusive from the first, is as a research, product development and education/training development. This site is most appropriate for

1


such activity and could be developed providing a campus setting with secure areas and other areas that are not. As with the entertainment, it is the only one of the four sites which could be utilized for both and still likely incorporate other manufacturing and flex space noted above.

All other identified opportunities could be developed on the site, including a significant mixing of activity and space.

However, of the four sites, this is the one site, because of the combination of large acreage and interstate access, that has the greatest opportunity to be utilized as a regional attraction, much like it once was as the Ford plant. Therefore, additional community scale retail development should be minimized.

ALPHA TECH - NORTHEAST CORNER

While the scale of the northwestern Ford site is larger and therefore more appropriate for certain activity; the Alpha Tech site in the northeast corner of the Wixom Road/I-96 interchange has at least one unique asset that provides for substantial opportunity from an economic development perspective. The site can directly connect to the interstate via both Wixom and Beck Roads.

Having dual access provides significant value and the ability to support activity that otherwise might not locate in Wixom including those which follow:

A higher education or training entity with substantial user enrollment and staff operating during day hours, evenings and weekends.

Multi-tenant research activity or park.

Outpatient, surgical center, infusion center, medical offices, emergency care, or other medical facilities along with medical offices.

Any manufacturing or assembly production activity that has a heavy truck or other traffic volume associated with it.

A delivery or transportation system component utilizing trucks or other vehicles for shipping or distribution.

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2 2

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LANDROW PROPERTY

The site, which is adjacent to existing downtown development, is defined as the “Landrow Property.”

Wixom planned for an aggressive redevelopment effort for its downtown. Public facilities and amenities were constructed in the core, creating a unique visually appealing area that was to be surrounded by substantial private commercial and housing development. The plan was not flawed; but unfortunately the timing of the investment could not have been worse which stymied much of the anticipated private investment.

The “Landrow Property” has some ability to capture some of the opportunities. A number of these differ from the noted opportunities near the interchange. The frontage of the site along Pontiac Trail is appropriate for a range of commercial activity including but not limited to a food service establishment offering entertainment; local servicing professional or business offices; or a small branch of a training/retraining or educational institution.

The highest and best use for the bulk of the land in the rear of the “Landrow Property” is likely for housing or for business service activity and related office/light industrial flexes space. Housing options would include, but not be limited to, niche housing not available in other locations in Wixom, independent and assisted living housing for seniors, housing similar to that built elsewhere in the downtown. All would assist with capturing noted market trends and opportunities.

STRATEGIC SITE 4

The fourth and final site is one which needs to develop in a manner compatible and complementary to the plan for the Village Center Area. This site’s development could be the catalyst to restart private investment in the central core area and whose use should act as an additional “anchor” and “destination” for the core.

One potential set of options range from an anchor education/training facility; a private commercial recreation/health facility that would generate substantial traffic and may be linked to a medical institution; several unique or themed restaurants or food service establishments with entertainment; a micro-brewery with a brew pub; a niche food establishment like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s; or a cluster of such activity depending upon physical constrains and layout.

A second option would involve the development of studio and work space for

3 3

4


artists mixed with small unit (such as 250 to 600 square feet) housing for artists, those completing education but seeking an alternative life-style environment, semi-retired professionals or those wanting studio space near or adjacent to their housing, and existing residents or family members of residents that desire independent living but want to stay in the community or reside near relatives that live in the community.

A third option would be a moderate density housing development oriented toward households without young children. This option would be helpful to increasing foot traffic in the area and “24-7” activity but is less likely to be as catalytic as the previous defined options.

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(5) BUSINESS RECRUITMENT & RETENTION STRATEGIES

SEIZING OPPORTUNITES

Seizing opportunities will require the City of Wixom to play a pro-active role, obtain cooperation with other stakeholders and expand funding for economic development activities. The following summarizes key elements which will afford increased sustainable economic activity for Wixom.

Creating & enhancing an entrepreneurial culture

Entrepreneurship has always been and continues to be a mainstay in all sectors of Michigan’s economy. Entrepreneurs are primarily derived from two sources. These are existing residents of the area and those that come for specific activities and make the community the home for their venture. Creating new ownership for existing and new businesses and franchises through entrepreneurship is both an adjunct and an alternative to recruiting new activity. Two options are indicated.

1. A Local Entrepreneurship Program. An entrepreneurship program with a possible apprenticeship component serves several purposes for increasing business opportunities. It can be effectuated through

Business recruitment and retention efforts should be comprised of a multi-strategy approach that includes:

1. Creating & enhancing an entrepreneurial and collaborative culture

2. Developer Recruitment

3. Tenant/business recruitment

4. Incentives

5. Crowdfunding

6. Business retention and related marketing.

Training & Workforce development is also a key element of business retention and recruitment and is discussed in Chapter 6.

One of the best economic development strategies is to help grow the community’s

existing businesses. Creating an entrepreneurial and collaborative culture—a

supportive environment where businesses can innovate—is critical for the City of Wixom (as

well as for the region and state). A successful businesses climate will help the City attract new

businesses. The City should take a proactive approach to understanding business needs and

helping connect people with opportunities.


community colleges; other regional area universities; local, regional and national chapters of AARP; accountants and financial advisors in the area; and technical-oriented higher education or training schools. Relationships with such institutions could be established on a one-to-one basis or collectively through one catalytic institution. It is possible for current owners of operations to also identify current employees with potential.

Through the organizations or institutions, “students” or participants can be identified with potential entrepreneurship profiles and interests. A “training” process could be developed that would include the following.

Certain business curricula courses

An internship with introduction and at least part-time work while attending the program

An apprenticeship of one to three years working and learning in the businesses if dealing with existing operations

Purchase, with previous ownership staying on in some capacity for 1 to 3 years, where applicable and possible

For existing operations, current owners involvement with financing, fully or partially

Creating new businesses at the culmination

Business scholarships to attend business management courses, acquire specific industry skills, or acquire entrepreneurship skills could be arranged through cooperative partnerships. These partners could sponsor student apprenticeships, assist with financial planning, assist with housing, sharing of needed equipment through incubator activity (if appropriate), and procure resources for the purchase and financing of businesses if dealing with existing operations and change of ownership or for start-ups. Business scholarships could be provided to those who make a commitment to establish a new entity or purchase an existing entity and

The ability to hold or attract youth is a key factor in sustainable economic success of most communities. Changing conditions in the global and country’s marketplaces indicate that the ability to accomplish this will be dependent upon providing a range of employment opportunities in or near Wixom, the provision of lifestyle activities for younger households, providing housing choices, and the local provision of recreation and entertainment activities.

Holding&AttractingYouth


remain in Wixom for a minimum number of years (such as 5 years).

Financing for existing operations may be through current owners “taking paper” as well as other consortium sources to be noted.

2. A Privately Run Incubator. A second way of spurring entrepreneurship is through a privately run incubator. The incubator would create an environment with amenities typical of larger businesses with the fiscal capacity to provide a range of resources. Such an incubator would likely or could include:

Affordable space

Smaller spaces than typical

Access to experienced entrepreneurial support services

24-7 access to programming and mentoring

Shared conference room

Skype and technology room

Kitchen

Pursuit of an incubator would be similar to the potential developer recruitment process, requiring a committee, identifying incubator operators, and disseminating materials to seek interested parties with experience.

Developer Recruitment

Redevelopment of parcels in most communities requires partnerships between the current owners and others, someone to buy the property, and/or other investors to bring it to fruition. Based on current conditions for the strategic sites, recruitment of developer and investor interests is indicated to be a more cost effective approach to recruitment than tenant or direct business recruitment for Wixom in general.

There are some fundamental considerations associated with a suggested developer recruitment process. These include the availability of fiscal and human resources.

The following are preliminary steps to establish a successful recruitment effort that should be considered for developers and investor partners.

Decide who will administer and provide staff support for the recruitment effort in general. It can be handled internally or with outside or consulting assistance. This would involve that which follows:

Creating a coordinating team consisting of representatives of the DDA, internal staff/contractors and, as noted above, outside “consultants” (if necessary to supplement the professional staff).

Identifying “qualified” developers based on specific projects or areas and like experience and fiscal capacity.

Developing marketing materials, including but depending upon resources, direct mail materials, ads, public relations releases, and materials distributed electronically.

D e v e l op i n g a R eq u e s t f o r Qualifications/Proposals (it is not


necessary to own or control any properties as this is a marketing effort)

Reviewing and evaluating submittals that may be received

Assuring the selection process is non-biased

Continuing an ombudsman role in the process

Assure the ability to reproduce the materials on demand via internal computer capabilities and internal printing capacity with delivery both by mail and electronically

Develop a set schedule for phasing of the recruitment process

The initial developer recruitment effort should take about six months from inception. The associated marketing activity would include:

Defining a list of "pre-qualified" developers throughout the United States and other countries. (It is absolutely critical to the success that the search be national and international, and not limited to Michigan or neighboring states. Ads in local newspapers are not an economically effective tool for this process. Nor is simply leaving this to the hands of traditional real estate brokers or taking “booths” at conferences.)

Identify what can be offered and what is being offered

Preparation of Request for Qualifications or Proposals for selected targeted areas/sites

Distribution of developed materials via direct mail and/or electronically; establishing contacts and networks; posting information on web sites; advertising in

select trade journals, if affordable; and internet contact

Follow-up contact via telephone and internet to answer questions, gauge interest, etc.

Review and evaluate responses, and establish relationships (such as between the development interest and the private property owner)

Continued follow-up, acting as an “ombudsman” for the process

The need for and level of “pre-screening” potential contacts for any recruitment is a fundamental issue in the process. (While consideration must be given to the following in all types of recruitment; pre-qualification of developers takes time, energy and has a cost. Yet, it is an imperative step for cost effectiveness for developer and investor recruitment.)

Available data bases

The cost-effectiveness of the “pre-screening”

The likelihood of success with obtaining accurate information for a “pre-screening” process

The following is noted with respect to developer recruitment:

Generation of the initial list of developers essentially involves pre-qualification, as the developers sought should have experience doing similar projects as well as appropriate fiscal capacity. Thus, the research involves identifying developers through their projects. The most appropriate ways of doing this are through the following:

Contact with professional organizations


that track creative development like the Economic Development Administration, Urban Land Institute, Council for Economic Development, the National Trust for Historic & Architectural Preservation, etc.

Scanning social media sites such as LinkedIn

Tapping libraries associated with professional organizations that deal with unique situations like the American Planning Association

Review of focused development publications

Internet research based on articles about desired types of efforts from around the country

Tenant/Business Recruitment

The above developer and investor recruitment involves targeted marketing. Whether developer or individual tenant recruitment is employed, dollars and energy spent on targeted marketing is more likely to be successful in Wixom than employing dollars for general marketing purposes.

While developer recruitment is likely to be the most cost effective form of recruitment for the development and redevelopment of strategic suites, tenant or business recruitment is likely to be the most opportune activity to fill existing vacancies and generate greater interest and tenants for the central core area.

Individual business recruitment is the second type of recruitment indicated for Wixom. Wixom will continue to have limited staff and fiscal resources available for this as well. Therefore:

Only limited activity can be expected, whether monthly or quarterly. The City, in cooperation with others, should establish priorities and allocate the limited resources accordingly. The City could focus on one component of recruitment at a time or focus on a variety of commercial opportunity areas (specific retailers or restaurants as examples) at one time. Other business oriented groups (Chambers, Oakland County economic development interests, etc.) could assist in the process as well, focusing on others to be recruited, distributing the work load, or development of the written materials. The amount of activity will largely depend upon the allocation of staff and volunteer resources by both the City and other entities; but it is strongly suggested that there be partnership with others that share interests.

