The Michigan Economic Development Corp. Executive Committee approved a new four-year contract for CEO Quentin Messer Jr.
The MEDC cited a year with more than $13 billion in EV and battery manufacturing investments in the state as one of the main reasons for the renewal.
“Director Messer brings an incredible dedication to delivering impact and opportunity to people across Michigan through the economic development efforts of MEDC and team Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a press release.
She also said almost 13,000 more jobs were a highlight of the year.
“Together, we will continue to stay laser-focused on growing our economy, competing for every good-paying job, and making sure businesses and people alike know Michigan is a place that welcomes them all,” she said. “Let’s keep delivering on the issues that matter, support businesses of all sizes, spur innovation, and move Michigan forward.”
Messer's job includes oversight of the Michigan Strategic Fund. He “is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and enhancing Michigan’s image and brand with a focus on building a strong and equitable economy for all Michiganders.”
“We will continue to out-hustle and out-compete to get the job done — from bringing new investment to the state and revitalizing communities on both peninsulas to strengthening the business environment for our Michigan-grown companies — in order to secure economic opportunity for today, and future generations here in Michigan,” Messer said. “We have made a lot of progress, and we embrace the challenge of completing the remaining work. Let’s get it!”
Since Messer took on the job in July 2021, the state has implemented the following:
- Gov. Whitmer signed legislation establishing the SOAR fund
- The creation of an EV/mobility and semiconductor Talent Action Teams to fill in-demand jobs in key industries
- The creation of the Small Business Services & Support Team at MEDC to strengthen the ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs
- The allocation of almost $100 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to address the impact of the pandemic on public gathering places and office buildings.
Messer serves as a member of the governor's cabinet and on the boards of the American Center for Mobility, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, International Economic Development Council, and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute. He also is a member of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.
Messer was named a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100 by the Financial Times, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021) by Crain’s Detroit Business, Biz New Orleans CEO of the Year (2020), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2020 and 2019) by Consultants Connect, and Ebony Magazine's Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018).
Messer is an alumnus of the Boston Consulting Group and O’Melveny & Myers LLP and earned degrees from Princeton and Columbia universities.
The MEDC markets the state's business and workforce development efforts.
