Written by John Face
November 29, 2023
A Statement from Albion Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder
This is a classic case of deflection, and I am both angry on behalf of our citizens and disappointed that some continue to need to be disruptive and chaotic. Four members of the Council would prefer it if the focus of attention were on someone other than themselves and their questionable connections and actions over the past several years. I have asked for an explanation as to how these allegations are in the best interest of our residents, who have real concerns about issues that matter to them, including the condition of our streets.
An injunction, as outlined in the first allegation, would have saved the residents of Albion the expense of additional legal counsel needed due to the questionable actions of the Council in removing four duly appointed members of the Economic Development Corporation. The second allegation stems from a letter of support I sent to bring almost 50 million dollars to our community. The Council had already approved that initiative.
Unfortunately, the Council again spends its time and energy to bring embarrassment to our city government time and time again without accountability. We need to all be asking what they are gaining from their efforts, who is directing these efforts, and what have they received over the past several years for their connections to others, including former Mayor Garrett Brown, Ms. Ammerman and former Albion College president Mathew Johnson.
What is this About?
City Council member Marcola Lawler has called for a hearing at City Hall on Saturday, December 2, 2023, accusing Mayor Snyder of unethical actions. This meeting is to address a complaint with her name on it:
Marcola Lawler Precinct 4
Albion City Councilperson
112 W. Cass Street
Albion Michigan 49224
November 10 2023
Delivered via email to:
Haley Snyder, City Manager
Jill Domingo, City Clerk
Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder
City of Albion
112 W. Cass Street
Albion Michigan 49224
Madam Mayor,
In regards to the October 11 email you sent to Ed Haas and Annette Norris and the October 3 letter you submitted to the US Economic Development Administration Selection Committee, l, along with the two council persons listed below, are formally requesting an ethics hearing to be held at 9 A.M. on Saturday November 18 2023 in Council Chambers at 112 W. Cass Street, Albion, Michigan, based on the following violations per the City of Albion Ordinance 2018-08:
Level 1 VIOLATION:
A – Acting in the Public Interest
Members of the city council will work for the common good of the people of Albion and not for any private or personal interest, and they will assure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims, and transactions coming before the Albion City Council.
Level 2 VIOLATIONS
B — Compliance with the Law
Members of the city council shall comply with the laws of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the City of Albion in the performance of their public duties.
H- Representation of private interests
A city council member shall represent the official policies or positions of the city council to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, city council members shall neither state nor imply that they represent the opinions or positions of the City Council of the City of Albion.
It is with intense disappointment we are forced into this response based on your reckless and unethical actions.
Sincerely,
Marcola Lawler
Albion Councilperson
cc: Councilperson Reid cc: Councilperson Williams cc: Haley Snyder, City Manager cc: Jill Domingo, City Clerk
Ethics Violators
This Council has violated the ethics rules of the City of Albion so often it’s laughable. Most recently, they voted to remove Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board members who voted to fire EDC president Virgie Ammerman, even when the Council’s lawyer said that action was illegal. It is so illegal that the City Attorney can’t represent the Council in court versus the Ed Haas lawsuit that seeks to undo their illicit vote, and taxpayers have to pay for yet another lawyer on top of spending at least $10,000 to investigate why Ammerman was fired. Anyone who saw her lack of preparedness at two recent council meeting presentations could guess she’s not very good at her job.
Secret Council Text Messages – Again
Lawler and her co-conspirators, Len Reid and Donivan Williams, filed the complaint, but let us add Nora Jackson, the fourth council member who makes up this “cabal of indecency” in the city. At least two of these individuals, Lenn Reid and Nora Jackson, received favors from the former Albion College President Mathew Johnson in the form of a pavilion built for $25,000 in Holland Park (Reid) and a rent-free site for at least two years for Nora Jackson’s Difference Makers Program. This is the same religious-based program that Jackson has tried to get funded with City Recreation tax money.