In developing a tenant/business recruitment process and like the developer recruitment process, the following is essential.

Define who will be involved in the effort (organizations and people, including those outside of the City).

Define who will coordinate efforts.

Coordinate the efforts with Realtors to supplement traditional Realtor activity not replace it.

Define individual and groups functions within the process.

Develop a time frame for the process.

Identify what can be offered.

Propose measures to evaluate success.

The following is noted with respect to retail/restaurant recruitment lists:


Define a list of those to be solicited (an example would be appropriate restaurants). In selecting entities, consideration should been given to each entity’s expansion plans, desire for expansion, desired scale as defined by the entity, and other factors.

This list can be duplicated in the future by obtaining files from several publishers in the country. Generally, such data bases are about 80% to 90% accurate by the time of publication. The data bases will include the above as well as specific contact information. Non-print computer data bases cost roughly $1,200 to $1,500. One is sufficient.

The retail/restaurant recruitment process in the future should focus on the purchase of such a data base and site reconnaissance for non-chains.

The third type of recruitment will be for professional and service organizations to serve the growing needs of nearby employers and local residents. The following is noted with respect to professional recruitment lists. The primary information can be generated from four primary sources. These are:

Professional associations

Chambers of Commerce’s membership lists

State regulatory agencies

LinkedIn or other professional-oriented web-based entities

It is not cost effective to dissect, pre-qualify, or pre-select the professionals. Mass electronic dissemination or mailings, even if over time, will inevitably have greater cost effectiveness than any pre-qualifying effort.

R & D Recruitment

Creating the atmosphere for R & D and industrial growth is important. The activity will help to generate a sustainable employment base as well as related economic activity and a market that can assist with attracting a younger resident population.

There are a few possible methods for pursuing research and development. The first method is to directly recruit individual companies through a coordinated, continual process much like the business/tenant recruitment process. The second method is to form a partnership or consortium. The second is the preferred cost effective method for Wixom.

Fundamental to R & D recruitment activity would be the establishment of a “blue ribbon” committee, composed of national or international business interests in the area; Michigan’s economic development entity or select service providers; the area’s community college; utility companies; Oakland County; and other interests involved with related or other areas of research at the present time. Oakland Community College or the City of Wixom could coordinate the activities.

This methodology and partnership is suggested for the following reasons:

It can help to form and solidify a partnership between the Federal and State levels of government, with greater contact than now occurs and expanded relationships.

It may help to expand local higher education and training opportunities which may help to retain and potentially increase the proportion of residents seeking higher education within the community.


It potentially brings in larger interests and dollars.

It has staying power. (Often research, if and when it turns into product “development,” takes fifteen or more years.)

It is likely to yield high levels of employment for highly skilled individuals in the future, increasing the potential to expand a “permanent younger resident” base and utilize the skills of an educated work force that exists in the area or nearby.

The approach has proven to be successful elsewhere. One Michigan example is in Sturgis (Population 11,000), where a partnership of the Sturgis Improvement Association (SIA), the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation, and Trine University (Indiana) are working together to promote research, development, and entrepreneurial activities in the community.

The following actions should be taken:

Form the consortium and decide upon roles

Identify entities, including national and international universities and corporations that can play a critical role and should be sought. Included in this process would be research to identify the appropriate parties and discussions with existing business operators to identify potential partners of which they are aware or with which they do business

Develop specifics of a marketing plan

Prepare marketing materials

Develop an “Ambassadors” club composed of local businesses that will met with prospects

Solicit entities

Follow-up solicitation with direct contact

The committee, with potential EDA or other government sources of funds, might also be involved with the following:

License high-potential technologies.

Form companies around technologies.

Build management teams with executives that possess requisite experience.

Assist with market acceleration using specialized tools, people, and infrastructure.

Industrial Recruitment

Additional industrial recruitment would follow the path described in the “individual business recruitment” in general. Industrial recruitment should be done in cooperation with County and State entities to be cost effective for Wixom, with others leading the effort. However, Wixom should be represented at the “table,” made aware of opportunities, and be afforded the opportunity to present what they have to offer.

For Wixom, industrial recruitment could also be linked to the potential for a private sector incubator or with the developer recruitment activity and the creation of new larger scale industrial spaces in Wixom as identified in the opportunities.

Incentives

Incentives are, for better or worse, often employed to stimulate economic development. Many quality measures that can be applied and that are available and controlled at the local level are often key tools. These


include but are not limited to those that follow:

Zoning regulations and expedited processing for desired projects.

Seeking long-term return on investment versus short-term return.

Sharing of payment of off-site and on-site improvements.

The means of paying or contributing to infrastructure costs, such as special benefit or taxing districts like Wixom’s DDA and reallocation of resources to an area.

Cooperative training of a labor force for individual operations.

Property tax incentives, including abatement and phasing of the investment in improvements.

Each of the above impacts the “bottom line” of a development or business operation. There is a tendency to forget the accumulated impact that the above can have in favor of simply the availability of state and federal financial injections into a project or projects.

In developing a comprehensive program, consideration to each of the above should be given to strengthen economic development. So too should consideration be given to the addition of financial tools.

In some cases, gaining public or community control of properties can be a significant incentive and often yield greater long-term benefits when compared to costs.

Previously, areas in which the State of Michigan has programs and funding to assist with economic development have been identified. These along with Federal programs should be applied and sought wherever possible. However, while many times the “financial injections” come from outside

sources in many communities around the country, that does not have to be the case and should not be the complete situation in Wixom. It is important to remember that available private sector resources, if marshaled, will always be greater than public sector resources

There is a private sector opportunity or option which could have a much greater positive impact on Wixom in general and on economic development efforts in particular. That option follows.

Directed “Crowdfunding”

“Crowdfunding” was recently given tentative approval by the Security and Exchange Commission and opens the door for an incentive for entrepreneurship, potential R & D and industrial recruitment in Wixom. The new rules allow investors (in this case Wixom residents, property owners and businesses and surrounding area interests) to invest in companies using a “crowdfunding” exchange if they will locate in Wixom. Assuming flex and other space was generated in Wixom for non-retail activity, small and promising companies could be enticed to come to Wixom by providing capital for growth. Not only is capital generated, but expansion costs are lowered from savings associated with decreased need to hire costly investment bankers and accountants. Working with and through an existing “funding platform,” including Kickstarter, Selfstarter, Micro-Ventures, Indiegogo, and Fundable, Wixom could promote the availability of capital generated by local residents and businesses to grow new and fresh ideas and entrepreneurial entities. This would provide a competitive advantage for Wixom.

“Crowdfunding” comes prior to approaching venture capital funders. There are


more than 800 online platforms. Many now focus on specific industries. There are two approaches to “crowdfunding.” One is product production oriented, while the other is simply investor oriented. Campaigns that provide backers with equity in the business instead of products have less short-term delivery pressures. Equity “crowdfunding” is really simply an extension of raising investment dollars from relatives, friends and other individuals frequently used to launch new businesses.

The concept should be reviewed and explored by Wixom and contact made with a variety of existing platform entities.

Business Retention & Related Marketing

A method of expanding the market as well as potentially diminishing the exporting of dollars is through collective marketing. Collective marketing for activity could yield great benefit for the participants and have potential area-wide spinoff to Wixom.

Creating an area-wide cooperative internet and social media-based program in which all products or operations are promoted will afford potential expansion of the markets served well beyond the locality. The program could begin by sharing multiple address and email lists followed by marketing collectively. This could evolve into a permanent cooperative “site” that handled transactions, etc.

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(6) WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING

As defined in the analysis, manufacturing of a range of products based genetic materials used in medicine, to newly developed composite materials used in industries and to consumer products are in transition. In general, the transition is technology driven and will generate lesser employment than previous forms of manufacturing. The type of jobs created will be based on operation and maintenance of the technology. Whether additive manufacturing or 3D printing, CAD-based activity is essential for product design and production now and will be increasingly important in the future as will multiple directed robotics. Successful appropriate training for which there is and will be employment opportunities that will benefit residents both in the short and long-term should focus on those that follow. Most involve a range of opportunities from those that are degree-based to those do not involve degrees but simply acquisition of the skill, certification, or a combination of one or the other with apprenticeships.

While, the City of Wixom’s workforce has access to a wide variety of institutions of higher learning and training programs in the region, there are no training or educational opportunities within its borders.

1. Training for Key Industries

2. Recruiting Training Programs

3. Regional Training

An important part of a community’s economic development strategy is to make sure

its workforce is prepared to meet the needs of businesses. Over the years, technology

has changed the way almost every business operates. Today’s workforce needs the right skills

to help business grow and be successful. Promoting training and educational opportunities to

residents as well as others who work in the City requires an understanding of workforce

needs, business needs, and the programs available.


The areas of focus for workforce training and education should include:

Woodworking machine manufacturing

Research and development as it relates to industrial expansion

Software testing

Software optimization

IT training

Business Management and recording keeping for medical group management

Resin and nano particle handling and manufacturing

Manufacturing of composites and polymers

Water jet cutting

CAD for additive manufacturing/3D printing

Robotics

Entrepreneurship

Tradesman

Health care

A substantial range of institutions that provide training is contained in the appendix of this document. Some now have facilities in the greater region; and some do not. Some programs offer online learning. Matching the above areas of training with specific institutions is essential before pursuing training options for residents.

On the following pages are lists of related programs available in the local area (Oakland Community College Campuses and Farmington Hills)

The Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan collaborated with automotive manufacturing employers, educational institutions, and the workforce system to

establish the Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance (MAGMA). This partnership makes it possible to rapidly address industry's skill needs, providing targeted, innovative, and flexible learning solutions. The approved providers include:

Michigan Technological University Hybrid Vehicle Engineering Certificate, 15-graduate credits

U n i v e r s i t y o f D e t r o i t M e r c y Advanced Electric Vehicles Graduate Certificate, 15-graduate credits

W a y n e S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y Graduate Certificate Program in Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering, 12-graduate credits

T R A I N I N G I N S T I T U T I O N RECRUITMENT

The first step is to link the defined training areas with appropriate institutions both within and outside of the region as has been previously defined.

The recruitment activity for a training institution would be identical to that associated with the described “R & D” recruitment process and activity: establish a “blue ribbon” committee, composed of national or international business interests in the area; Michigan’s economic development entity or select service providers; the area’s community college; utility companies; Oakland County; and other interests involved with related or other areas of research at the present time. In addition, for the training institution recruitment program, representatives of the educational institutions at the high school level both within and surrounding Wixom should be included at the “table.”


