Oakland County
Oakland County is the fourth wealthiest county in America and one of the most powerful economic drivers in Michigan. Nearly 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies do business in Oakland County.
The county is a leading center for international commerce, entrepreneurial activities, research and development, robotics, and new business startups. Some of its most powerful corporate citizens include Chrysler, General Motors and Ford Motor Company.
Business Resources
Oakland County has earned a reputation among local units of government as a leader in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology for the benefit of its citizens and communities.
Business Roundtable
The Oakland County Business Roundtable works within four strategic areas: economic development, quality of life, transportation and workforce and education. The Roundtable believes that change and improvement in these areas will have the most impact on the county's growth and stability. By involving the private sector in policy and program development, the county can more effectively develop services that encourage businesses to thrive.
Valuable and time-saving County services such as Oakland's One Stop Shop and consolidated Workforce Development programs all started as recommendations from the Business Roundtable. The Business Roundtable has also sponsored or co-sponsored a variety of educational programs within Oakland Schools.
A Great Place to Do Business
More and more international and major corporations both private and public are finding out just how conducive Oakland County is to their global, national and local business efforts.
Of the Fortune 500 companies, 38 percent do business in the county. Some of Oakland County's corporate citizens include Fortune 500 powerhouses such as:
- Chrysler
- General Motors
- Ford Motor Company
- Lear Corporation
- Kelly Services
- ArvinMeritor
Whether your business is currently located here or you are considering Oakland County as a potential location, the comprehensive and professional services provided will help you realize your full business potential. Oakland County has the resources to act as a catalyst for your business.
One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shop combines the latest technology with experts in such areas as business management, marketing, community planning and finance via an information network that's literally at your fingertips for information and business assistance.
Export Assistance Center
The Export Assistance Center offers you access to services that put the world at your fingertips:
- International videoconferencing links you with potential business
partners anywhere in the world
- Educational seminars and presentations tailored to your business.
- Trade missions to explore new opportunities.
To compete in today's global market, exporting goods and services should be part of your company's overall business plan. The Export Assistance Center works with Oakland County companies that want to reach new markets. The Center's team of international business experts helps companies develop and implement an export strategy by:
- Identifying the best markets for your products or services
- Developing global marketing plans
- Determining a country's political, economic and social climate
- Establishing distribution channels
- Locating trade financing
The Export Assistance Center experts provide guidance and consultation at no charge to Oakland County businesses. Fees are charged for services and special programs.
To arrange your appointment call 248-457-3288. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All services are provided with absolute confidentiality.
Small Business Resource Center
At the Small Business Resource Center, you can meet with an experienced business consultant and access the Resource Center's many information and expert resources. All services are provided at no or minimal charge and meetings are confidential.
Oakland County’s Quality Lifestyle
Lakes, parks, shopping, sports, cultural activities, education, medical care and neighborhoods where you can walk -- all this adds up to livable communities where you can raise your family, build a home, grow your business or find many ways to spend your leisure time. Whether it's fishing, golfing, shopping, volunteering or just enjoying a sunset ...you're sure to find what you need in Oakland County.
The Great Outdoors
Oakland County is proud of its vast recreational offerings, and whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or a weekend duffer, you'll find fun in the outdoors in all four seasons. Here are some highlights:
- More than 89,000 acres of park offer year-round outdoor recreation
- Three major downhill ski sites in the county
- More natural lakes in the county than any other county in the state
- Twenty-six private and 61 public golf courses with over 1500 golf
holes
- A parks system with eight county parks open year-round, three
major regional parks and four major state recreation areas
- Two county-owned, barrier-free water parks with wave pools and
body flume waterslides.
To visit the County's Parks and Recreation Web site, visit http://www.oakgov.com/parksrec
A Full Cultural Life
Oakland County is proud to be the home of a vast array of cultural opportunities and, through the office of Arts, Culture, and Film, supports the efforts of the County's creative community and facilitates a vibrant schedule of events for citizens of Southeast Michigan to enjoy.