Current EDC Board member Vicky Clark received a lucrative contract for her cleaning service, Good Shephard Cleaners, at Albion College while she was an Albion City Council member. There are current Johnson appointed employees who have lied to the past interim administration in order to increase Clarks contract at the College. I have long had texts where Johnson states, “I got Vicky Clark’s vote,” about a vote before the Council. Further, let’s not forget that Johnson hired then-council member Linda LaNoue to work at Albion College. Johnson also texts about LaNoue’s council votes and having fixed the pavilion for Reid. Implying his influence got them all to vote in favor of items before the Council. The individuals who have shared these texts with me but have requested that I withhold their names; I intend to honor those requests.
Why is this important? This writer believes none of them, current or past Council, are impartial, and they may well be continuing to act at the behest of Johnson and others, including former Albion Mayor Garrett Brown, who, according to sources, assisted Lawler in filing these charges against Snyder.
Albion Still Fights As Johnson & Brown Laugh
Once again, the question is why? None of these actions are in the best interest of the community as a whole. Let us not forget that Johnson pitted us against one another, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend. Some seem to continue to forge a path forward with his agenda. Whether or not that is the case, it’s time to call it out, it’s time to move on, it’s time for the Council to get on with governing instead of trying to go after Brown and Johnson’s enemies, including Mayor Snyder, who has done nothing but her level best in leading the city through some challenging times.
What can You do?
Saturday morning, December 2, Lawler, Reid, Williams, and Jackson will vote to censure Mayor Snyder after a “trial” on ethics charges that they violated themselves. The hearing will be at 10:00 A.M. in the Council chambers. Snyder will stand before these “judges,” and no matter what is said in the meeting, they intend to follow through, in essence, to convict her. Why? No one can stop them, and they are working in conjunction with those who should hold no sway in city government.
The county prosecutor has no desire to hold Albion’s Council accountable. The voters seem even more apathetic as beyond sitting around and complaining, no one attends meetings and calls them out. Please pay attention, Albion; Ammerman, Brown, Johnson, and these four council members are behind this as they want to deflect. They want to destroy the reputation of the Mayor to get even for her trying to hold them accountable.
Saturday, Snyder needs you to show up, speak up, and let Council know what they do is criminal, but will you? Come on, Albion. It is time to show up and speak up. Saturday December 2, 10:30 A.M. Council Chambers.
Emails
Here is the evidence they speak of:
Albion, Ml 49224 269.598.7765 (c) 517.629.3926 (o) vammerman@albionedc.org
From: Lindsey Roark <LRoark@albionedc.org>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 4:07 pm
To: Virgie Ammerman <VAmmerman@albionedc.org> Subject: FW: Injuction
From: Edward Haas <haasedward@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 1:32 pm
To: Lindsey Roark <LRoark@albionedc.org> Subject: Fwd: Injuction
I’ve sent you a couple documents. You may want to look at.
Ed Haas
President & CEO
Haas Trucking, Inc.
517-629-2326
“Always deliver more than expected. ” – Larry Page
Sent via iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Victoria Snyder <snydervictoriag@gmail.com>
Date: October 11, 2023 at PM EDT
To: Edward Haas <haasedward@hotmail.com>, Annette Norris
<anorris@goengineer.com>
Subject: Injuction
Can you please pass this on to your attorney to see if this is reason enough to get an injunction!
Victoria Garcia Snyder
Letter Written By Mayor Being Questioned
Office of the Mayor
Victoria Garcia Snyder
10/3/2023
US Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Dear Selection Committee,
Please consider this a letter in full support of the request by Albion Economic Development Corporation
for funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Recompete Pilot
Program.
The community of Albion, like several other communities in Michigan, is still dealing with the aftermath of
several large manufacturing plants closing that have left behind vast areas of vacant land and blight, high
levels of unemployment/ underemployment, reduced population, rising poverty levels and a shortage of
adequate and affordable housing. Currently, our poverty levels, family income levels and rate of a
Bachelor’s degree is half of the average statistics in the State of Michigan. This pilot program aims to assist with creating jobs, connecting workers to good jobs, drive investment, and support long-term,
comprehensive economic development. Fostering economic growth and development is imperative in
creating opportunities for the Albion community within the context of Michigan’s Calhoun County.
These funds will also allow us to offer employment opportunities to our residents to help them break the
generational cycle of poverty in our very diverse population. The programming and opportunities that these funds could offer our residents would be transformational for the Albion community.