Training & Educational Opportunities available at Oakland County Community College 1. Cisco CCNA C Auburn Hills, Farmington, Royal Oak,

Southfield, Waterford

2. Microso Cer fied IT Academy C Auburn Hills, Farmington, Royal Oak, Southfield, Waterford

3. Hospital Pharmacy Technology C

4. Emergency Medical Services C & AS

5. Medial Assis ng C & AS

6. Prac cal Nursing Educa on C & AS

7. Massage Therapy C

8. Computer Informa on Systems C & AS programs

9. Culinary Arts C, AS

10. Industrial Technology Technical Appren ce C

11. Manufacturing Technology C

12. Paralegal C & AS

13. Dental Hygiene C & AS

14.Robo cs/Programmable Controllers C & AS

15. Landscape/Hor culture C & AS

16.Environmental Systems Technology (HVAC) C

17. Nanotechnolgy in Materials Science C & AS

18. Computer Support Engineering Technology C

19. General Accoun ng C

20. Payroll and Tax Accoun ng C

21. Computer Aided Design and Dra ing Technoloty C,

22. Criminal Jus ce, Police Academy C

23. Fire Fighter Technology AS

24. Renewable Energies and Sustainable Living C

25. Welding Technology C


Training & Educational Opportunities available at Michigan Technology Services in Farmington Hills 143. Cisco CCNA (Network Assoc) C 144. Cisco CCNA Security C 145. Cisco CCNA Voice C 146. Cisco CCDA (Design Assoc) C 147. Cisco CCNP (Network Professional) C 148. Cisco CCVP (Voice Professional) C 149. Cisco Qualified Specialist C 150. Cisco Pix Firewall C 151. Cisco ASA Firewall C 152. A+ Technician (Computer Repair) C 153. Network+ C 154. Microso , MCSA C 155. Microso , MCSE C 156. Microso , MCTS C 157. Microso , MCITP C 158. Microso , Server 2012 C 159. Microso 2008 & 2008 R2 C 161. Microso Exchange Server C 162. Citrix Access Gateway C 163. Citrix NetScaler 10 C 164. Citrix Virtualiza on C 165. Citrix XenApp C 166. Citrix XenDesktop C 167. Java C 168. CompTIA C 169. Linux C 170. Computer Network Training C 171. A+PC Technician C 172. Database Administra on & SQL Training C 172. Developer & Programming C 173. UNIX C 174. Voice over IP (VOIP) C 175. Web Design & Internet C 176. Wireless Computer Training C 177. Project Management C 178. Time Management C 179. IT Consul ng Services C 180. IOS Training C 181. Android Training C 182. Perl C 183. Groovy Grails (web development) C 184. Visual Studio 2010, 2012 C



(7) BRANDING & MARKETING STRATEGIES

Creating a Brand Strategy for the City of Wixom involved the following components:

1. Brand Perception Audit: Understanding the perception or preconceived ideas people have about the City of Wixom. These audits took place in several conversation groups:

A. City Management Team

B. Wixom DDA

C. Wixom Business Forum

D. Town Hall Meetings

2. Web audit and recommendations: Assessing the City’s website to understand the information the City is trying to share and gauging its effectiveness.

3. Brand position summary: Understanding how the City of Wixom compares to other cities in the region.

4. Engagement recommendations: Moving the Brand Strategy forward.

An essential part of creating an Economic Development Strategy is to have an effective

communications component that raises awareness of all the City has to offer. Through

surveys and interviews, along with professional review, an assessment of the City’s “brand”

can illuminate perceptions of the City. The City has the opportunity to change the perception,

and create a brand that is based on its assets as well as its vision for the future. Marketing

pieces needed to accompany strategies listed in this report should be consistent and reflect

the concepts identified in this portion of the study.


1. Brand Perception Audit: Approach:

We facilitated conversation groups with various audiences to determine the overall, internal perception of Wixom, for those who live and work there. We also used the opportunity to discover needs and wants for development, any changes needed to help grow the area and open issues or misperceptions.

A. Wixom City Administration Meeting—July 17, 2013. This meeting included the City Manager, Planning Consultant, Building Official, DPW Director, City Manager Administrative Assistant, and Business Development Liaison, and others.

Keywords defined during this conversation:

New Frontier

Quaint

Family-focused

Overcoming the Ford Plant image

Sports-focused

Affordable

Nice people

B. Wixom Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Meeting—July 23, 2013

Keywords defined during this conversation:

Central to Everything

On the edge of everything

Accessibility

Industry

Country feeling

Value for the money

Hometown feeling

Very sports-focused (many areas to ride a bike, run, soccer, etc)

Like an up-north town

C. Wixom Business Group Meeting—August 13, 2013. The business representatives in attendance generally think Wixom can become a thriving area if attention is paid to these common themes:

The City has great accessibility for running businesses – close to the highway and good industrial locations.

The City lacks area to expand beyond a certain size, which may cause businesses to look elsewhere if they need more space.

Many of the businesses in the area also need more places for employee and client entertaining, as well as places to keep people engaged directly in the area and not leave during lunch, for entertainment, and dinners.

Whiteboard from July 17, 2013 Conversation

Whiteboards from July 23, 2013 Conversation


Recruiting for many companies has been difficult; people trained for business needs within a drivable distance to the business are hard to find.

More training facilities, focused on industrial needs will help draw more people to work and live in the area.

D. Wixom Public Input Meeting—September 17, 2013 (10 people in attendance). This was the first of two scheduled input meetings, with the second immediately following. At this meeting, the concept of branding for a community was discussed. Keywords defined:

Accessibility

Small town feeling

Family focused

Ford Plant

Sports focused

Affordable

Change

Best kept secret

Wants / Needs:

More small restaurants and businesses. This was brought up at most meetings to some degree. Many people who bring businesses to

Wixom have need for places to entertain clients and employees for both lunch and dinner. People who live here are looking for more options to keep the money in the city. It’s too easy to drive just east to Novi for more options.

Many mentioned they are not interested in big chains – looking for boutique style shops and small restaurants to keep the feeling hometown, not big business. Many used downtown Milford as an example, not like Birmingham.

A mix of day life / nightlife. There is a desire to have more walk-able shops and restaurants in the downtown and surrounding area (local business, not chains) during the day and something to bring people to the area after larger events during the day. Also, having a good mix of evening attractions (or a conversion to a night focused attraction) would keep people after hours. A local movie theatre, more bars and late-night restaurants would keep people in and attract more to live close.

Many people mentioned they don’t have enough information about events in the city and there is a gap in communication. Although there is a website and people can

Whiteboard from August 13, 2013 Conversation Map showing location of other cities with clear,

identifiable “brands” in the region.


sign up for an email list, knowing about events seems to be put on the community to seek it out (rather than it being effectively pushed out).

There was concern that whatever went into the Ford plant location would keep people from coming to the downtown and surrounding area. There needs to be a way to bridge those together. The open land sits far from the downtown area. Creating a destination location like a sport center, theme park – the “Cedar Point of the North”— or a large destination hotel, the local area would benefit if the destination didn’t self-contain all of the needs (this gives people a reason to head to the Village Center Area for food, entertainment and nightlife).

Many mentioned the need for a trade school to support the local CNC and other machining businesses that come to the area. They feel this will help bring people to the area, and help fill the need for businesses looking for trained craftsmen. Many of the business would be open to this idea – and may offer guidance and training support for this as it directly benefits one of their largest needs – finding the right people in a drivable distance to the location.

2. Web Audit Summary:

The website looks similar to other surrounding area’s sites; however, we would recommend a facelift to make the focus of the area about engaging with the community, putting a larger emphasis on the calendar of events and recent news.

The main concern is direct entrance and “bounce” within 10 seconds. The majority of visitors only hit the front page and “bounce

back” out of the site. This could be because they are getting all of the information needed from the front page. There is a main feed for current events, calendar, etc, but the secondary and tertiary pages are the search and directory—this means users are not following navigation and are looking for numbers on the directory. Searching for jobs is also a high entry point (which is common for many commercial sites over the past few years with the high unemployment rate). This may be a good redirect source for local job listings, and would address one of the concerns of area businesses, as well as may enhance the City’s ability to direct to trade schools.

There is also a higher percentage of new visitors to returning visitors (68.43% new visitors to 31.57% returning visitors). To develop better engagement through the website and increase the number of returning visitors, there needs to be a reason to come back often. Turning the website into a better resource (not just a calendar and phone book) will increase return visits and help to overcome the perception of a lack of information being delivered.


Based on the high use of site’s “search” feature, may indicate too complex of a web tree and navigation structure. Modern web experiences aim to decrease immediate navigation options to better direct messaging. There is a common misperception that more options on the landing page (/index) is easier for people to “one click” to what they are looking for. This however overwhelms the visitor and causes them to use search or bounce. Removing so many choices helps people to dig into the information they need more easily.

In a 2006 report by the Nielson Norman Group, the implications of how people read content on a website have changed the way content is being delivered to users. In their report on the “F shaped reading pattern,” users

eye movements were tracked to see how they engage with content – heat maps tracking eye movement in an “F” shape – first through the headlines, then straight down the left side and then only through the first and most of the second paragraph (see image next page). The implications of this study indicate these main points for content delivery:

1. Users won’t read text thoroughly. Exhaustive reading is rare, especially when a user is looking for general information. Some people will read further, most won’t.

2. The first two paragraphs of content should be concise and contain the most important information. People will read most of the first paragraph, less of the second.

Sample of nearby community websites


3. Start subheads, paragraphs and bullet points with information carrying words (or keywords that will help gain search traffic).

4. Additionally, the main search keywords all contained variations of the name of the city: “City of Wixom,” “Wixom MI,” “Wixom,” “Wixom Community Center,” and “Wixom Michigan.”

To draw in new people and business to the area, creating keyword rich areas that would allow the local area to benefit from additional search. For instance, currently, the City’s “jobs” page is underutilized. Since one of the main attractions to the site are job searches, these areas should be considered a better inbound resource than is currently being used.

5. All pages and links also tab out to another page instead of keeping people on the current site, which makes the experience more difficult to manage.

6. The main landing page showed no meta keyword data (embedded). Converting the site to a more SEO friendly CMS system (like WordPress) would help to control more content and promotion.

7. Social links are broken for the Twitter link (shows as not active) and only 234 likes on Facebook. Facebook feed is currently a direct link from the web event listing – no further engaging content that fits the channel. Social channels need to deliver more than a broadcast of similar information to gain shares and followings. These channels need to be managed to be effective. This may require additional staffing.

8. Overall, from a design standpoint, the site should simplify all of the messages and simplify the navigation structure. Add more images, less text, build content areas that are SEO rich (beyond just the basic location) and create reasons to return often.

3: Brand Position Summary

Based upon the findings of the brand perception and web audits, the City of Wixom should consider the following Brand Position Summary:

“F shaped reading pattern,” as defined by research

Wixom is the new frontier. When many people migrated up the northern I-75 corridor of Detroit over the last twenty years, they missed the potential Wixom has always been right in their backyard. Just like the pioneers that headed west when the country was forming, now Wixom stands as that oasis, close to everything, but far from ordinary.

Wixom is a best kept secret in small town, family oriented community living. The perfect mix of affordable homes, affordable workspace and community focused living. With boundless areas for outdoor activities, a central area for community gatherings and walkable downtown attractions, Wixom is easy to get to, hard to walk away from.

As families and business look for a new beginning, the best mix of Michigan and community, of new opportunity at the right price, Wixom stands apart.


4. Engagement Recommendations

One of the common issues that came up in groups and our research is that Wixom is not effectively spreading the word to local areas and is in effect, the best kept secret around. To be able to bring people into the community, there needs to be an ongoing effort to spread the word of what is available, what is occurring and the open opportunities Wixom offers. To effectively engage with new homeowners, business and visitors, the following breaks out identified gaps in communication and suggestions to resolve each:

This can be done through the following touch points and vehicles:

1. Hire a Media Relations Company (or a dedicated internal staff position) who is responsible for actively identifying good

news, events and opportunities in Wixom. This should be focused in multiple ways, beyond just community announcements and press releases. Media has evolved over the past few years. Local coverage has been reduced, there are less beat reporters (most cover multiple focuses) and the space for coverage has been greatly reduced. Papers and local media no longer cover events or general announcements unless its unique. Developing better stories instead of just announcing news will help gain exposure to the area. Going after the local media with stories of growth, new businesses opening and expanding, unique types of community events and the development of the area (the rebirth after the Ford plant) will help change the conversation to the City’s intended message. There should also be an active outreach


to trade magazines, associations, opportunities at entrepreneurial conferences, incubation organizations, small manufacturing and education. Reaching out directly to those who would consider Wixom as a great place to start a small business, move a manufacturing plant, start a restaurant, move from out-of-state, etc., takes a concerted effort.

