FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lansing, Michigan – December 3, 2020 – State Senator Dale Zorn (R-Ida) has been recognized as a 2020 Legislative Economic Development Champion by the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). Senator Zorn was nominated by James Van Doren, Executive Director, Lenawee Now.
MEDA is a professional society with members throughout the state that attract and grow business, create and retain jobs, and make our communities a better place to live. The Awards were developed in 2020 by the Association to recognize legislators that show a passion for championing economic development work by assisting economic development efforts that affect the entire state, assisting with local economic development projects, championing the restoration of funding for economic development, participating with their local economic development organization, or sponsoring economic development legislation. Nine other legislators from Michigan’s House of Representative and Senate were awarded.
The reasons for the nomination that were listed by Van Doren are fine examples of championing economic development at the local and state level. Senator Zorn forwarded legislation to allow training funds for companies to locate in Michigan for out-of-state residents that are hired in border counties, helped secure a commitment from the Michigan Department of Transportation for a rail spur linking Lenawee County to the Toledo Freight Yard, and helped secure incentives for the County that created and saved hundreds of jobs for a large employer, Inteva. In addition, Senator Zorn has a history of advocating for economic development funding, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Strategic Fund and Going Pro job training grants.
James Van Doren said of Senator Zorn, “Lenawee Now is proud to nominate Senator Zorn for this prestigious award for his dedicated work supporting economic development in Lenawee and Monroe Counties. He has worked tirelessly on our behalf advocating for issues and projects to grow our counties. He has always been responsive to our request and as stated in the award brought our many opportunities to the forefront. We congratulate the Senator for receiving MEDA’s Legislative Economic Development Champion Award!”
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ABOUT MEDA
The Michigan Economic Developers Association has partnered with economic developers to grow their community in Michigan for 60 years. By providing education, networking, and advocacy, MEDA makes it possible for professionals to do their job more effectively and efficiently. To learn more, see www.medaweb.org.