Did you know that more than 95% of Macomb County businesses have fewer than 50 employees? That means that a lot of you out there took the plunge and started your own business. If you are thinking about starting a business, then you are in good company.

The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development (MCPED) is here to help, whether you are brand new or have been running a business for a while.  You can find the information you need to know to start a business in our area when you contact that MCPED's Small Business & Technology Development Center. Sessions are free and confidential, providing information that will put you on the path to success.

MPCED counselors can help you to start a new business venture or take an existing one into a new direction and assist you in writing a business plan.

The MPCED's free seminars impart a wealth of information on a range of topics including: Business Basics, Selecting Your Legal Structure, and Team SBA Financing, How to Start a Business with Very Little Money, Taxes and Your Home Office, Marketing Strategies that Work, and Bookkeeping Essentials.

Visit this website or call 586-469-5285 to learn more about how the MPCED can help you reach your business goals.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development is hosting a presentation by Mariam C. Noland, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM).

Nolan will discuss CFSEM’s mission, how it supports programs and endowments in the region, its investments in Macomb County, and the GreenWays Initiative—a five-year program aimed at linking communities, leveraging resources and expanding the seven-county region’s natural landscape.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Macomb County Community Services Agency (MCCSA) seeks walkers and donations for its 17th annual Walk for Warmth. Funds raised assist low-income families, individuals and senior citizens facing heat shut off or those in need of furnace repair or replacement.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday, Jan. 25, to fill a vacancy on the Retiree Health Care Board. County Commissioner Andre Duzyj was appointed to serve an indefinite term on the board. Duzyj (D-Warren) represents the residents of District 1, which includes southwest Warren.  The seat was left vacant by the departure of former County Commissioner Bill Revoir.

Shawn Emch was appointed to represent hospital personnel and Calleen Austin was appointed to represent the community and human services groups.

The Macomb Count Board voted Thursday, Jan. 25, to re-appoint David Saad to the Substance Abuse Advisory Council.  Saad, a parole officer from Sterling Heights, will serve another three-year term to begin Sept. 1.  

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners voted on Thursday, Jan. 25, to appoint Dana Camphous-Peterson (D-Harrison Township) to the County of Macomb Hospital Finance Authority Board of Directors. Her five-year term begins immediately and expires Dec. 31, 2012.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, Jan. 25, approved Chairman William Crouchman’s recommended committee assignments for the 2007-08 term.

Democrats, who hold an 18-8 majority on the 26-member Board of Commissioners, were assigned to chair seven committees while Republicans will chair five committees. Democrats hold a majority of seats on all committees, except the Ethics Committee, which is required to have three members from each party.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners trimmed money from its own travel budget as it works to reduce county expenditures.

The board voted Thursday, Jan. 25, to send only one representative to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference and decided not to fund any commissioners to attend the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) conference in Lansing.

The NACo conference is March 3-7 in Washington, D.C. The MAC conference is Feb. 12-13.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Macomb County Board Chairman William Crouchman appointed seven Democrats and five Republicans to committee chair positions for 2007-08. Crouchman’s committee assignments go before the Board of Commissioners for approval on Thursday, Jan. 25.