More than 450 business leaders from across the region attended the 7th annual Macomb Business Awards today at the Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center in Sterling Heights. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rad, director of the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development, to recognize the following award winners:
- Champion of Work / Life Integration (Sponsored by MetroParent magazine): Godlan, Inc. Godlan is a leading professional manufacturing services company that has been implementing integrated technology solutions since 1984. With two locations and more than 60 employees, it successfully implements hundreds of enterprise manufacturing systems and performs countless data conversions while simultaneously committing to quality of life for each of its team members.
- Corporate Citizen: CARE of Southeastern Michigan
CARE of Southeastern Michigan strengthens resiliency in people and their communities through prevention, education and services that improve quality of life. CARE is a nonprofit organization with a 42-year history of serving the residents of Macomb County. Each year, the organization impacts the lives of 40,000 people in southeast Michigan by providing person-centered care that ensures each individual’s unique needs are met and their defined success is achieved.
- Hidden Gem: Great Lakes Pickling Company
Great Lakes Pickling Company is a family owned and operated pickle making business right out of Macomb County. Each batch uses farm-fresh cucumbers, spices and pure Michigan water that gives their product an incredible flavor with 42 percent less salt than that found in typical jars using traditional recipes.
- Manufacturer of the Year: Drake Enterprises
Drake Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1952 by Benny Stemple and today is run by his two grandsons, Nathan and Keith Stemple. The company is a manufacturer of high-quality machined parts for major OEMs in the heavy truck, agriculture and automotive markets. The company specializes in torque transferring products such as gear shift levers and transmission components for the heavy-duty truck and automotive markets.
- Model of OneMacomb: PACE Southeast Michigan
For 25 years, PACE of Southeast Michigan has cared for low-income, chronically ill seniors by helping them remain independent and engaged in the community. It opened a center in Warren in 2015 when a study showed that Macomb County had a high concentration of seniors who could benefit from its services. By December 2017, the Warren center was at full capacity. Knowing there were more seniors to be served, it opened a center in Sterling Heights in 2019.
- Trailblazer of Future Talent: L&L Products
L&L Products is a technology-driven, international business with more than 1,300 global employees, 15 global locations and eight manufacturing facilities. The company actively creates opportunities for Macomb County residents through apprenticeship programs at Macomb Community College, future talent initiatives like Manufacturing Day and internship and mentorship opportunities.
- Economic Development Partner of the Year: Macomb Intermediate School District
- Beacon of Economic Development: Glenn Wynn, director, Shelby Township Planning and Zoning Department
- Beacon of Economic Development: Grace Shore, former CEO, Macomb County Chamber of Commerce
Fox 2 Detroit’s Huel Perkins and Charlie Langton served as co-emcees of the Macomb Business Awards while Mark Ostach, the event’s keynote speaker, discussed digital health and well-being.
The 7th annual breakfast was sponsored by Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, the MEDC, First State Bank, the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, the Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb Community College, Dominion Technologies Group, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, Ascension Macomb-Oakland, KEO by ARCH Cutting Tools and Jarvis Property Restoration.
For more information, visit www.macombbusiness.com and for photos from the event, visit Macomb County Planning and Economic Development on Facebook here.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. See you next year!
Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.