By Brendan Scanland
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (WZMQ 19 News) — Each year, thousands of investors, companies and economic development organizations (EDOs) gather just outside the nation’s capital for the SelectUSA Investment Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
At the annual Investment Summit, more than 5,000 economic development officials and investors converge to make deals happen. The Investment Summit largely consists of states and territories, all competing with one another, making their pitch as to why they’re the best spot to set up shop.
Michigan is one of the many states and territories hoping to stand out.
“We have such a powerful opportunity for companies. We have a world class workforce. We have 20% of the world’s fresh water. We’ve got vibrant communities. So whether they’re looking for urban environments or something more rural, we have that to offer,” said Michelle Grinnell, chief communications and attraction officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Grinnell and her team are looking to bring home more jobs in defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing in automotives and semiconductors. She says the U.P. plays a key role in their efforts.
“The U.P. is a great partner,” said Grinnell. “They’ve got such a vibrant, high tech startup ecosystem, strong tradition of manufacturing. They’ve got those natural resources. And so the U.P. is a critical partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the state of Michigan as we’re looking to invest and bring companies to invest and grow in the United States.”
In order for companies to have long-term success, Grinnell says they need to have talent and a strong workforce.
“Those folks want to live in communities that offer amenities, that have housing that is affordable. It really all plays together. We really have a holistic approach, and the U.P. is a great partner in that because it offers that high quality of life and affordability, but also really great career opportunities for folks along the way,” said Grinnell.
Since inception, the Investment Summit has helped generate over $135 billion in new investment projects, generating more than 100,000 jobs across the United States and its territories.
