A monthly publication highlighting economic development in Novi

January 13, 2016

City now boasts highest bond rating

Rating raised based on improved economy, strong management

The City of Novi received positive financial news for residents and business owners recently as Standard & Poor's has raised the City's high-quality credit rating from AA+ to AAA with a stable outlook.

The AAA rating is the highest issuer governmental credit rating assigned by Standard & Poor's and is defined as a city "having extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments." Novi is now among only approximately a dozen other communities in Michigan with this rating.

According to Standard & Poor's, "the upgrade reflects Standard & Poor's assessment of the City's improved economy, with increasing market value and decreasing unemployment, as well as the City's passage of more formalized financial policies and procedures."

Standard & Poor's notes that "Novi's economy is very strong. The City has a projected per capita effective buying income of 147% of the national level and per capita market value of $124,081. Due to continued residential and commercial development, the City's market value and assessed value have increased by approximately 20% and 9%, respectively." In addition, the financial services company noted that the City has very strong management, adequate budgetary performance, very strong budgetary flexibility, very strong liquidity and very strong debt and contingent liability position.

"The Standard & Poor's rating truly reflects that Novi as a City has been doing things the 'right way' for a long period of time and the current Mayor, City Council and management team have systems, policies and procedures in place to help ensure sustained success," said Novi Finance Director Carl Johnson.

For more information about the award, visit cityofnovi.org.

Community Development undergoing makeover

Department relocated until March for upgrades, renovations

Work has already begun on enhancing the City of Novi's Community Development Department this winter. The renovations will not only spruce up the out-dated space, but also streamline operations and improve efficiency.

All contractors, business owners and community members needing assistance will be directed to the Mayor's Conference Room, on the lower level of the Novi Civic Center, to meet with customer service representatives. There is signage in the building informing visitors about the change. The other employees in the department have been relocated to various parts of the Civic Center until the work is completed.

Staff phone numbers will stay the same during the renovation, which is expected to wrap up by March. To contact Community Development, call 248.347.0415 or visit cityofnovi.org.

Novi seeks Community Development Deputy Director

Dynamic, experienced person sought to help lead team

The City of Novi is looking for an energetic individual to lead a team of talented and hardworking planning and development professionals as the Community Development Deputy Director. This position will oversee service to our residents, business owners and employees by guiding, developing and supporting the operations of the continuum from Planning to Building Inspection and Permitting to Ordinance Enforcement.

Our Community Development Department is committed to fostering and nurturing growth, development and redevelopment to enhance our strong foundation and the City's sustainable future.

If you (or someone you know) have a proven record of delivering superior customer service through exceptional communication and management skills along with a commitment to coaching and mentoring for teamwork this could be a position for you. The position requires self-motivation and the ability to quickly grasp the working knowledge of residential, commercial and industrial developments while embracing Novi's values of innovation, quality development, responsible use of City resources and environmental protections. Knowledge of requirement standards, principles and City ordinances will need to be quickly acquired.

Click here for more information regarding the position, including qualifications and the hiring salary range. Deadline to apply for this job is February 5, 2016. Visit cityofnovi.org for other job opportunities in the City.

2016 Pure Michigan Automotive Matchmaking Summit

Goal is to fill open procurement gaps with MI suppliers

The 2016 Pure Michigan Automotive Matchmaking Summit is slated for Wednesday, March 2, at COBO Center in Detroit.

The event will feature purchasers from FCA, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Toyota and nearly 50 of their tier one partners. This matchmaking initiative will target both production and non-production commodities in an effort to fill open procurement gaps with qualified Michigan suppliers. There are more than 400 unique needs that have already been identified, including castings, stampings, office supplies, injection molding, packaging, IT services and more.

Because of the continued interest and participation, make sure to check the application periodically as more needs will be uploaded over the application period. To be considered for an opportunity to attend the summit, please complete the application found here by January 18.

Questions regarding the event or application can be directed to Mike Christ at Christm@michigan.org.

What is your North American International Auto Show story?

We want to hear from businesses with a connection to NAIAS

The automotive industry is gearing up for the public opening of the 2016 North American International Auto Show on Saturday, Jan. 16 and we know Novi businesses have their fingerprints on many of the vehicles on display.

If you or anyone from your business is heading down to COBO Center - whether for business or pleasure - we want to hear and see the Auto Show through your eyes. Maybe you are there on an Industry Preview Day to check out the cutting-edge products and technologies, or attending the public show so your children can climb behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle. Regardless of the reason, we think it is important to let everyone know the role many of our Novi businesses play in the success of the automotive industry.

Even if you aren't able to make it to the Show we would still love to hear from you so we can spotlight your business and share your Auto Show story on our various social media channels, business website and in this newsletter.

Those interested can send an email and photo to novibusiness@cityofnovi.org.

Stay Educated

with the Novi Public Library

SCORE Business Mentoring

Grow your business or start one with one-on-one mentoring from experienced Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) business counselors. Click here to register or call 248.349.0720.

Saturdays between 10:30-1:30pm on Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 16 & April 20

Age: 18+

Price: Free Community Event

Location: Second Floor Meeting Room

Registration Ends: When Filled

Job-Seekers Toolbox

Explore various tools to help job-seekers indentify and research potential employers and ways to develop great resumes. Learn about government websites specifically designed for job-seekers. Click here to register or call 248.349.0720.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 1-3pm

Age: 16+

Price: Free Community Event

Location: Computer Lab 206

Registration Ends: When Filled

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Learn ways to launch, grow & improve your business

Are you an entrepreneur that's ready to launch a new business? Maybe yours is an established company ready to grow to the next phase, or you're simply seeking assistance to help improve office efficiency and workforce skills. Whatever your motivation, the Business Development Center (BDC) at Schoolcraft College was designed to help you take your operation to the next level of excellence.

Whether you need to develop the workforce, explore opportunities for growth, research and analyze the market or evaluate financial or legal issues, the BDC can help.

The Michigan Small Business Development Center network provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan - including new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.

A variety of seminars are available throughout the month of January and February for those seeking assistance. A list of events can be found here.