FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John Avery, Executive Director
Michigan Economic Developers Association
PH: 517-241-0011
avery.john@medaweb.org
Lansing, Michigan – March 9, 2021 – State Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) has been recognized as a 2021 Legislative Economic Development Champion by the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). Senator McCann was nominated by Corey Leon, CEcD, Director, National Development Council. The award was presented to him on March 9th during the Association’s Virtual Capitol Day event.
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. Three other legislators from Michigan’s House of Representatives and Senate were awarded in 2021.
Senator McCann’s nomination came because of his advocacy for historic preservation and leadership in restoring Michigan’s Historic Tax Credit (HTC). The HTC originally increased investment in downtown Kalamazoo, setting off a wave of rehabilitation that transformed the downtown to the walkable and attractive place to live, work, and play that it is today. When the State eliminated the HTC, the Senator (who was a Representative at the time), heard loud and clear how this would negatively impact development and provided bi-partisan support with Senator Wayne Schmidt on the bill that would restore the tax credit.
In his nomination of Senator McCann, Corey Leon said, “Senator Sean McCann is a tireless advocate for historic preservation. Michigan’s State Historic Tax Credit will help Michigan keep our “sense of place” through our historic commercial districts and historic neighborhoods throughout our state.”
ABOUT MEDA
The Michigan Economic Developers Association has partnered with economic developers to grow their community in Michigan for over 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 medaweb.org.