2. Utilize Social Media Channels. These tools can be an effective vehicle for community outreach and “getting the word out.” However, currently the two channels being used (Facebook and Twitter) are not creating engaging content to develop a wider following. The twitter link on the website is currently dead, and the Facebook content is just broadcasting the announcements from the website. When these channels are used, they have to be customized to fit the audience in each. Recycling the same content doesn’t engage with users, gives them no reason to “share” to their networks and is a one sided conversation. Creating a unique content calendar that provides more community focused events - videos, photos and not direct information. These channels should be used to create inbound traffic to the home base - the website. Ideally, the website should create a static “home-base” for general contact and information. To create engagement, it needs to be wrapped in dynamic content. The four

main areas to gain share of the conversations going on outside the “home-base” are: search (SEO); social networks (Facebook, Twitter, L inkedIn, etc) ; internal communications (speaking to those that already live and work in the area); and external communications (those who own or operate businesses, or live outside the area). Each one of these areas need a unique way of outreach to drive traffic back to home base and increase awareness. For social channels, the 4-3-2-1 method of content curation and delivery causes people to be more active, follow more regularly and increases share-space (pushing or sharing content to their relationship base). This approach is called the “4-3-2-1” model, and it looks like this:

4- Third-party content (curation) - finding information that is relevant but not directly about Wixom. Stories about homeownership, stories about starting a business, stories about small town living, stories about how to get your house ready for winter, etc).

3- Promotion of other people’s content - shares, retweets, live-tweet shares at events, etc.

2- Interaction with users on a personal level through commenting, outreach, direct messaging and @replies.

1- Direct content.

The Twitter logo—shown in its approved format—always a blue or white bird on a black, white, or blue background.


This model helps to gain traction in social channels, but needs to be managed full time. People who use these vehicles expect a level of communication back from channel holders. To not respond correctly causes “unfollows” and a bad experience. If the City is going to be there - its better to do it the right way. Shares and comments are currency, this is not broadcasting - it is an active conversation that must be managed to be effective.

3. Advance Search Engine Optimization (SEO), keyword targeting and the web experience need to be reviewed and the website should be upgraded. Moving into a better platform for managing content and SEO (like WordPress) will help gain traction for people who are actively looking for opportunities Wixom provides. Being able to keep up a local directory for job opportunities, open real estate and industrial opportunities, events and small businesses will help draw in those that are a perfect fit for the area, but can’t find Wixom through the noise. Simplifying the web experience based on the traffic data should be a primary project to make sure when people “in-bound” they get what they need and have a reason to come back.

4. Create and Showcase Unique Events. Draw in new visitors and allow them to experience Wixom for the first time (or maybe have a second look). The downtown area with the fountain, parks and open areas are ripe for a large event. Holding the current events are to be expected (annual fireworks, summer concerts, etc). Holding events that reach out to an organization that has its own community will leverage relationships and bring new people to the area. These events can also help support the

local businesses and give the community more things to take part in and talk about. Reaching out to a charity looking to do athletic events like a 5k/10k would be a great place to start. Also there are a number of century rides (100k bike), duathlons, triathlons, adventure races and more. These events bring in people beyond the racers - the friends and family that come to support and watch need things to do during the race. Wixom is positioning itself as a sport oriented, open country location. Hosting these types of events ongoing will also provide content for media coverage, social media shares and will build the reputation of the area. Developing new culinary events can also draw in large crowds and will provide “night-life” events before the development of these brick and mortar locations can be established. These “specialty focused” events come with more coverage through the media, they generally are self promoted through the organization putting it together and can be covered and supported by a wealth of specialty bloggers (food bloggers, mommy bloggers, beer bloggers, etc), which drive more visits and traffic to the website and social followers.

5. Launch a Campaign. Attract more community involvement and open


conversations. Reach out directly to everyone in the community through a direct mail campaign to spread the word about changes, new opportunities, and gather opt-in emails. This can be done through a number of different ways and should have multiple touch points. Since the current sign up for info model on the website has not effectively brought users in, there should be more direct outreach. Creating a traditional direct mail piece that is delivered to all businesses and homes, followed by an easy way to sign up for information (through email, social or other) will help keep up involvement in content delivery. Resurrect the local paper - local newsletter or create a microsite on the website that acts as a local paper will keep people informed (even if they don’t take direct action). Providing incentive to visit local restaurants, announcing events, providing “inside” information on the development of the city and sharing good news provides a reason to pay attention. These opt-ins should also be actively pursued during events - setting up a table for sign up, have people work the crowd with a clipboard, anything to gain sign up for content delivery. The best way to change people’s opinions about Wixom is to leverage the people who already know what type of community it is. It will take an active effort to change the language of the community to speak to this advantage and again, share that information outside of the city limits. It takes the combination of outreach and experience to bring people in. Once they are there, they will have an experience. It is important to manage those conversations that take place surrounding that experience to positively leverage each experience to the City’s advantage.



(7) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURES

It takes time to assess a review process and create strategies for an improved process that isn’t burdened by excess delays. But streamlining the development and building review process is helpful for community staff and officials and can save developers time and money. This study began with an assessment of the City’s review processes and included reviewing the Zoning Ordinance, exploring the City’s website for information, meeting with the internal review team, and surveying the development community as well as the City’s staff and officials who are involved in the review process. Interviews with key staff were also conducted. Overall, the City of Wixom has a good approach to development and building review processes. The City is striving to make improvements, and it is taking advantage of staff changes to consider the approach to reviews from the ground up. The approach to improving the review process includes a development manual (see the Appendix) as well as recommendations on continuing education and monitoring.

Excerpt of City’s Zoning Ordinance as hosted by Municode. This is a small

portion of the site plan requirements table.

An efficient, predictable, comprehensive development and building review process is

important for every community. The process should ensure consistent application of

the building and land development regulations, and result in quality development. Creating a

clear and effective review process can be a useful tool for economic development. For the

most part, the City’s process is logical and effective; with some refinement, the process should

flow more smoothly for staff, consultants, and applicants.


OVERVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT

1. Zoning Ordinance: An examination of the City’s development review procedures as identified in the Zoning Ordinance. This is the legal basis for the City’s processes for review, including outlining the regulations for site plan review, special land use review, and permits. All processes related to review should be based on the requirements found in the Zoning Ordinance, which may be amended as appropriate to meet the City’s needs.

2. City’s Website: Exploration of the City’s website to understand the kinds of development-related information available to the public. This is becoming one of the most important areas for development-related resources, because the information provided is available 24/7. It is important to have information available, but more important – to provide the information in a manner that is easy to find and understand.

3. Staff Meeting: A meeting was held with the internal review team, including the City Manager, staff, and consultants to understand the review process – both planning and building review – and brainstorm “what works” and “what needs work.”

4. Development Survey: A survey was conducted of the deve lopment community—those who may have done development-related work in the City recently. Questions were asked to both gain an understanding of the perception of the City, as well as to learn more about what the development community considers priorities in terms of the review process.

5. Staff and Officials Survey: Another survey was conducted of the City’s staff and

officials who are involved in the review process. These questions probed into the review process itself, as well as to gauge the awareness of available resources from both the review and approval processes.

6. Interviews: Interviews with key planning and building department staff were also conducted to get first-hand input from those who are the most involved in the review process. These meetings probed deeper into roles and responsibilities, and considered new approaches to the review process, both from a planning and building review standpoint.

FINDINGS

Note: The City of Wixom is undergoing structural changes to staffing. During the time of this study, the Building, Planning & Zoning Department is transitioning into Construction & Development Services.

Zoning Ordinance.

The Zoning Ordinance is available online through a third-party provider, Municode. This paid online service allows users to access Zoning Ordinance regulations. The Zoning Ordinance provides for site plan review in Section 18.17. This section includes a statement of intent that clarifies the City’s interest in site plan review. A table illustrates uses that require site plan review. Two additional tables list the requirements for site plans and sketch plans. From a layout perspective, the tables can be somewhat hard to read the online format.

The City of Wixom uses three types of site plan review prior to construction. This information is described in the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Site Plan Approval. When required, site plans are reviewed by the Planning


Commission. In a few cases (wireless communication facilities, planned unit developments , and condominium developments), City Council provides the final approval. The Zoning Ordinance notes that the city staff will review applications for completeness as well as technical and Zoning Ordinance compliance.

2. Sketch Plan Approval. When required, sketch plans are reviewed by the Building Official. This is primarily considered administrative approval and is used for wireless facility collocation, expansions less than 1,000 sq ft., façade improvements and bu i ld ing entrances , access ib i l i t y improvements, building reuse at the same or lower intensity as a previous use, parking lot improvements, grading, and keeping of animals. Temporary uses are reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals

Bottom line: Generally, the Zoning Ordinance standards for review are satisfactory and reflect a tiered approach to review, based on the level/intensity of development. However, the list of required items to be included with the site plan is extensive, and perhaps a bit cumbersome in its current format.

City’s Website (assessment of development-related information)

The City has an attractive, informative, and up-to-date website (see following page) (1). From the home page, the first place someone might visit is the link on the left navigation menu, called “City Codes and Ordinances” (2). This link takes the user to another page with links for these codes. This location could be a good opportunity to also incorporate links for related departments that serve as good resources when reviewing codes and ordinances, especially Construction & Development Services.

The second option from the home page

1

2

3

4

Screenshots of City’s webpages


is to the Building, Planning & Zoning Department (3). Useful contacts are provided to the right of the descriptive text. However, we note that all three contacts have the same email address ([email protected]). Because this is a general email address, it should simply be included as text.

The description of the Building, Planning & Zoning departments should begin with a guide to what the department(s) do, and then lead into the roles Planning Commission and ZBA. Descriptions for agendas and minutes could be simplified and provided as shorter links within the page. When providing agendas and minutes, it is important to make sure they are the most current.

A navigation menu on the left contains links to permit applications and other related information (4). The Applications and Permits page contains most of the application forms available. However, there is one notable omission: the Site Plan Review application. The list of forms and resources is generally provided in alphabetical order, but grouping applications and resources by type may be more useful for users.

While there is a great deal of information available on the City’s website, an organizational structure based on user needs would make this information even more useful. Further, any staff member from any department would be able to assist customers with basic questions.

Staff Meeting

An internal project team meeting was held with staff members who play a role in the development review process. The purpose of the meeting was to gather feedback from the management/planning/building team regarding the development review process, as well as begin to

understand the perception of the City within and beyond the City's borders.

Staff provided an overview of the old process, where all plans went through the Building Official. All agreed that while there was a time when this approach worked, there was opportunity to refine this system. In particular, staff has started conducting pre-application meetings for development. At these meetings, the Planning Consultant, Fire Department, Building Official, Business Development Liaison, City Engineer, and City Manager typically attend. They are generally held 30 days prior to a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. Discussion with the staff identified the following points:

What’s working?

Site Plan Review Process

Pre-application meetings for site plan review

City works well with business community while holding high standards

Staff is committed to maintaining a development-ready process

Building Permit Review Process

Prompt building permit review due to availability of consultants: 10 days (15 day maximum required by State of Michigan)

New software will allow project tracking

Participants of the July 17, 2013 City staff meeting


What needs work?

Site Plan Review Process

Interna l communicat ion needs improvement

Perception of being development-ready may not apply consistently to all businesses.

Building Permit Review Process

External fire review could be done in-house to save money

Old tracking software not useful

Connect finance and building to facilitate payments easier

Online and hard copy forms inconsistent

Handouts need updating

Zoning Board of Appeals Process

Work with applicants to find alternatives and reduce amount of applications to ZBA

Improve consistency with following ordinances and standards.

What do you hear from applicants, other staff, and officials?

I know of companies who are leasing in the City and want to buy and/or expand; they like our [city] services.