By investing in economic growth for distressed areas and working together, the greater Albion community and the surrounding area can demonstrate its potential for greatness and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
I know that you will give this proposal the serious consideration that it deserves. If you are in need of any
additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or our City Manager, Haley Snyder, at
517-629-7172. The City Council and I are in full support of bringing in new opportunity to strengthen our
workforce and employment strategies. It has been decades since our community has seen significant new
development, and we are excited at the possibilities this grant offers the city of Albion and Calhoun County.
Sincerely,
Victoria G Snyder
Mayor
City of Albion
Here is a Copy of the Ethics Rules That were Approved That Council Must Follow:
CITY OF ALBION ORDINANCE 2018-08
AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL AND TO CREATE SECTION 1-28 OF THE ALBION CODE OF ORDINANCES
FINDINGS AND PURPOSE: The Albion City Council recognizes that the citizens of Albion are entitled to have fair, ethical, and accountable local government that has earned the public’s full confidence for integrity. The Albion City Council further recognizes that the effective functioning of democratic government requires that public officials comply with all aspects of the law affecting the operations of government, be impartial and fair in their judgment and actions, use the public office for public good, and conduct process openly in an atmosphere of respect and civility. To that end, it is recommended that the City of Albion adopted the following ethics ordinance.
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF ALBION, MICHIGAN, IS HEREBY AMENDED BY ADDING SECTION 1-28, WHICH READS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1:
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 1-28: ETHICS
1-28:
A. Acting in the Public Interest: Members of the City Council will work for the common good of the people of Albion and not for any private or personal interest, and they will assure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims, and transactions coming before the Albion City Council.
B. Compliance with the Law: Members of the City Council shall comply with the laws of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the City of Albion in the performance of their public duties.
C. Respect for Process: The City Council shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the City Council which govern the deliberation of public policy issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions of the City Council by the City Staff.
D. Preparation for Public Meetings: Members of the City Council shall prepare themselves for council meetings and public issues.
E. Full Disclosure: A City Council member, in the performance of their public duties, shall not act upon any matter in which they have a direct or indirect financial interest, or where they have a legal or fiduciary duty to another organization or entity or personal relationship that may give the appearance of a conflict of interest, without disclosing the full nature and extent of the interest to the other members of the City Council at a public meeting. Such disclosure shall be made before the time to perform their duty.
F. Confidential Information: City Council members shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the property, personnel or affairs of the City. They shall neither divulge to an unauthorized person confidential information acquired in the course of their duties in advance of the time. prescribed for its authorized release to the public without proper legal authorization, no use such information to advance their personal, financial or other private interests.
G. Public Resources: Public resources, including city staff time, equipment, supplies, and facilities, not available to the public in general shall on be used for the benefit of the public and not for a council member’s personal or private use.
H. Representation of Private Interests: A City Council member shall represent the official policies or positions of the City Council to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, City Council members shall neither state nor imply that they represent the opinions or positions of the City Council of the City of Albion.
I. Policy Role of Council: Members of the City Council shall respect and adhere to the Council-manager City of Albion form of government as provided in the City of Albion Charter. Members of the City Council shall not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff; nor shall they impair the ability of stall to implement City Council policy decisions.
J. Independence of Boards and Commissions: Members of the City council shall, except when the council member is a member of the subordinate public body, limit their participation in the proceedings of subordinate boards, committees, and commissions to the communication of requested information and providing factual information relevant to the discussion at hand and shall not otherwise attempt to unduly influence the deliberations or outcomes of the proceedings.
K. Positive Workplace: Under no circumstances shall a member of the City Council, either in public or private, intimidate, humiliate, or otherwise abuse a City employee.
L. Continuing Training: A biennial workshop shall be held after the general election in every odd numbered year not later than 60 days after the general election for training to be provided by the city attorney, the Michigan Municipal League or similar entity, or any other entity or group retained by the city regarding the role and duties of the council members and the requirements of this ordinance. Unless excused by a majority vote of the remaining council member, all council members shall attend this workshop, or a make-up session as soon as may be practicably scheduled.
