Creating opportunities for jobs in Lenawee County is crucial for the success of our community. Lenawee Now, the county’s economic development organization, is dedicated to enhancing the business sector, and overall economic status of Lenawee County. By attracting new businesses and supporting start-up activities in our county, Lenawee Now creates an economically sustainable region.
Lenawee County’s contribution to Lenawee Now to promote economic development is a major investment in providing job opportunities. Lenawee County is by far the largest public sector contributor to Lenawee Now and has continued that commitment even in the face of significant budget cuts.
Lenawee Now provides support for those looking to start a business of their own. If someone has the drive and dedication it takes to run a company in Lenawee County, Lenawee Now will work with them to get them started. “Most of what we do revolves around building entrepreneurial skills for the local entrepreneurs. We help them build their business plans and financial statements, find the labor that they need, and get things up and running,” explained Tim Robinson, Director of Operations at Lenawee County
Creating Jobs Through Entrepreneurs
In 2015, entrepreneurs Sarah Stanley and Molly Mason came to Adrian to start their business, Hoyden Creative Group. “Both Sarah and I are originally from Lenawee County. When we were choosing a location for our business, we decided that we wanted to provide our own community with the creative service you get in Ann Arbor,” explained Molly Mason, Founder and Chief Business Officer of Hoyden Creative Group.
“Working with Lenawee Now has help us develop key business relationships. We are now working with them to acquire growth funding. They have been huge supporters of the work we do and our business as a whole,” added Sarah Stanley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hoyden Creative Group.
Since its inception in 2015, Hoyden Creative Group has grown to employ eight employees. The company continues to thrive, with the vision to create more jobs for Lenawee County.
Creating Jobs Through Company Relocation
It was during the second year of searching that owner of Lily Ann Cabinets, Bill Decker Jr., found Lenawee County and decided on the Adrian location. “Lenawee County is the most business-friendly community I’ve been a part of in my career. I reached out to Lenawee Now and they paved a one-stop-shop with virtually no road-block. It was almost too good to be true,” explained Bill.
In relocating their company to Lenawee County, they brought immediate employment opportunities to our area. As they have continued to grow and expand, so have the opportunities. They now employ close to sixty employees in our county.
Creating Jobs Through Expansion
In addition to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors and attracting new businesses, Lenawee Now provides critical services to support business growth including access to talent enhancement and funding sources.
Locally owned business, Brochardt’s Market, has been a part of Lenawee County for over 25 years. In 2015, Bill Borchardt, owner of the Onsted location, began working with Lenawee Now, and became involved with Lenawee County through the Revolving Loan Fund. “Working with Lenawee Now was very beneficial to us. The staff was outstanding to work with,” said Bill. “Without the help of Lenawee Now and the Revolving Loan Fund through the Board of County Commissioners, we probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Though not mandated, the County has remained dedicated to creating job opportunities throughout the community through their investment in Lenawee Now. If the funding that the County provides to Lenawee Now were to be eliminated, it would be devastating to the program. “Economic development funding is very important, and we need to continue to bring jobs to Lenawee County,” said Jim Van Doren.