Businesses know the City maintains its roads and services.

This place is about family.

If you drive through the industrial parks, you will see a huge number of industrial, r & d, and office space. It’s impressive for a community of this size.

We are open to communication and get great responses to City emails.

Our concerts in the park get bigger every year.

We have the best city staff I’ve ever worked with.

Everyone here pretty much coexists—businesses & residents.

We give businesses & residents a lot of services for their money.

Staff & Officials Survey

An efficient and effective development review process depends on the staff and officials who implement the process. To gauge the understanding and awareness of the development review process, another survey was designed for the City’s staff and officials. Forty-two people participated in this survey, with about a third of respondents being staff. Not all questions were answered by the respondents, and this may be due to people being unsure of the answers. This is not atypical of communities—but is an opportunity to address in the future through education, training, and communication.

Officials included members of City Council, the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and Tax Abatement Committee. Topics addressed in the survey included:

Training for staff and officials

Master Plan

Zoning Ordinance

Availability of materials

Development review process

Building permit review process


The top chart illustrates that nearly one third of the respondents aren’t sure about important tools that may be included in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The bottom chart illustrates that nearly one third of the respondents aren’t sure about key features of the City’s Master Plan.


The top chart illustrates that most respondents aren’t sure about elements of the development review process. The bottom chart illustrates that responses vary widely in respect to understanding the City’s Zoning Ordinance.


Training

About half of the respondents agreed that the City pays for training for staff and officials. However, the remainder of the respondents fairly evenly said that training was neither encouraged or discouraged and/or that the City did not pay for training. Comments for this question supported the confusion, with several people stating that they didn’t know about training opportunities.

Master Plan

About two thirds of the respondents said the City’s Master Plan has been updated within the last five years, and that there are areas of planned industrial and office growth where infrastructure exists. However, 25-40% of the respondents weren’t sure about the answers to these questions. This suggests there may be opportunities to improve the communication process around the Master Plan. When asked about whether the Master Plan’s implementation strategies were consistently reviewed to determine if changes to the Zoning Map or text were needed, half the respondents said “yes,” while 10% said “no,” and 40% were unsure.

Zoning Ordinance

Several questions were asked relating to the Zoning Ordinance. Features that improve the development review process include flexible development tools, such as Planned Unit Development (PUD) and mixed use zoning, as well as having a document that is accessible and easy to understand.

The answers to these questions varied widely, and suggests that training on Zoning Ordinance tools and functionality may be appropriate for staff and officials. For example, two thirds of the respondents said the Zoning

Ordinance includes PUD, but one third weren’t sure. Respondents were also unsure about the other tools mentioned, including cluster/open space development, conditional rezoning, industrial/high tech zoning, mixed use areas.

Only half of the respondents are aware that the City’s Zoning Ordinance is available online and felt that the document is easy to read. Respondents were split on whether the document contained graphics and illustrations, with 45% saying “yes” and 45% saying they weren’t sure.

When asked about negative or unintended consequences following enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, respondents were largely unsure. A few people commented that there seems to be disagreement between the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals on ordinance provisions.

Pre-application meetings, procedures manuals, online availability of reference materials, and tracking of the review process is an area in which the majority of respondents were unsure.

In terms of the administrative aspect of development review, only 19% of respondents feel that all employees and officials have a working understanding of the site plan and building review process, and only 15% say that there is always someone at City Hall who can explain the site plan and building review process and answer basic questions. Again, this is an opportunity to improve upon the review process through education and training, especially with new staff in place throughout City Hall.

Respondents were unsure of the time required for the review process for new buildings, modest building additions, and special land use requirements for industrial/office developments.

The remaining survey questions asked for open-ended responses about the


Most respondents are not sure how technology is being used (or not used) in the review process.

How is site plan review enhanced with technology? Please check all that apply:

development review process (what’s working, what needs work), and the responses tapered off to only one third of those who started the survey. Most people stated the biggest strengths are:

Willingness to work together to get reviews done in a timely manner

Timely and thorough reviews by competent consultants

Those involved in the process are helpful

Areas of weaknesses include:

Underutilization of technology

Untrained officials

Sharing of historical background and knowledge

Specific improvements to the review process include:

Add online interactive programs

Complete “redo” of the process to make it more efficient

Technology upgrades for permitting and tracking

Training of staff and officials

Development Survey

An informal survey was sent to a few developers who had recently conducted business in the community. While not a scientific study of the review process, the survey provides some insight for the City as it revamps its review process. Respondents general ly appreciated that the City staff is trying to

improve the process, and cited flexibility and communication as being very valuable. Other key responses include:

An efficient review process is important, but not the only consideration when making decisions on site location.

Communication is important; it is improving in the City of Wixom.


Consistent responses are important when dealing with reviews.

Pre-application meetings are helpful

Tracking progress of the review process online would be useful

Allow for electronic submissions of plans and payments

Time is money. Allow most, if not all, approvals to rest with the Planning Commission, rather than sending items to City Council for final approvals.

Interviews

Interviews were held with the planning consultant and building official (also a consultant) to gain additional perspective on the strengths of the review process and where opportunities for improvement exist.

Both consultants felt that the timing was good to be making improvements to the process in terms of efficiencies. With better procedures and better service, the City will be able to keep its high standards. Key findings from our interviews include:

Development Review

Site plan contents checklists should be reviewed and refined to make things easier to understand. Clarify the differences between sketch plans and site plans.

Pre-application meetings will be mandatory and applicants will be encouraged to schedule these 30 days prior to submission for the Planning Commission.

Applicants with larger, more complex projects may wish to meet informally with the Planning Commission and should be made aware of this option.

Site plan approval is final (no preliminary approvals given); the Zoning Permit will be issued following Planning Consultant review of construction plans, prior to those plans being submitted to the Building Official.

Planned Unit Development applications should start with the pre-application. The concept plans are reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council; final PUD and site plan approval rest with the Planning Commission.

Site condominiums/subdivisions should run through the pre-application process prior to Planning Commission review.

Rezoning applications will be encouraged to take advantage of the pre-application process prior to review by the Planning Commission.

Signs are reviewed by the Building Official and Planner; if the sign is in the Village Center Area (VCA), it may be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

The concept of “fast-tracking” applications is applied on a case-by-case basis. The process is not described as part of any review materials.

Building Permit Review

The Building Official participates in the pre-application process as described above.

Informal discussions are held as needed.

There is a preliminary building plan review process available for a cursory overview of construction plans.

The Building Official is committed to reviewing plans within 10 days of submission. The review is approval, approval with conditions, or denial.


All construction drawings for commercial buildings and residences over 3,500 sq ft (including all habitable spaces, even basements) must be signed and sealed by an architect or engineer.

The list of fees and applications is extensive and it would be a big improvement to have one application and one fee for all reviews.

Online permitting would be very useful for applicants and staff.

DEVELOPMENT MANUAL

One of the results of this assessment is a new Development Manual. This guide to the review process contains step-by-step directions and flowcharts for navigating the City’s review processes for sites and buildings.

This guide will be helpful for not only applicants, but staff and elected/appointed officials as well because it is a complete outline of how the development review process works, presented in a clear, easy to read format.

Pertinent sections of the Zoning Ordinance are referenced, and applications for the various types of development review are included.

All of the Development Manual will be available both online and in hard-copy. However, the online version features hyperlinks between sections and applications. Applicants may also complete forms electronically.

Sample pages are included at right, and the full Development Manual is included in the Appendix.


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Appendix-1

City of Wixom Development Manual

Rod

Typewritten Text

Pg. 145

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Appendix-2

Table of over-represented “industries” for Wixom compared to similar communities

Available Training and Related Opportunities

Article: “Lt. Governor Leads Business Roundtable in Wixom: Leaders Discuss How to Boost Economic Development, Create Jobs,” Spinal Column, March 12, 2014

Article: “Wixom Partners With Consulting Firm To Spark Economic Development,” Spinal Column, August 7, 2013

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Industry Code Industry Code Descrip on

212321 Construc on sand and gravel mining

236117 New housing opera ve builders

236220 Commercial and ins tu onal building construc on

237310 Highway, street, and bridge construc on

238110 Poured concrete founda on and structure contractors

238210 Electrical contractors and other wiring installa on contractors

238220 Plumbing, hea ng, and air‐condi oning contractors

238310 Drywall and insula on contractors

238330 Flooring contractors

238350 Finish carpentry contractors

238910 Site prepara on contractors

311811 Retail bakeries

323112 Commercial flexographic prin ng

332212 Hand and edge tool manufacturing

332710 Machine shops

332721 Precision turned product manufacturing

332912 Fluid power valve and hose fi ng manufacturing

333512 Machine tool (metal cu ng types) manufacturing

333514 Special die and tool, die set, jig, and fixture manufacturing

333515 Cu ng tool and machine tool accessory manufacturing

333994 Industrial process furnace and oven manufacturing

334418 Printed circuit assembly (electronic assembly) manufacturing

336370 Motor vehicle metal stamping

339920 Spor ng and athle c goods manufacturing

339950 Sign manufacturing

423120 Motor vehicle supplies and new parts merchant wholesalers

423130 Tire and tube merchant wholesalers

423220 Home furnishing merchant wholesalers

423430 Computer and so ware merchant wholesalers

423450 Medical equipment merchant wholesalers

423510 Metal service centers and other metal merchant wholesalers

423610 Elec. equip. and wiring merchant wholesalers

423710 Hardware merchant wholesalers

423720 Plumbing equip. merchant wholesalers

423830 Industrial machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers

423840 Industrial supplies merchant wholesalers

423850 Service establishment equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers

423930 Recyclable material merchant wholesalers

424130 Industrial and personal service paper merchant wholesalers

424210 Drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers

424610 Plas cs materials and basic forms and shapes merchant wholesaler

425120 Wholesale trade agents and brokers 442110 Furniture stores

Over-represented “industries” for Wixom compared to similar communities

From Chapter 3: Cluster Assessment

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Industry Code Industry Code Descrip on 442210 Floor covering stores 444130 Hardware stores 445310 Beer, wine, and liquor stores 447110 Gasoline sta ons with convenience stores 447190 Other gasoline sta ons 454113 Mail‐order houses 484121 General freight trucking, long‐distance, truckload 484122 General freight trucking, long‐distance, less than truckload 484220 Specialized freight (except used goods) trucking, local 485320 Limousine service 488410 Motor vehicle towing 493110 General warehousing and storage 512110 Mo on picture and video produc on 522310 Mortgage and nonmortgage loan brokers 531130 Lessors of mini‐warehouses and self‐storage units 531312 Nonresiden al property managers 541211 Offices of cer fied public accountants 541330 Engineering services 541380 Tes ng laboratories 541410 Interior design services 541511 Custom computer programming services 541512 Computer systems design services 541611 Administra ve management consul ng services 541613 Marke ng consul ng services 541614 Process and logis cs consul ng services 541620 Environmental consul ng services 541712 Other physical and biological research 551114 Corporate, subsidiary, and regional managing offices 561320 Temporary help services 561330 Professional employer organiza ons 561410 Document prepara on services 561422 Telemarke ng bureaus and other contact centers 561720 Janitorial services 561730 Landscaping services 561740 Carpet and upholstery cleaning services 611610 Fine arts schools 713940 Fitness and recrea onal sports centers 722211 Limited‐service restaurants 722213 Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars 811121 Automo ve body, paint, and interior repair and maintenance 811192 Car washes 811310 Commercial machinery repair and maintenance 812320 Drycleaning and laundry services (except coin‐operated) 812332 Industrial launderers 812910 Pet care (except veterinary) services 423690 Other electronic parts and equipment merchant wholesalers

(continued) Over-represented “industries” for Wixom compared to similar communities

From Chapter 3: Cluster Assessment

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Available Training and Related Opportunities The following is a list of available training opportunities in the general Wixom/Detroit area as well as those that differ that are not found in the general Wixom/Detroit area at this time. The list was generated using online research and may not be composed of all opportunities. The list contains those associated with industries and training anticipated to generate future employment growth. Identified are various levels associated training achievement provided by the institution. Included are certificate programs (c), Associates Degree programs (AS), and Bachelorette programs (BS and BA). Each institution’s course offerings include, but are not limited to those indicated.

