Focus Macomb - March 2026

Mark Hackel

Macomb Community Action, in partnership with Michigan State University Extension are pleased to announce their annual 2026 Show Me the Money Day - Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township.

All community members are welcome to participate in this free, in-person educational event that features free and low-cost financial assistance materials and financial literacy workshops. All workshops are intended to provide attendees real-world advice that will have a direct, positive effect on their personal finances. Financial workshops scheduled to be offered at this year's event include:

• Navigating Michigan Works 

• Weatherization and Energy Education 

• First Time Homebuyer  

• Budgeting, Saving, and Debt Relief  

• Let's Talk Credit  

In addition, 10 vendors will be on-hand to provide attendees information on a variety of personal finance topics.

For more information on Show Me the Money Day, please contact Macomb Community Action at 586-469-7614, or visit this event description.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base seeks Michigan-based companies for major infrastructure projects, invites businesses to informational event

Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) is seeking qualified businesses across Michigan to support a wide range of infrastructure projects over the next five years as it prepares for the arrival of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II and the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus. The Selfridge Industry Days Series offers opportunities for companies across multiple sectors, including-but not limited to-construction, infrastructure, engineering, logistics, technology, environmental services, commercial /industrial general contractors, skilled trades, and more.

Join SANG, the Selfridge Base Community Council, Macomb County Chamber, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator and the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation with our first meeting on infrastructure, Monday, April 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the SANG dining facility.

There are no fees to attend, but advanced registration before Friday, April 17 at noon, and background checks, are required before entering the base. To register, visit our event landing page.

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) has announced the opening of tickets sales for its annual Macomb Business Awards (MBA), which will take place Thursday, April 23 at 8 a.m. at The Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens. The celebration recognizes businesses of all sizes for their innovation, generosity and ability to adapt and thrive.

"This is one of Macomb County's largest events focused on local businesses and their achievements," said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. "We bring together people from every industry and profession, so it's a must-attend morning for those wanting to network and meet leaders from across the region. We also honor some of the best and brightest organizations in our community, which makes the awards something special to experience."

More than 145 businesses were nominated for awards in one of the following categories:

• Best Place to Work - Brought to you by Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!
  A company that fosters a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, trusted and have an opportunity for growth. Additionally, this company should have a sense of purpose and go above and beyond to support its community.

• Fueling the Talent Pipeline - Brought to you by Macomb Community College
  A company creating opportunities for the next generation of our workforce through meaningful career exploration experiences.

• Hidden Gem - Brought to you by Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  A commercial business offering a unique Macomb County product, service or experience that deserves more recognition.

• Excellence in Manufacturing Award - Brought to you by MMTC
  A manufacturer of 500 employees or less, achieving success through its use of modern, smart technology to adapt to industry demands and diversify its customer base. The company is innovative in both its processes and products. Manufacturers of all kinds are eligible, from defense/aerospace to food and beverage.

• Nonprofit of the Year - Brought to you by Advancing Macomb
  An organization that addresses an important need and plays a vital role in our local community, by contributing significantly to the well-being, vitality and growth of Macomb County. Must be a 501(C) organization.

• Placemaker Award
  An initiative or project that creates places where people gather and spend time while positively impacting the local business community. This award is open to municipalities, DDAs, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations and private partners. It can include projects ranging from streetscape beautification and walkability, to park enhancements and community meeting places. Qualifying initiatives must have been completed within the last three years.

Winners in each category will be announced at the April 23 event. Tickets are on sale now through April 16. Entry fee is $50, which includes breakfast, unique entertainment, the awards ceremony, networking with 400 business and community leaders from across the region and appearances by County Executive Mark Hackel.

The 2026 Macomb Business Awards is sponsored by Consumers Energy, the Macomb Intermediate School District, First State Bank, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, Advancing Macomb, MMTC, Macomb Community College, OneMacomb, Connect Macomb, the Macomb County Chamber, SMART and ITC.

For more information, visit the Macomb Business Awards website.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, and Michigan State University Extension 4-H is celebrating with an interactive challenge designed to make learning about money fun, engaging, and rewarding.

As part of a statewide competition, Macomb County youth ages 13-19 (as of Jan. 1, 2026) are invited to participate in the Smart Money Missions GooseChase Game- an exciting, app-based competition where players complete creative financial challenges for a chance to win prizes. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, top scorers will win a $50 Amazon e-gift card.

Youth have until April 21, 2026, to register and complete the missions that comprise the game. Registration is now open. There is no cost to participate.

The Smart Money Missions game transforms financial literacy into a dynamic scavenger hunt. Participants earn points by completing 50+ challenges that include creative missions, trivia, and puzzles that take anywhere from less than a minute to 10 minutes to complete. Some examples of the types of challenges included in the missions include:

• Solving budgeting challenges

• Answering financial trivia

• Exploring entrepreneurship concepts

• Learning about credit and interest

• Submitting creative photo responses

The game encourages participants to build practical money management skills while engaging in friendly competition with peers across the state.

Learn more about MSU Extension Services.

Macomb County Animal Control Launches Martha's Mutts Program

Macomb County Animal Control, in partnership with the Martha T. Berry Foundation, officially launched the Martha's Mutts Puppy Love Social today at the Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility, introducing a new program designed to strengthen relationships and build community through animal interaction.

The kickoff event, which was held Wednesday afternoon, welcomed residents, staff, volunteers and adoptable shelter dogs for the first of what will become recurring visits focused on shared moments of joy and engagement.

"Macomb County is committed to supporting programs that enhance quality of life for our residents, especially our seniors," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "Partnership initiatives like Martha's Mutts help to promote connection and bring moments of joy that benefit both people and animals across our community."

Martha's Mutts connects adoptable dogs from Macomb County Animal Control with residents of the medical care facility, offering opportunities for interaction that support emotional health while helping shelter dogs gain positive exposure. Residents enjoy comfort and connection, while dogs benefit from socialization, attention and increased adoption potential.

"At its core, Martha's Mutts is about bringing people and animals together," said Jeff Randazzo, director of Macomb County Animal Control. "These visits support residents' emotional well-being while giving our dogs the interaction they need to succeed in finding permanent homes."

The program addresses social isolation, encourages interaction among residents and creates meaningful experiences that support overall well-being. It also raises awareness of adoptable dogs and demonstrates the value of collaboration between animal welfare and senior care organizations.

"We are thrilled to partner with Macomb County Animal Control on this meaningful initiative," said Karen L. Bathanti, chair of the Martha T. Berry Foundation. "The smiles we saw today reinforced what we already believed: positive moments, comfort and companionship can come from unexpected and wonderfully furry places."

"There is a quiet beauty in the symmetry - elders who have found home at Martha T. Berry now extending that same gift, helping shelter dogs find homes of their own," said Stephanie Hazel, Resident Restorative and Recreation Manager at Martha T. Berry.

All participating dogs are temperament-tested and accompanied by trained staff or volunteers to ensure a safe and positive environment for residents and animals alike.

Through Martha's Mutts, Macomb County Animal Control and the Martha T. Berry Foundation are expanding community involvement, supporting adoption efforts and highlighting the lasting bond between people and animals.

For more information about Martha's Mutts, adoption opportunities or volunteer involvement, contact Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115.

To visit all the animals available for adoption, visit the Macomb Adopts website.