M. Affirmation: At the first meeting immediately following a general election, newly elected council members and the mayor shall sign an affirmation shall sign a statement affirming that they have read and understood this ordinance. In the event of the appointment of councilperson or mayor to a partial term, said affirmation shall be signed at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the council.
N. Enforcement and Penalties: All City Councilmembers and the Mayor shall have the primary responsibility to assure that they understand and meet the standards set forth in this ordinance and that the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of government. The disciplinary procedure shall be as follows:
i. A councilmember shall intervene when the council member learns of actions of another council member that appear in violation of this ordinance. Upon acquiring reasonable suspicion of a violation of this ordinance, a council member may request that the mayor meet personally with the council member to notify them of the suspected misconduct and attempt to resolve the issue. In the event the Mayor is suspected of violating this ordinance, said meeting may be held with any two members of council.
ii. In the event the meeting as described in subsection (N)(i) does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, or in the event the suspected council member has repeatedly violated this ordinance, or if the violation is viewed to be especially serious, any three council members may call for a public hearing before council to determine whether the alleged violation has occurred, and if so, what sanctions, if any should be imposed. Said public hearing shall occur within 30 days of the date of the alleged violation.
iii. If it has been determined to hold a public hearing as provided in subsection (N)(ii), all council members shall be provided with a written summary of the facts giving rise to the alleged violation at least 10 days prior to the public hearing.
iv. City staff required to participate in the public hearing, including but not limited to the city attorney and city clerk, shall not be subject to any discipline, sanction, or any other adverse action whatsoever as a result of the performance of their duties as required by this ordinance.
v. The mayor, or if the mayor is the subject of the alleged violation, the mayor pro tem, shall preside over the public hearing.
vi. The presiding council member may determine whether the evidence presented against the council member, or in defense of the council member, is relevant to the allegation(s) against the council member and may preclude its consideration. The presiding council member shall seek guidance from the city attorney regarding hearing procedural and evidentiary issues.
vii. Witnesses shall be sworn by the city clerk or the clerk’s designee is the designee is legally authorized to administer oaths.
viii. The council as a body, and the accused council member, may each be entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing for consultation. However, there shall be no right for attorneys to make opening or closing statements, questions witnesses, present evidence, or offer arguments.
ix. The rules of evidence and civil procedure shall not apply to public hearings held under this ordinance.
x. Any member of council may ask questions of witnesses.
xi. The accused council member may present witnesses in their defense after the presiding council member has presented all evidence supporting a violation. The accused council member shall be provided 10 minutes to provide closing comments at the conclusion of evidence.
xii. At the conclusion of the presentation of evidence or the closing comments of the accused council member, whichever is later, council members, excluding the accused council member, shall vote to determine whether or not there is a violation by a super majority vote.
xiii. The council may impose sanctions on a council member who violates this article. After a majority vote finding a violation of this article, a second majority vote shall determine what sanctions, if any, shall be imposed.
xiv. Sanctions may include reprimand, formal censure, a civil fine, loss of committee assignment, restrictions on budget or travel, and a request to the governor for removal from office in the manner and for the causes provided by law.
xv. Sanctions shall be imposed based upon the perceived severity level of the violation, with the following guidance:
1. For a level 1 violation, penalty options include a verbal reprimand, a civil fine not to exceed $100.00, or an additional and/or greater sanction as may be determined by a majority vote of council. A violation of the following subsections of section 1-28 shall minimally result in a level 1 violation: A, C, D, E, K, or L;
2. For a Level 2 violation, penalty options shall include censure, which shall be defined as a formal council resolution for specified conduct, a civil fine not to exceed $300.00 and/or a greater sanction as may be determined appropriate by the majority of council. A violation of the following subsections of section 1-28 shall minimally result in a level 2 violation: B, F, G, H, I, J;
3. For a level 3 violation, the penalty options shall include censure, a civil fine not to exceed $500.00, and/or a request to the governor for removal. A third level 1 violation, or a second level 2 violation within 6 months of a prior violation found by the council.