Program/Course C/AS/BA/BS/other

Location School/Organization

1. Cisco CCNA C Auburn Hills, Farmington, Royal Oak, Southfield,

Waterford

Oakland Community College

2. Microsoft Certified IT Academy C Auburn Hills, Farmington, Royal Oak, Southfield,

Waterford

Oakland Community College

3. Hospital Pharmacy Technology C Oakland Community College

4. Emergency Medical Services C & AS Oakland Community College

5. Medial Assisting C & AS Oakland Community College

6. Practical Nursing Education C & AS Oakland Community College

7. Massage Therapy C Oakland Community College

8. Computer Information Systems C & AS programs Oakland Community College

9. Culinary Arts C, AS Oakland Community College

10. Industrial Technology Technical Apprentice C Oakland Community College

11. Manufacturing Technology C Oakland Community College

12. Paralegal C & AS Oakland Community College

13. Dental Hygiene C & AS Oakland Community College

14.Robotics/Programmable Controllers C & AS Oakland Community College

15. Landscape/Horticulture C & AS Oakland Community College

16.Environmental Systems Technology (HVAC) C Oakland Community College

17. Nanotechnolgy in Materials Science C & AS Oakland Community College

18. Computer Support Engineering Technology C Oakland Community College

19. General Accounting C Oakland Community College

20. Payroll and Tax Accounting C Oakland Community College

21. Computer Aided Design and Drafting Technoloty C, Oakland Community College

22. Criminal Justice, Police Academy C Oakland Community College

23. Fire Fighter Technology AS Oakland Community College

24. Renewable Energies and Sustainable Living C Oakland Community College

25. Welding Technology C Oakland Community College

26. Accounting AAS C Several Wayne County locations including Detroit

Wayne County Community College

27. Addiction Studies C Wayne County Community College

28. Alternative Fuels C Wayne County Community College

29. Aviation Mechanics C Wayne County Community College

30. CIS: Computer Network Administrator /AAS C Wayne County Community College

31. Computer Information Systems AS & C Wayne County Community College

32. CIS: Website Designer AS & C Wayne County Community College

33. CIS: Video Game & Animation AS & C Wayne County Community College

34. Forensic Photography C Wayne County Community College

35. Geothermal Systems Technology C Wayne County Community College

36. Emergency Medical Technology AS & C Wayne County Community College

37. Fire Protection Technology AS & C Wayne County Community College

38. Graphic Design Technology C Wayne County Community College

39. Homeland Security C Wayne County Community College

40. Library Technology C Wayne County Community College

41. Mechatronics Technology C Wayne County Community College

42. Office Information Systems AS & C Wayne County Community College

43. Water and Environmental Technology C Wayne County Community College

44. Business Information Systems Technology. BS Detroit Wayne State University

45. Business Computer Science BS Wayne State University

46. Business Accounting BA, BS Wayne State University

47. Business Finance BA, BS Wayne State University

48. Global Supply Chain Management BA, BS Wayne State University

49. Business Information Systems Management BA, BS Wayne State University

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50. Business Marketing BA, BS Wayne State University

51. Business Management BA, BS Wayne State University

52. Biomedical Engineering BS Wayne State University

53. Chemical Engineering BS Wayne State University

54. Civil Engineering BS Wayne State University

55. Information Technologies Center C Detroit FocusHOPE

56. Machinist Training Institute C FocusHOPE

57. Customer Service Support (CSS) C FocusHOPE

58. Windows 7, Windows 2010 C FocusHOPE

59. Technical Support Specialist (TSS) C FocusHOPE

60. Small Office Home Office Networking (SOHO) C FocusHOPE

61. Network Administration CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

FocusHOPE

62. Server Administration Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Server Administrator.

FocusHOPE

63. Accounting Skill Specific C & AS Warren Macomb Community College

64. Applied Technology & Apprenticeship C & AS Macomb Community College

65. Architectural Technology‐Civil Construction C & AS Macomb Community College

66. Automated Systems Technology‐mechatronics C & AS Macomb Community College

67. Automotive Technology C & AS Macomb Community College

68. Alternative Fuels Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

69. Comprehensive Automotive Training C & AS Macomb Community College

70. Behavioral Sciences C Macomb Community College

71. Biological Sciences AS Macomb Community College

72. Business Management AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

73. Civil Technology C & AS Macomb Community College

74. Climate Control‐AC C Macomb Community College

75. HVAC C Macomb Community College

76. Refrigeration C Macomb Community College

77. Clinical Laboratory Technology AS Macomb Community College

78. Computer Service Technology AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

79. Computer A+ Certification Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

80. Construction Technology AS & C Macomb Community College

81. Renewable Energy Specialist AS & C Macomb Community College

82. Culinary Arts AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

83. Early Childhood Studies AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

84. Electrical Engineering Technology AS & C Macomb Community College

85. Basic Electronics C Macomb Community College

86. Emergency Medical Services AS & C Macomb Community College

87. Fire Science AS & C Macomb Community College

88. Global Supply Chain Management Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

89. International Business Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

90. Health Information Technology AS Macomb Community College

91. Homeland Security AS & C Macomb Community College

92. Hospitality Management AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

93. IT‐Applications Professional AS & C Macomb Community College

94. IT‐Cisco Network Professional AS & C Macomb Community College

95. IT‐Strategic Database Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

96. IT‐Cisco CCNA Networking Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

97. IT‐Information Assurance Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

98. IT‐ Microsoft Enterprise Administrator AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

99. IT‐Microsoft MCSA Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

100. IT‐Network Security Professional AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

101. IT‐C++ programming Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

102. IT‐Database programming Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

103. IT‐Java Programming Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

104. IT‐Visual Basic Programming Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

105. IT‐Programming for Electronic Games AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

106. IT Website Programming AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

107. International & Global Studies AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

108. Land surveying C Macomb Community College

109. Law Enforcement AS & C Macomb Community College

110. Marketing AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

111. Media and Communications Arts AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

112. Music Performance C Macomb Community College

113. Product Development, CAD AS & Skill Specific C Macomb Community College

114. Renewable Energy Technology C Macomb Community College

115. Web Specialist AS & C Macomb Community College

116. Electric vehicle (EV) development technology C Macomb Community College

117. Computer Graphics C Detroit Marygrove College

118. Pharmacy Technician C Marygrove College

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119. Gerontology C Marygrove College

120. Sacred Music (church music) C Marygrove College

121. Child Welfare C Marygrove College

122. African American Studies C Marygrove College

123. Women’s Studies C Marygrove College

124. Accounting AA; BA;BBA; Marygrove College

125. Computer Information Systems BS Marygrove College

126. Environmental Science BA; BS; Marygrove College

127. Forensic Science BS; Marygrove College

128. Heath Science BS; Marygrove College

129. Integrated Science BS; Marygrove College

130. International Studies: Language & International Business

BA; Marygrove College

131. Music BA; Marygrove College

132. Social Science BA; Marygrove College

133. Addiction Studies C & BS Detroit University of Detroit Mercy

134. African American Studies C University of Detroit Mercy

135. Legal Assistant C University of Detroit Mercy

136. Catholic Studies C University of Detroit Mercy

137. Language & Cultural Training C University of Detroit Mercy

138. Criminal Justice BS University of Detroit Mercy

139. Financial Economics BA University of Detroit Mercy

140. Human Services BS University of Detroit Mercy

141. Cyber Security and Intelligence BS/MS University of Detroit Mercy

142. Business Administration C/BS University of Detroit Mercy

143. Cisco CCNA (Network Assoc) C Farmington Hills Michigan Technology Services

144. Cisco CCNA Security C Michigan Technology Services

145. Cisco CCNA Voice C Michigan Technology Services

146. Cisco CCDA (Design Assoc) C Michigan Technology Services

147. Cisco CCNP (Network Professional) C Michigan Technology Services

148. Cisco CCVP (Voice Professional) C Michigan Technology Services

149. Cisco Qualified Specialist C Michigan Technology Services

150. Cisco Pix Firewall C Michigan Technology Services

151. Cisco ASA Firewall C Michigan Technology Services

152. A+ Technician (Computer Repair) C Michigan Technology Services

153. Network+ C Michigan Technology Services

154. Microsoft, MCSA C Michigan Technology Services

155. Microsoft, MCSE C Michigan Technology Services

156. Microsoft, MCTS C Michigan Technology Services

157. Microsoft, MCITP C Michigan Technology Services

158. Microsoft, Server 2012 C Michigan Technology Services

159. Microsoft 2008 & 2008 R2 C Michigan Technology Services

161. Microsoft Exchange Server C Michigan Technology Services

162. Citrix Access Gateway C Michigan Technology Services

163. Citrix NetScaler 10 C Michigan Technology Services

164. Citrix Virtualization C Michigan Technology Services

165. Citrix XenApp C Michigan Technology Services

166. Citrix XenDesktop C Michigan Technology Services

167. Java C Michigan Technology Services

168. CompTIA C Michigan Technology Services

169. Linux C Michigan Technology Services

170. Computer Network Training C Michigan Technology Services

171. A+PC Technician C Michigan Technology Services

172. Database Administration & SQL Training C Michigan Technology Services

172. Developer & Programming C Michigan Technology Services

173. UNIX C Michigan Technology Services

174. Voice over IP (VOIP) C Michigan Technology Services

175. Web Design & Internet C Michigan Technology Services

176. Wireless Computer Training C Michigan Technology Services

177. Project Management C Michigan Technology Services

178. Time Management C Michigan Technology Services

179. IT Consulting Services C Michigan Technology Services

180. IOS Training C Michigan Technology Services

181. Android Training C Michigan Technology Services

182. Perl C Michigan Technology Services

183. Groovy Grails (web development) C Michigan Technology Services

184. Visual Studio 2010, 2012 C Michigan Technology Services

185. Design: Building Information Modeling; AS Troy/Online International Academy of Design & Technology

186. Design: Graphic Design AS International Academy of Design & Technology

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187. Fashion Design AS International Academy of Design & Technology

188. Audio Production AS International Academy of Design & Technology

189. Film, Video & Animation Post Production AS International Academy of Design & Technology

190. Photography AS International Academy of Design & Technology

191. Information Technology AS International Academy of Design & Technology

192. Web Design & Development AS International Academy of Design & Technology

193. MAGMA: The Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan collaborated with automotive manufacturing employers, educational institutions, and the workforce system to establish the Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance (MAGMA). This partnership makes it possible to rapidly address industry's skill needs, providing targeted, innovative, and flexible learning solutions

The approved providers include:Michigan Technological University

Hybrid Vehicle Engineering Certificate, 15‐graduate credits

University of Detroit Mercy Advanced Electric Vehicles Graduate

Certificate, 15‐graduate credits Wayne State University

Graduate Certificate Program in Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering,

12‐graduate credits

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS ON‐LINE INSTITUTION

194. Interactive Computer Graphics (CS/CPE537) C ON‐L Stevens Institute of Technology‐WebCampus

195. Bookkeeping; C ON‐L University of Phoenix has provided courses online for more than two

decades.

