Protect and Grow Initiative
In 2018, MMDC received a grant from the Michigan Defense Center for the purpose of supporting the “Protect and Grow” initiative. The goal of “Protect and Grow” is to both retain and increase the presence of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Homeland Security (HS) operations and related industries within the State of Michigan. An integral part of this initiative are the Michigan manufacturers that are prime and/or subcontractors for the federal government.
The Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC) has been administering the Protect and Grow grant for the Central Michigan area (Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, and Isabella Counties). During this time, we have called on and assisted many of the manufacturers in the area that were identified as potential prospects for federal contracts.
Cyber Security
Cyber threats are no longer something Mid-Michiganders read about in newspapers and on devices connected to the Information Superhighway. They are here and they are real. MMDC is committed to doing all they can to help organizations in the area to protect themselves against the dangers that lurk online in the form of “zeroes and ones." In September of 2019, MMDC, along with the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) and Mid Michigan College, held its first Cybersecurity Conference. It showcased experts from a variety of industries as well as law enforcement. There were addresses from SBDC, Consumers Energy, the Michigan State Police, and Mount Pleasant Agency. The speakers highlighted the threats, the potential for loss, and how companies can better protect themselves through changes in behavior as well as limiting their exposure through cyber liability insurance.