O. Appellate Review. If ordered to pay a civil penalty, an appeal may be taken in the form of a trial de novo in the 10th District Court for the County of Calhoun, which shall hear the case in accordance with the Michigan Court Rules. This appeal must be taken within 21 days of the decision by the City Council. If a council member is disciplined or removed from office that council member may seek any other available remedies which exists at law or in equity.
Section 2: Validity and Severability. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable and the invalidity of any phrase, clause or part of this Ordinance shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remainder of the Ordinance.
This Ordinance shall take effect December 14, 2018 after publication.
Recompete Plan
Recompete Plan
The Albion Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to undertaking projects that yield positive outcomes for the community. These include job creation, expanding the tax base, reducing blight, promoting sustainability, and fostering an overall sense of well-being. The AEDC actively seeks out minority enterprises, local entrepreneurs, as well as industrial and commercial businesses to foster diverse and robust community growth. The primary goal of the AEDC is to cultivate an environment that attracts, retains, and creates opportunities for industries and entrepreneurs, ultimately mitigating conditions that lead to unemployment. This is achieved by facilitating collaboration among community leaders, advocating for open dialogue, and supporting the growth and retention of primary employer jobs. Moreover, the AEDC collaborates with workforce partners to build a skilled workforce pipeline, providing training and development for both existing and new employees, while also assisting in the attraction and recruitment process to fill open positions. The AEDC has a history of successful partnerships, including, but not limited to collaborations with Boss Up Inc., a minority-owned business. Together, they have developed interactive courses, workshops, and mentorship programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and financial empowerment for underrepresented future business leaders. This initiative is a crucial step towards creating an Albion where every resident feels secure and well-served by the businesses, services, and programs available in the Albion Community.
Regional Conditions and Needs
Albion is the hometown to many, the home of several colleges, and is in a distressed area of Michigan due to its high poverty rate as well as its low homeownership rate. Facing economic disadvantage and underrepresentation, Albion grapples with a poverty rate of nearly 30%, low median salaries, and a PAEG of 15.4%. According to the United Way ALICE report there was a 6% increase of ALICE households from 2007-2019 moving from 19%-25%. This is an addition to another 13% of households living below the poverty line. Calhoun County had 26% and the City of Albion as of 2017 had the largest percentage in the county with 63% of the people earning below poverty or ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Albion’s percentage of residents living below a livable wage, including poverty, far exceeds the State and County levels. Creating programs that create a pathway to success for marginalized individuals and effect change for the future is a driving force for developing programs and redevelopment of infrastructure needs. Albion is on the verge of revitalization with a $19 million Big Albion Plan redevelopment project pending approvals that will revitalize 22 downtown commercial spaces and give opportunity to new entertainment and retail entities. Realizing a downtown retail mix that includes home-grown businesses and represents the community is a critical component to the success of the revitalization, which was started by a community-led focus to save the Bohm Theatre.
The City of Albion continues to rebound from challenges that beleaguered many manufacturing based small towns in the post-industrial age. These challenges are not unrecognized and are being considered in the continuous planning for the City’s future. Albion’s manufacturing base was closely linked to the automotive industry. The challenges the automotive industry faced in the past several decades directly lead to the closures of several major foundries and employers in the community. This, in turn, lead to a decline in population as residents moved to be closer to employment opportunities. It also lead to a decline in city revenues from a loss of tax base. Without these revenues some of the City’s infrastructure was neglected, allowing the City, at the time, to focus on higher-priority initiatives. As an example, some of Albion’s roads are in need of reconstruction or repair – not unlike many other small Michigan communities. Quality of life items, like restaurants, grocery, and other services, are also limited which can impact the
attraction and retention of residents to the city. These limited options often mean people will drive to neighboring communities for a more diverse selection of services that better suit their wants.
Strength of Strategy and Quality of Potential Investments
The City of Albion has several large properties that are ideal for the development of commercial, mixed-use, industrial, and residential projects. Brownfield sites have been prioritized for creating shovel-ready sites. The City’s Redevelopment Ready Certification (RRC) offers developers a seamless interaction with City departments and a community eager to work with interested parties. Albion is home to Albion College, a high-ranking Midwestern Liberal Arts institution, and Kellogg Community College, with the Eastern Academic Center strategically located just outside the Albion City limits. Marshall Public School District operates within Albion offering the community kindergarten through post-secondary education with AP courses, dual enrollment, and early access to college programs. The strong alumni base of Albion College is leveraged for development opportunities. The network of educational partners collaborates and complements through programming and resources. Entrepreneurship is also flourishing with interested residents or attraction opportunities, and customized technical assistance for marginalized individuals.
