CEO Update
To our Investors and Partners,
Seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, our team at The Right Place continues to adapt to the shifting needs of the West Michigan business community. We have become accustomed to this ‘new normal,’ but that is not to say the road has been easy. Every month has presented a new set of challenges for us all, and it is only with your support that our team has been able to continue assisting businesses in navigating this uncharted territory. Unsurprisingly, our economic development counterparts around the state are facing similar challenges in their own communities. As we forge ahead in the midst of this unprecedent global health crisis, it is imperative to protect and strengthen economic development initiatives in Michigan. That is why our organizations collectively decided to form the 12-member Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) coalition. EDLM’s priority is to drive long-term economic growth and keep Michigan competitive in terms of state and local incentives for business retention, expansion, attraction, startup creation, and support for early stage companies. To learn more about EDLM and see the full list of members, please visit edlm.org . Like our fellow EDLM members, our team administered a portion of the $100M Small Business Restart Program funds on behalf of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). We awarded and distributed more than $9M in grant funds to 1,060 small businesses in West Michigan. In Kent County, 73% of the funding was awarded to women, veteran, and minority-owned businesses. Throughout the 11-county region, 66% of the funding was awarded to women, veteran, or minority- owned businesses. Amid the uncertainty of today and what the future holds, our team remains steadfast in our dedication to strengthening and advancing the West Michigan economy. Thanks to your ongoing support of our organization and the economic health of our region, we can continue leveraging every resource and connection in our arsenal to guideWest Michigan businesses through this pandemic. The collaborative, industrious spirit of our community will always prevail.
Birgit M. Klohs President & CEO The Right Place, Inc.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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