Sterling Heights has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, UM-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.
Sterling Heights was recognized as a 4 Star Community in the State of Michigan.
“As stewards of this great city, our job is to make sure our businesses have what they need to thrive. As a result, our residents benefit by access to tremendous services that include Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, our Public Library and much more. In Sterling Heights, we’re proud of our heritage and excited about our future. We are very thankful to be recognized by the University of Michigan Dearborn as having one of the best environments for economic development in the State of Michigan.
"Our team, from elected leadership, to our professional employees, work together to provide a great environment for businesses,” said Mayor Michael Taylor.
In a recent analysis by national economic modeling firm Emsi, data revealed that Sterling Heights is not only continuing to grow in both population and career opportunities, it is also leading the region in engineering job growth. Data from the report showed Sterling Heights-area businesses and industry generated nearly $12.2 billion in gross regional product (GRP) in 2016.
“Sterling Innovation District", the newly unveiled name for the City’s industrial corridor, spans six square miles and is home to 28 million square feet of industrial and
high tech space. Billions of dollars in new, high tech manufacturing investments have been made throughout the Sterling Innovation District over the past five years with
FCA leading the charge by investing over $2.5 billion to modernize the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, which in 2018 will begin producing the new Dodge Ram pick-up
truck. It’s also home to the likes of General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE, Ford, FCA, KUKA, Key Safety and many others.
The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities, from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2 percent per year by purchasing public safety equipment and improving sidewalks and other infrastructure.
Sterling Heights was recognized Tuesday, Nov. 14, during the eCities Panel Discussion, which discussed how talent, business policy and access to capital have impacted community growth in Michigan. The panel, moderated by DBusiness Magazine and DBusiness Daily News editor R.J. King, featured Beth Ardisana, CEO, ASG Renaissance; Antonio Luck, managing director, Endeavor Detroit; Anthony Tomczak, chief procurement officer, DTE Energy; and Amelia Zamir, co-founder and principal of acquisitions, Method Development..
The annual eCities research project, which began in 2007, previously used data supplied by the participants. This year’s shift to reviewing publicly available data was implemented to simplify the process for communities.
Media with questions can contact Community Relations Director Bridget Kozlowski at (586) 446-2471 or email bkoz@sterling-heights.net.