Should the Albion EDC secure Recompete Phase 2, the expected investments and initiatives aimed at benefiting the Albion community and its surrounding region include:
1. Directly addressing crucial redevelopment needs within the local Albion area through grant funding.
2. Enhancing the immediate vicinity by developing currently underutilized sites, improving infrastructure, and undertaking corridor redevelopment (Austin Ave).
3. Creating competitive workforce opportunities through the establishment of a Tech Hub Start-Up.
4. Nurturing entrepreneurship by providing support to businesses that enhance the city’s competitiveness. These businesses would offer goods and services highly sought after by local enterprises, the workforce, and residents.
By revitalizing vacant properties, the grant will enhance the visual appeal and attractiveness of neighborhoods, positively impacting the immediate area. This, in turn, can help attract potential residents, businesses, and investors, leading to further economic development and growth in the area. The benefits of the grant program extend beyond the immediate Albion Community and can positively impact the broader region. A revitalized main business corridor contributes to regional economic development by attracting businesses, visitors, and potential investors. The City of Albion has several important gateways and corridors leading into the City and connecting it to other communities. The Albion EDC along with the City of Albion aims to improve the appearance of its gateways and its primary corridors: Superior Street, Austin Avenue, Eaton Street, and Michigan Avenue. The focus of the EDA Recompete Plan is to start revitalizing the Austin Ave Corridor. The revitalization of a city corridor holds profound implications for the local workforce. By breathing new life into this urban artery, opportunities for employment and career advancement are expanded. The infusion of businesses, both new and existing, creates a surge in job openings across various sectors. Moreover, improved transportation links and enhanced amenities in the corridor facilitate easier access to work for residents. This, in turn, bolsters the overall economic vitality of the area, attracting a skilled and diverse labor pool. As the corridor thrives, it becomes a magnet for talent, drawing in professionals seeking dynamic work environments and cultural experiences. Consequently, the revitalization of a city corridor not only reinvigorates the physical landscape but also invigorates the local job market, driving economic growth and prosperity for the entire community.
The Startup Tech Hub, in partnership with local and regional organizations, aims to benefit Albion, Calhoun County, and the greater Southwest Region. This collaborative effort focuses on long-term programming for 2024 and beyond, leveraging successful partnerships and programs to nurture local entrepreneurs. The EDA Recompete Plan will drive the development of a tech entrepreneurial program, particularly targeting Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals. This initiative offers mentorship, funding, resources, and networking opportunities for tech entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The yearlong programming supports minority and women-owned businesses in Albion and its surroundings. By prioritizing historically underserved communities, especially in rural areas, this initiative addresses economic disparities and fosters inclusive growth, ensuring that opportunities extend beyond urban centers.
Albion Economic Development Corporation has a long-standing relationship with the Albion Community and surrounding areas fulfilling its mission to create and maintain competitive workforce opportunities. The Albion Economic Development Corporation recognizes the need to grow entrepreneurs within Albion and Calhoun County so that the desired culture of supportive growth allows neighbors, friends, and family to prosper and support each other in Michigan’s recovery. As the community of Albion continues to strive for revitalization, further investment into the strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystem will ensure that all entrepreneurs, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can develop, innovate, and launch high-tech/high-growth potential startups. The Albion EDC along with local and regional partners is pursuing an ecosystem-wide solution to support diverse entrepreneurs at every stage and boost the region’s participation in the innovation economy.
