Department Helping Detroit Businesses Saved

DETROIT - Many jobs and programs were in jeopardy as the mayor and Detroit's City Council worked on a budget. Now, a department which you may not even realize exists is saved.

The company has been in Nancy Marshall's family for more than 60 years, and just one year ago she thought her family business was going under just like so many others in Detroit.

"We were definitely frightened. We had to downsize," said Marshall with Aluminum Supply.

But now, the company's landed a multi-million dollar partnership building aluminum planters and shipping them to countries such as Dubai. Marshall's even buying new equipment and hiring more employees.

"Since then, we've been going gangbusters," Marshall said.

She says it's all thanks to Detroit's Office of Targeted Business Development.

"They made the initial connection," said Marshall. "They're bringing real meat to the table for Detroit-based businesses."

"Growing businesses creates jobs," said Mark Jones, the program's director. His office has contacted thousands of businesses, is hosting forums and helping entrepreneurs fill Detroit's economic void.

"It gives them the opportunity to find out what opportunities there are coming up, what long-term opportunities, how to prepare for them," Jones said.

That's why Jones says he was shocked when he learned City Council had cut the office's funding. Luckily, the council reconsidered and restored the money, and now Jones says his team is working to cut the red tape, making Detroit more appealing to out of state businesses.

"We're going to set the image, set the tone, and Mayor Bing says we are open for business. We are doing more than being open for business. We are being supportive, and we are an advocate for business," said Jones.

"There couldn't be a better time to start or to grow your business in the city," Marshall said.

If you want to learn more about the Office of Targeted Business Development, you can find them online at www.thinkdetroitfirst.com.