Saginaw, Michigan, part of the Great Lakes Bay Region, February 20, 2015 – Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) celebrated its 23rd Annual Awards Luncheon at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, which was attended by more than 400 business and community leaders, along with special guest Lt. Governor Brian Calley.
SFI recognized 35 economic development projects from 2014 that led to nearly $233 million invested in Saginaw County. Along with the Economic Excellence Awards, Amigo Mobility International was selected as the Saginaw Future Procurement Technical Assistance Center Contractor of the Year.
"The Saginaw Future Annual Awards Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the growth of our local and regional economy that impacts just about all of our lives," said 2014 Saginaw Future Chairman D. Aaron Howald. "Millions of dollars in new investment and job creation helps support our local communities, spin-off jobs, small businesses, entrepreneurs and families!"
Saginaw County's manufacturing sector is resurging with 19 of the 35 projects in 2014 being manufacturing related. The sector generated more than $166 million in new investment and created and retained 912 new jobs. Downtown and Old Town Saginaw are also seeing a resurgence with nine medical, quality of life, housing, and entertainment-related projects in 2014.
"It's exciting to see a resurging manufacturing sector, which resulted in significant projects from Buena Vista Charter Township to Thomas Township," Saginaw Future President JoAnn Crary stated. "New investments in Downtown and Old Town Saginaw have young professionals and entrepreneurs returning to the urban center to live, learn, work, and play."
The Annual Awards Luncheon featured speaker was James M. Modak, chief financial officer (CFO) for Suniva, Inc. He highlighted Suniva's new presence and opportunities in Saginaw County that will also impact the Great Lakes Bay Region and the state.