The city of Southfield, Southfield Downtown Development Authority (Southfield DDA) and the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce received Oakland Thrive’s “Vibrant Economy Award” at the Oakland Thrive Awards & Small Business Spotlight on April 3 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. 

The THRIVE Awards honor individuals or organization trailblazers for their significant and lasting contributions and commitment to diversity in economic growth and business expansion, inclusivity, and community activism on both the county and/or state level. The annual Oakland Thrive Awards event recognized innovation and creativity in Oakland County’s business community with 300-400 attendees including Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, people from the business community, local, county, state, federal elected officials, community organizations, and small business owners. Southfield was recognized for it’s strong “Small Business Ecosystem” with a focus and commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and economic growth. 

“We are thrilled to be recognized for this important award,” stated City Administrator Fred Zorn, CEcD. “The city of Southfield is proud to be home to a very diverse and thriving business community. Our Business & Economic Development Team as well as our Planning, Building and other departments work hard to “Cut the Red Tape and Roll Out the Red Carpet” for both our small and large business owners. I want to particularly recognize Southfield’s Business & Economic Development Director Rochelle Freeman and Southfield DDA Executive Director Molly LaLone for their strong work in this area.”

About the city of Southfield, Michigan USA

The city of Southfield is one of the premier business and residential addresses in Michigan. Located in Oakland County, Southfield is home to more than 76,000 residents and over 100 “Fortune 500” companies. With a daytime population nearing 175,000 (prepandemic), over 27 million square feet of office space and more than seven million square feet of retail and industrial space – Southfield is truly Michigan’s undisputed business center. Residents and businesses alike come to Southfield for its central location, excellent city services and easy access to all of southeastern Michigan. For more information, call (248) 796-5000 or visit www.cityofsouthfield.com.

About the Southfield Downtown Development Authority (Southfield DDA)

The Southfield Downtown Development Authority (Southfield DDA) was established in 1988 to promote economic growth in the city and to eliminate the causes of property value deterioration. It is the legislative body responsible for development in a one square mile area within the city of Southfield. The Southfield DDA is located in the southeast corner of the city and represents a diverse mix of businesses and service organizations, including IBM, Panera Bread, Outback Steakhouse, The Hidden Gem and FOX-TV. The area is home to several innovative leaders in healthcare practice and education, such as Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Providence Hospital, CSL Plasma, Oakland Community College, and the Northland Park Dialysis Center. More than 9,000 businesses and service organizations are located in the City of Southfield. Learn more at www.southfielddda.com. 

About the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce

The Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner in the city of Southfield and the business community. Their purpose is to create connections that drive and strengthen businesses. The Chamber frequently hosts social and educational events alike.  There is a continuous effort to offer recognition of members in various published content through their newsletter, social media and website. They also offer several opportunities for members to connect and get connected that have proved beneficial to business and professional growth.  Learn more at www.southfieldchamber.com. 

About Oakland Thrive

Oakland Thrive works to bolster economic development throughout Oakland County, an affluent and desirable area that attracts both residents and business owners. Currently, many regions in Oakland County have household incomes that greatly exceed the average across Michigan and our nation, especially the City of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. However, other areas, including cities such as Pontiac and Auburn Hills, have incomes far below the statewide average and that of neighboring communities. By connecting with small and micro businesses in every Oakland County region and providing free support and services, Oakland Thrive works to close prosperity gaps and level the playing field for all of the areas that they serve. Learn more at www.oaklandthrive.org.

To learn more about how the city of Southfield can help your business thrive, contact Southfield Business Development at (248) 796-4160 or visit www.cityofsouthfied.com.