Equity, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Diversity
In today’s globalized, knowledge-driven economy, investing in human capital has become a crucial economic development priority. To thrive in this competitive landscape, cities and regions must foster a supportive environment for innovation, recognizing that skilled individuals are the driving force behind progress. Education now stands as the linchpin for generating prosperity. Hence, cities aiming to excel in the knowledge economy must cultivate a robust pool of talented workers. Addressing the significant nexus of Education and Workforce necessitates seamless collaboration between Albion’s businesses and educators, including professional associations, unions, colleges, technical schools, and community-based organizations. By enhancing communication and coordination, we empower stakeholders to proactively address shared concerns. This concerted effort will pave the way for The City of Albion to achieve its paramount long-term objectives.
Roughly 700 underemployed/unemployed individuals in the Albion area are ready to embark on adaptability training to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment for Supply Chain and the Marshall Blue Oval. We have a grassroots initiative underway to interview and discover barriers to employment directly from these 700 individuals. We know technical training for these individuals is critical. We are fortunate to have Innovate Albion focusing on STEM engagement, as well as Albion College and Kellogg Community College here to support STEM learning and growth. We have also been actively seeking grants and initiatives to grow and start up a Tech-Based Entrepreneurial Hub.
The Albion EDC has partnered with PULSE to create and establish attainable and relevant childcare for the Region and the Albion area. We are also supporting new and existing local childcare centers to provide our children with great places to spend their time away from home while their parents engage in the workforce. The Albion EDC has developed and adopted an overall readiness program. Using this multipronged approach would inevitably increase our population from 7,500 to 15,000 strong.
Regional Assets
Albion, strategically located between Chicago and Detroit, boasts convenient access via Interstate 94. The city is home to a central Amtrak station connecting to Chicago and Detroit. Albion is a Redevelopment Ready Certified community, providing resources for community revitalization. Recent successful downtown redevelopment projects, including the Bohm Theatre, Courtyard by Marriott, and Brick Street Lofts, have reduced historical redevelopment risks. Albion College, with hundreds of staff and 1,500 students, is a vital institution. The city offers prime properties for diverse development projects, prioritizing brownfield sites for quick implementation. Redevelopment Ready Certification streamlines interactions with city departments for interested developers.
Targeted Geographic Approach
Albion’s proposed initiatives offer enduring advantages for the region. A crucial aspect is ensuring unemployed or inactive residents have accessible career pathways, empowering them for stable employment. Additionally, supporting small businesses is integral, fostering entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance. This dual approach addresses immediate needs and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity. The Albion Economic Development Corporation Revolving Loan Fund’s mission is to revitalize the local economy by providing loans to new and expanding enterprises. These loans cover various needs including working capital, fixed assets, inventory, and real estate improvements. The AEDC collaborates with private lenders, non-profit institutions, and the SBA to offer long-term, low-interest rate loans for small businesses when traditional financing is unavailable.
Partnerships and Potential Commitments
By uniting the efforts of local economic development entities, educational institutions, and private sector partners, the Albion EDC is poised to establish a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem in Albion and Calhoun County. This program aims to enhance access to resources and opportunities, fueling the growth of scalable startups and propelling economic development and innovation in the region. The AEDC collaborates with various entities including Marshall City, Township, MEDC, MAEDA, Ford, Southwest Michigan First, and existing and prospective businesses to stimulate the economy. They are also working with the State of Michigan for support in establishing a new industrial park and aiding regional childcare programs. Partnerships with MAEDA and the County EDC Board members are being forged to address housing and workforce needs with Blue Oval Ford. Collaborative efforts with industry investors and stakeholders are underway to ensure intentional growth and effective messaging across the region. Albion College is committed to partnering with the City and Stakeholders to ensure a thriving, economically vibrant downtown, as well as revitalize connecting corridors and neighborhoods. They also pledge to collaborate on redevelopment initiatives and transformational projects. Kellogg Community College (KCC) is deeply invested in the communities it serves. Through responsive partnerships, the college has made significant localized investments in academic programming and services within its territory. This includes strategic investments in partnerships focused on the eastern part of Calhoun County, in tandem with the Marshall Public School (MPS) system. Through this collaborative effort, college and MPS leadership have emphasized the vital need for career and technical education (CTE) programming in this area, successfully securing various public and community investments to expand academic offerings related to manufacturing technology and skilled trades. These investments encompass the acquisition of equipment for programs in production technology, mechatronics, industrial technology, and welding technology.
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