The city of Southfield’s Business & Economic Development Director, Rochelle Freeman, recently received the 2018 MEDA Medalist of the Year Award and the Robert Sieghart Award from the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA).

The awards were presented at the 2018 MEDA Annual Meeting on August 23 in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The MEDA Awards seek to recognize economic developers with a history of proven contributions to the field of economic development. This year, MEDA presented Mrs. Freeman with the MEDA Medalist of the Year Award and the Robert Sieghart Award.

The MEDA Medalist of the Year Award is MEDA’s highest award and identifies outstanding contributions to economic development within Michigan. Recipients of this award have demonstrated commitment to the profession of economic development, dedication to the growth of their community and have a proven record of achievement. The Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession recognizes someone who has embraced MEDA and understands the importance of economic development to all communities in the state, as well as at the state level.

Mrs. Freeman’s contributions in the field of economic development and to the Southfield business community in particular are extensive. She was instrumental in the city of Southfield’s renewal of the Redevelopment Ready Community certification by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). She also recently helped Southfield to achieve Oakland County’s One Stop Ready Certification. Ms. Freeman was closely involved in the establishment of Southfield’s second SmartZone, Southfield Centrepolis–a campus for innovation, knowledge sharing and growth that helps second stage start-ups and intrapreneurs accelerate their companies to the next level. Centrepolis is a collaboration between the city of Southfield, LTU Collaboratory and Lawrence Technological University that aims to increase business success and employment throughout Southfield and the surrounding areas. In 2017 alone, Ms. Freeman helped to create over $244 million in investments and capital improvements to existing Southfield companies including DENSO, 123.NET, COMAU, Veoneer, Credit Acceptance and Stefanini. This investment is expected to create over 1,250 jobs in Southfield in the next 3-5 years. In addition to her many other responsibilities, Mrs. Freeman takes time to prepare future leaders in economic development by mentoring emerging leaders though MEDA’s Get Hired for a Day program.

“We are thrilled that Shelly was selected to receive two MEDA awards,” stated City Administrator Fred Zorn, CEcD. “Ms. Freeman is a wonderful asset to the City and to Southfield’s thriving business community. Through her enthusiasm and willingness to always go the extra mile, Shelly works hard to help new businesses start up or relocate to Southfield in addition to working to retain our existing business. She has consistently proven herself to be a valuable resource to the city of Southfield.”

The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) was founded in 1960 and exists to advance economic development throughout Michigan. The association’s goal is to provide a variety of services and programs that will enhance economic development in Michigan. Through education, legislative updates, public relations and networking, MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to accomplish their goals more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.medaweb.org.

For more information, contact Business Development at 1-248-796-4160.