Saginaw Future’s Steve Jonas is Medalist of the Year
Saginaw, MI, October 10, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) recently presented Steve Jonas, Executive Vice President of Saginaw Future, with its Medalist of the Year Award. As MEDA’s highest award, the Medalist Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of economic development, dedication to the growth of his or her community, and has a demonstrated record of achievement over his or her career.
Jonas has spent 23 years in the economic development profession, 17 of which have been in his current position. His accomplishments in economic development are numerous, and while at SFI, the organization has assisted 430 companies with expansions and new locations, creating and retaining 18,000 jobs and $5.7 billion in new investment.
“Steve is an economic development professional recognized for his expertise and willingness to go the extra mile to help companies and communities,” said Saginaw Future President JoAnn Crary. “His involvement in organizations from Michigan Works to the County’s Brownfield Authority has made a marked difference on this community and the region.”
An expert at writing and administering CDBG grants and Revolving Loan Funds financing, among other projects, Steve has lead the organization in securing $75.8 million in funding for economic development projects. One recent success of note involved grants to support Hemlock Semiconductor’s three projects, totaling $2.5 billion.
For the past five years, Steve has participated as one of a handful of Michigan community representatives in the Center for Automotive Research’s Automotive Communities Program. He was the only local economic developer to accompany CAR in the Global Automotive Marketing Alliance on a trade mission to Germany.
He recently represented the Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership at the American Wind Energy Association trade show in Dallas, Texas, and worked at the Michigan Pavilion on behalf of the entire state. Other volunteer activities include having been a member (including co-chair) of the Michigan Global Partnership National Development Team.
Past recognitions include awards from both Buena Vista Charter Township and the City of Zilwaukee for outstanding leadership and support of their economic development efforts. Steve’s service to MEDA includes being President in 2002 and serving on many of MEDA’s committees.
MEDA held its 50th Anniversary Celebration Annual Meeting at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City, Michigan from September 14th – 17th. The theme of this year’s meeting was “The Road Ahead,” covering the new business models of top industries in Michigan. The Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, September 16th as part of the conference. The MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, MEDA Marketing Materials Competition and MEDA President Award were given.
Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) has been the leader of economic development training and education in Michigan for 50 years. Consisting of members at the local level who strive to build and retain business in Michigan, MEDA makes it possible for professionals to do their job more effectively and efficiently. With membership over 450, the association is dedicated to providing services and benefits geared with expanded members insight and education in economic development.
Established in 1992, Saginaw Future (SF) is a public-private alliance of local businesses, the County of Saginaw, City of Saginaw, 16 local municipalities and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. SF’s strategic partners also include education, labor and government. Since its beginning, SF has remained dedicated to fostering quality job creation through expansion of local industry and attraction of new business projects to the community.
For more information on Saginaw Future, please contact Greg LaMarr, Communications Manager for Saginaw Future, at 989-757-2104, e-mail glamarr@SaginawFuture.com or go to www.SaginawFuture.com
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Jonas has spent 23 years in the economic development profession, 17 of which have been in his current position. His accomplishments in economic development are numerous, and while at SFI, the organization has assisted 430 companies with expansions and new locations, creating and retaining 18,000 jobs and $5.7 billion in new investment.
“Steve is an economic development professional recognized for his expertise and willingness to go the extra mile to help companies and communities,” said Saginaw Future President JoAnn Crary. “His involvement in organizations from Michigan Works to the County’s Brownfield Authority has made a marked difference on this community and the region.”
An expert at writing and administering CDBG grants and Revolving Loan Funds financing, among other projects, Steve has lead the organization in securing $75.8 million in funding for economic development projects. One recent success of note involved grants to support Hemlock Semiconductor’s three projects, totaling $2.5 billion.
For the past five years, Steve has participated as one of a handful of Michigan community representatives in the Center for Automotive Research’s Automotive Communities Program. He was the only local economic developer to accompany CAR in the Global Automotive Marketing Alliance on a trade mission to Germany.
He recently represented the Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership at the American Wind Energy Association trade show in Dallas, Texas, and worked at the Michigan Pavilion on behalf of the entire state. Other volunteer activities include having been a member (including co-chair) of the Michigan Global Partnership National Development Team.
Past recognitions include awards from both Buena Vista Charter Township and the City of Zilwaukee for outstanding leadership and support of their economic development efforts. Steve’s service to MEDA includes being President in 2002 and serving on many of MEDA’s committees.
MEDA held its 50th Anniversary Celebration Annual Meeting at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City, Michigan from September 14th – 17th. The theme of this year’s meeting was “The Road Ahead,” covering the new business models of top industries in Michigan. The Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, September 16th as part of the conference. The MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, MEDA Marketing Materials Competition and MEDA President Award were given.
Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) has been the leader of economic development training and education in Michigan for 50 years. Consisting of members at the local level who strive to build and retain business in Michigan, MEDA makes it possible for professionals to do their job more effectively and efficiently. With membership over 450, the association is dedicated to providing services and benefits geared with expanded members insight and education in economic development.
Established in 1992, Saginaw Future (SF) is a public-private alliance of local businesses, the County of Saginaw, City of Saginaw, 16 local municipalities and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. SF’s strategic partners also include education, labor and government. Since its beginning, SF has remained dedicated to fostering quality job creation through expansion of local industry and attraction of new business projects to the community.
For more information on Saginaw Future, please contact Greg LaMarr, Communications Manager for Saginaw Future, at 989-757-2104, e-mail glamarr@SaginawFuture.com or go to www.SaginawFuture.com
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Contact
Saginaw Future
Greg LaMarr
989-754-8222 x 231
www.SaginawFuture.com
Greg LaMarr
989-754-8222 x 231
www.SaginawFuture.com
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