196. Human Resources Management; ON‐L University of Phoenix

197. Project Management; C ON‐L University of Phoenix

198. Electronic Health Records C ON‐L University of Phoenix

199. Emergency Management C ON‐L University of Phoenix

200. Health Management C ON‐L University of Phoenix

201. Long Term Care C ON‐L University of Phoenix

202. A+ Fundamentals C ON‐L University of Phoenix

203. Cisco® Networking Fundamentals C ON‐L University of Phoenix

197. Information Systems Security C ON‐L University of Phoenix

198. Network+ Technologies C ON‐L University of Phoenix

199.Visual Communications C ON‐L University of Phoenix

200. 58 accredited bachelors, masters, and post‐baccalaureate degrees online at a small fraction of the costs of traditional colleges.

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202. Business Communications ON‐L StraighterLine

203. Business Ethics ON‐L StraighterLine

204. Business Law ON‐L StraighterLine

205. CS50x is Harvard College's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non‐majors alike, with or without prior programming experience.

Students who earn a passing grade on 8 problem sets (programming assignments ‐ 15‐20 hours each), 2 quizzes, and a final project will get an honor code certificate

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206. Health and Society: introduces students to the Certificate of Mastery ON‐L EdX

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207. Neuronal Dynamics ‐ Computational Neuroscience of Single Neurons;

Certificate of Mastery ON‐L EdX

208. Introduction to Bioethics explores some of the most difficult ‐ and fascinating ‐ moral challenges we face in health, medicine, and emerging technologies.


209. Electricity & Magnetism: PHYS 102x serves as an introduction to electromagnetism, including charge, electric and magnetic forces, induction, current, and resistance.


210. Students learn key concepts in computer science and learn how to write their own computer programs in the context of building a web crawler. There is no prior programming knowledge needed for this course.

This course will prepares students to more intermediate‐level courses in CS.

ON‐L Udacity was born out of a Stanford University experiment. Its mission is

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211. Introduction to Programming: Students learn basic skills and concepts of computer programming in an object‐oriented approach using Java. No prior programming experience and knowledge is assumed or needed.

Students learn concepts like classes, methods and argument passing, loops, and general problem solving ability that will become building blocks to their programming skills.

Udacity

212. How to Build a Startup: Students learn the key tools and steps to build a successful startup (or at least reduce the risk of failure). Prior knowledge or experience are not required.

Students learn the key steps of the Customer Development process: how to identify and engage the first customers for your product, and how to gather, evaluate and use their feedback to make your product, marketing and business model far stronger.

Udacity

213. Interactive 3D Graphics: teaches students the basic principles of 3D computer graphics: meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. Familiarity with vectors and matrices will ease students understanding, but is not critical.

By the end of this class students know enough to make an animated 3D demo program that runs in a web browser, while also understanding the basic principles of how realistic computer images are generated.

Udacity

214. An introduction to Interactive Programming in Python: Its main focus will be on building simple interactive games such as Pong, Blackjack and Asteroids.

Students who successfully complete the class will receive a Statement of Accomplish‐ Ment.

Coursera is an education company that partners with the top

universities and organizations in the world to offer courses online for

anyone to take, for free. Our technology enables our partners to

teach millions of students rather than hundreds.

215. Beginning Game Programming with C#: learning how to develop video games using the C# programming language. Why use C# instead of C++, Java, ActionScript, or some other programming language. C# lets users of Microsoft XNA and open‐source MonoGame frameworks, quickly develop games for Windows, Android, iOS, Mac OS, and others. The Unity game engine is very popular with indie game developers, and C# is one of the programming languages you can use in the Unity environment.

Students earning a 70% or above will receive a Statement of Accomplish‐ment signed by the instructor.

Coursera

216. Energy 101; the course will develop the big picture and connect the details of our energy use, technology, infrastructure, impact, and future.

Certificate of Completion Coursera

217. Sustainability of Food Systems: A Global Life Cycle Perspective; The course explores the diversity of the foods we eat, the ways in which we grow, process,

Students who complete the course will receive a Statement of Accomplish‐ment

Coursera

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distribute, and prepare them, and the impacts they have upon our environment, health, and society. We will also examine the challenges and opportunities of creating a more sustainable global food system in the future.

218.Alison ABC IT© C ON‐L Alison is the world’s leading

provider of free online courses with certificates for basic and essential

workplace skills.

219. Webmaster Sketch UP (3D Modeling) C ON‐L Alison

220. Program in C, IT literacy C ON‐L Alison

221. Digital Communications Network C ON‐L Alison

222. Autodesk, freeform animation & character studio C ON‐L Alison

223. Webmaster Blogger C ON‐L Alison

224. Google Analytics C ON‐L Alison

225. Google Android C ON‐L Alison

226. Google Docs C ON‐L Alison

Best Practices Examples Various Locations Sponsoring Entity or Institution

Various Locations Sponsoring Entity or Institution

MassMEP( Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership): CNC Skills; Critical Occupational Readiness Skills Training;

Unemployed individual’s training State of Massachusetts Associated Industries of Massachusetts is the largest

nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers

MassMEP's Machine Operator Apprentice program has grown to encompass both pre‐apprentice and apprentice credentials.

Massachu‐setts' Pre‐Apprentice Certificates are credited with 100 hours of classroom training. The hours can be applied to the 150 class‐room hours per year required of apprentice programs. Pre‐apprentice training prepares the employee for more advanced, job specific training.

The Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative is a dynamic alliance of next‐generation companies that will work in a concerted effort to identify workforce‐related business needs and to drive solutions.

It developed a competency‐based standardized curriculum for precision machining ensuring students will meet prescribed industry standards, and can ultimately lead to a pathway to earn college credit.

MassMEP( Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension

Partnership): MACWIC a voluntary association of more than 90

manufacturers and institutions organized to identify and solve

workforce‐related business needs.

MassMEP: Training Within Industry (TWI). TWI is a concise set of learning disciplines that enables people within a specific industry or business to effectively create, improve, train and sustain standard work for themselves.

The MEP ISO* Collaborative Program allows medium – small size companies to not only undertake the ISO 9001‐2008 certification process with the support from a team of experts, but also train an ISO team and develop an ISO compliant management system at your company for an affordable cost. * International Organization for Standardization

ISO is built around quality standards, but it’s a best business practices, business management system.

MassMEP: MasterCAM for the Mill and Lathe 40 hour program providing baseline instruction in the concepts and practices associated with using MasterCAM to prepare CNC machine programs for both mills and lathes.

The program provides tuition, books and fees, including potentially steep exam fees, for various information technology certifications for the unemployed. Comparable certification programs can cost $1,300 to $2,000.

Unemployed workers sit down for an exam for certification in CompTIA Security+, a designation held by those considered knowledgeable professionals in the field of computer security.

Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Hi‐Tech Training Program: Courses are offered

through Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College. The Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance and its counterpart across the bay, WorkNet Pinellas, received a $3.8 million Department of Labor grant

for the program.

3/23/13. The state and federal government paid $10,000 for unemployed to attend a 20‐week retraining program to learn computer support, service, and network skills.

An intensive 500‐hour course in Web design

Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts

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A Texas Public/Private education and training program to get new hires up to speed with cloud technologies:

Most of the jobs will be technology‐focused, the training program will also help develop skills in human resources, marketing and adminis‐tration. Technical skills to be emphasized are for Rackspace’s “cloud‐specific IT needs, which may involve taking a Java programmer and teaching that person the Python or Ruby programming languages.

Rackspace, cloud‐computing provider. The state of Texas,

Rackspace’s home state, is pitching in $2.5 million to address the

education and training required to get the new hires up to speed with

cloud technologies. A local government is pitching in to help

provide the training for all the new hires RackSpace needs, providing funds, instructors and classroom facilities to ensure that the new workforce is technical proficient.

Most of the company’s training will be at Northeast Lakeview College, near its San Antonio headquarters.

5/10/12. The program works to equip 500 unemployed Indiana residents with key high‐tech skills for advanced manufacturing industry work.

Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program (TAP); Funded

by the federal government, and free for displaced workers, the new TAP

training focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices, skills that

could launch successful manufacturing careers in a reliable

profession.

2/21/13. The TAP program conducted a workshop and exam for those interested in earning the Green Manufacturing Specialist certificate accredited by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The curriculum focuses on such topics as sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency, water conservation, reuse and recycling, designing for the environment and how different pollutants affect the environment. It has been used by community colleges, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, the Blue Green Alliance, trade unions and other organizations in 16 states.

Green Worker Certificate; SME* and TAP developed the Green Manufactur‐ing Specialist certificate to help those in manufact‐uring add sustainability to their skills. * Society of Manufactur‐ing Engineers. Because the program is endorsed by the international trade organization Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), workers will "graduate" with an industry‐recognized credential for learning about water conservation, air pollution, solid waste management, toxic waste minimization and energy management.

IT‐Ready; An intensive computer job training course provides students as certified as a computer technicians.

C Downers Grove, Ill. The Creating IT Futures Foundation. The nonprofit Computing

Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

Time Wise Mobile Outreach Skills Training (M.O.S.T.®) is a fast‐track, intensive skills training, recruitment, assessment, and placement program which prepares unemployed and underemployed individuals for front line production jobs in a fraction of the time of traditional programs.

M.O.S.T.® basic manufactur‐ing skills training prepares individuals for a wide‐range of front line production jobs including: Machine Operation, Assembly, Quality Inspection and Welding.

Tampa FL; MassMEP; Philadelphia, PA;

4/23/13. Platform To Employment (P2E) Network: In replicating the P2E model, The WorkPlace has established working sites. This approach is best suited for small community‐based/faith‐based and start‐up organizations. Network sites have access to training, resources and tools to launch a P2E program in their community.

5‐week program focusing on retraining and placing students into 8‐week internships with the possibility of turning into a full‐time job.

Bridgeport, CT;P2E is currently in development in over twenty communities, including San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, Denver, Boulder, Chicago, Cincinnati, Akron, Detroit, Miami, Boston, Minneapolis, and Ottawa, Canada.

The WorkPlace is a company of ideas and actions, resources and

initiatives – all designed to strengthen the workforce. Funded

by state and federal agencies, private foundations and

corporations, The WorkPlace and its partners, community leaders and allies fully leverage the positive

impact of our programs.

Platform to Employment (P2E) Affiliate Site: For more established organizations, including non‐profit and existing providers of workforce development services, The WorkPlace has developed a customized technical assistance package tailored for your specific needs. Whether your next step is planning, fundraising, program design, or project management, we have a

The WorkPlace;

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solution that supports your efforts to assist the long‐term unemployed.

TWC provides access to a team of highly skilled professionals who provide technical assistance, at no charge, to help streamline the development of projects and proposals. The team is available to work directly with employers, colleges, Local Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners throughout the life of the project to ensure employers are getting the training their workers need.

The Business Outreach and Project Development Team will: Provide technical assistance advice and assist partners with developing quality proposals, review "draft" proposals prior to formal submission.

The Skills Development Fund is Texas' premier job–training program providing training dollars for Texas

businesses and workers. Administered by the Texas

Workforce Commission, success is achieved through collaboration

among businesses, public Community and Technical colleges,

Local Workforce Development Boards and economic development

partners.

American Job Centers provide workers the opportunity to update current skills or prepare for an entirely new career.

The centers provide program information as well as federal and state‐funded retraining programs aimed at military veterans, minorities, women and under‐employed workers.

There are currently two Highland Park and W. Milwaukee St, Detroit.

American Job Centers also have information on funding for local

dislocated workers. The economic stimulus bill* injected almost twice

as much money in training and education for dislocated workers, so

there is funding if someone needs new skills to find work.

* The United States Congress has extended the current provisions of

the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Program until January 1, 2014. Congress did not

add any additional weeks of benefits for claimants who have exhausted

all eligibility for EUC benefits. Through the Department of Labor's regional American Job Centers, the

unemployed can find information on available jobs as well as free classes

on basic academic skills, job preparation and computer training.

6/22/13. The organization offers computer training, professional development, certification and job placement assistance in customer service and office administration. Through the Microsoft certified instructor led training, unemployed students will gain mastery of computer desktop software applications such as Access, Excel, FrontPage, Outlook, PowerPoint, Windows and Word.

CThe organization also partners with staffing agencies and human resource managers throughout Metro Atlanta to help students secure employment after they receive their certification.

Atlanta, GA. RGB Technology Training Center (RGB), a professional training

organization, is offering Workforce Investment Act approved free training classes to unemployed

Atlanta residents.

Certified Technology Specialist Classes: help students discover the core knowledge areas, critical work functions and skills that are common within the system design and installation areas of the Audio/Visual (AV) industry. Participants will also learn the fundamental concepts of project management, estimating, purchasing, sales, and job costing.

C RGB Technology Training Center;

Customer Service Specialist Classes: students learn the five core areas of accountability for the entry‐level front‐line worker; retail industry overview, customer service, selling and service, store operations, and getting the job. The National Retail Foundation (NRF) developed this dynamic curriculum based on nationally approved and validated industry‐driven competencies in Customer Service and Sales

RGB Technology Training Center;

CAD Training Online, by providing Autodesk Certified Instructors, specializes in a new method of direct instructor led online training. This method of online instructor led training allows the instructors to replicate a traditional classroom environment in an online class setting.

CThe online training processes allows unemployed and under‐employed design professionals to afford training that would traditionally be out of their budget.

ON‐L Gilmore Global Logistics Services, Inc. (Gilmore Global), Autodesk’s

North American Distributor for the Autodesk Authorized Training

Center (ATC), announces that CAD Training Online (CTO) has become the first member of a new level of

education providers.

The division specializes in providing intense green jobs training for government employees, architects, engineers, property managers, facility managers, general contractors, realtors, interior designers, and anyone else interested in energy conservation. Our

Its proprietary curriculum, available for licensing, includes BPI Certification, RESNET HERS Rater, LEED Accredited Professional, Solar PV Installation, Wind, and more.

Chicago, IL Everblue is the continuing education division of the International

Academy of Design & Technology‐Chicago (IADT‐Chicago). IADT‐Chicago is accredited by the

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sustainability training courses aim to cultivate a new group of building professionals who will lead the industry forward.

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). It

offers non‐credit, short‐term courses approved by ACICS, the American Institute of Architects

(AIA), Building Performance Institute (BPI), Green Building Certification

Institute (GBCI), and the North American Technician Excellence

(NATE). Our courses are offered in more than 100 worldwide locations,

including prestigious colleges and universities.

* In 2010 Everblue became the first green training institute to receive an

accreditation through the US Department of Education and now our courses are approved by the

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

* Some of our clients include the US Department of Energy, the U.S.

State Department, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and Architect of the Capitol, NSA, Disney, Bank of

America and Ritz Carlton. * We train in more than 90 locations

in the U.S. and internationally, including a number of university

partners around the country. However, NOT in Michigan.

The Hostos Allied Health Career Pipeline program will train over 900 public assistance recipients and other low‐income individuals over the five‐year project period. It is currently recruiting for the following courses: Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) Community Health Workers Pharmacy Technicians New York State Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) Health Information Technology Hemodialysis Technicians

New York, NY Hostos Community College's Department of Continuing Education and Professional Studies of the City University of New York (CUNY) was

awarded a Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) from the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families to operate an enhanced allied health training and internship program, which is to be located at Hostos' main campus in the south Bronx and the satellite

campus in Upper Manhattan.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Profession Opportunity Grants,

HPOG‐Number: 93.093 To provide education and training to

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other

low‐income individuals for occupations in the health care field that pay well and are expected to

either experience labor shortages or be in high demand. The Affordable Care Act established the program

and will provide funding for it through FY 2014.

Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC),Lenape Technical School, Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, Erie County Technical School, and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute all provide students with training to become a computer technician, an aviation mechanic, or an entrepreneur, you've come to the right place. The training and education for individuals ages 14 and up, as well as for business and industry partners.

Harrisburg, PA Pennsylvania Department of Education ‐ Bureau of Career and

Technical Education

The Institute is a significant new statewide public‐private entity bringing together Indiana's life sciences industry leaders and academic research institutions through a novel structure to accelerate Indiana's

6/27/13. BioCrossroads and the Indiana Biosciences Research

Institute announced today the receipt of a $10 million grant from

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strengths in the discovery, development and delivery of bioscience and medical technology innovations.

Lilly Endowment Inc. to the CICP* Foundation, Inc., in support of the

charitable, educational and scientific activities of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. *Central Indiana

Corporate Partnership.

I‐CAR, the Inter‐Industry Conference for Auto Collision Repair, is an international not‐for‐profit organization dedicated to training the collision inter‐industry. I‐CAR provides a forum for dialogue around issues of proper collision repair. I‐CAR’s training reaches a broad base of students who learn the latest methods of efficient, high quality repair in six inter‐industry market segments.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF) is a non‐profit foundation with the ASE organization, and its mission is to improve the quality of automotive technician programs through voluntary certification.

Lincoln Group of Schools: place for post‐secondary education. With a

network of over 40 campuses in 17 states, the Lincoln Group of Schools’

Diploma, Degree and Certificate programs emphasize experiential learning and employability. There

are no locations in MI.

Criminal Justice C Lincoln Group of Schools;

Dental Assistant C Lincoln Group of Schools;

Computer and Network Support Tehnician: CompTIA A+, Network+, and certain MCTS Certifications.

C Lincoln Group of Schools;

With rapid ecological changes in the environment comes a need for more industry experts to keep up with colder and warmer climates. Lincoln's HVAC program introduces students to Green Technology, green alternatives to comfort heating and cooling systems, as well as Solar Thermal and Geothermal Green Technologies. It is the first school in the country that incorporates Energy Auditing courses from the Green Mechanical Council,

CUpon completion of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program, graduates can pursue several other certifications, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification testing to leverage opportunities working as independent contractors in one or more specific areas of the HVAC market.

Lincoln Group of Schools;

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Lt. Governor Brian Calley lead a business roundtable discussion with community leaders at NLB Corp., a designer and manufacturer of water jet productivity in Wixom, last month. Topics discussed included economic development and job creation.

Lt. Governor Leads Business Roundtable in Wixom Leaders Discuss How to Boost Economic Development, Create Jobs BY ALI ARMSTRONG EDITOR

NLB Corp., a designer and manufacturer of water jet productivity in Wixom, hosted a roundtable discussion on Oakland County’s economic growth and job creation on Friday, February 28.

Speakers included Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Senator Mike Kowall, Executive Director of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Jo Alley, CEO of NLB Corp. Drew Waltenbaugh, and Deputy Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs for Oakland County Dan Hunter.

Speaking topics included job development, tax reductions, manufacturing, home development and much more.

“We’re talking about where we came from, where we started and what we are working on for the future,” Calley said. “We are in the middle of a comeback in our state.”

Creating Jobs

According to Calley, a longterm plan created by the government to reduce debt has already reduced liabilities by $20 billion. Nearly 225,000 private sector jobs have also been created since 2010, with more than 26,000 in Oakland County, ranking Michigan

12th in the nation.

“We’re usually on the other end of the spectrum,” Calley said. “When we see every single sector of the Michigan economy … add jobs, we know that we are onto something good.”

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, during 2011-12 approximately 48,000 jobs were added in Oakland County with the strongest growth in the “knowledge economy sector,” which include healthcare and business services. This represents the strongest back-to-back years of job growth since 1994-95.

“We’ve got a steep climb in front of us, but we are determined to keep the momentum going,” Calley said.

Economic Development

Since 1990 there have been significant shifts in the employment shares by industry in Oakland County. In 1990 professional, business, and health services made up 27 percent of the county development force. In 2012, that figure jumped to 39.8 percent.

Michigan, ranked #1 for technical talent, is home to 65,000+ engineers and has the highest concentration of industrial and mechanical engineers (as of May 2011, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.)

“We have something in this area. It’s in our DNA to build things,” Kowall said. “We have tremendous opportunities for people in a skilled environment … and they can make a very good living.”

In recent years, forward-thinking investments have also been made into Automation-Alley, one of the area’s largest employment centers for engineering and related occupations in the United States. In 2013, the state provided $3.375 million to support Automation Alley’s 21st century business incubator program.

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Filling Jobs

As manufacturing, tooling, plastics, and metal working account for a significant amount of the Wixom area tax base and employment opportunities, the Wixom Community Foundation has created the Wilfred Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships to qualifying individuals interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and environmental programs.

“It’s not a full paid scholarship, but we want to work with the youth,” Wixom City Manager Tony Nowicki said. “We know it’s in our best interest to help our kids stay right here and become productive members of the community.”

Pure Michigan business connect, a multi-billion dollar public-private initiative developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, connects Michigan businesses by introducing them into the purchasing pipelines of the state’s larger companies. Through this program Michigan companies are encouraged to increase their procurement spending within the state.

“We have generated about $1.6 billion in sales that weren’t there before because of Pure Michigan Business Connect,” said Steve Hilfinger of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

How are we doing?

Since 2010 there have been significant improvement in the local, regional and state economy. According to the National Association of Manufacturing, Michigan ranks 13th among U.S. states for creating private-sector jobs, and number one for creating manufacturing jobs.

“Our pedal has been to the metal to continue to work with all sizes and shapes of businesses,” Hunter said. “In any given year we’ll council about 2,000 business start-ups. We are seeing that renewed vigor and interest.”

The lieutenant governor will continue to meet with the business community across the state to highlight economic achievement, while seeking feedback on what the state can do to further its economic growth.

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Wixom Partners With Consulti ng Firm To Spark Economic DevelopmentBY ALI ARMSTRONGEDITOR

The City of Wixom recently wrapped up a survey, open to the public, as part of their newly initiated Economic DevelopmentStrategy, which is designed to create a broad framework for attracting and retaining businesses.

As part of the strategy, the city and its project team will conduct extensive research, including surveys and interviews withlocal businesses and residents to learn more about the local workforce and the needs of local businesses.

Lathrup Village-based Clearzoning is leading the city’s project team. The 24-year-old planning consulting firm helps municipalities improvecustomer service and attract economic development by utilizing clear, easy-to-read plans, codes, online resources, guides, and reports thatimprove the development review process.

The 45-question survey, which was available through the month of July on the city’s website, was designed to collect information fromresidents and surrounding communities with questions like “how many people in your household are employed full-time,” “what brought you tothis area from out of state,” and “in which category does your annual household income fall.”

According to Wixom City Manager Tony Nowicki, the economic development project has three main components: 1.) Understanding the city’sassets and creating strategies to help fill gaps in the market for industrial, retail, and research and development businesses, 2.) Creating anefficient land development review process within the city; and 3.) Assisting the city in the development of its unique “brand voice” (andunderstanding of who the city is, what it has to offer, and how that message is best shared.)

About The City Of Wixom

Recipient of the University of Michigan – Dearborn School of Management’s Metro Detroit 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 EntrepreneurialCity Award, Wixom is one of the premier communities in Oakland County. The 9.35-square mile city of approximately 13,500 people is locatedalong the I-96 corridor of Oakland County. It is within driving distance of three major internationally known universities, two airports, a variety ofrecreation opportunities, and diverse housing stock. Home to over 700 businesses, Wixom’s business friendly management philosophy andorganizational culture make it an ideal community to locate and operate a business. For more information on the Economic DevelopmentStrategy, please contact Debra Barker, Business Development Liaison, at 248- 624-3280 or via email at [email protected]

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