Dearborn Mayor Launches Economic Development Roundtable

DEARBORN, MI — With a goal to maximize the benefits of Dearborn’s economic momentum and partner even more with the corporate community, Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. is creating an Economic Development Roundtable.

The goal is ensuring the community’s long-term sustainability, he said.

“Successful cities rely on powerful, consistent partnerships with the people and the companies that benefit from the services they provide,” O’Reilly said. “Dearborn should be no different. We have first-class companies, first-class services, and first-class neighborhoods. Working together will secure a bright future for all of us.”

O’Reilly has chosen longtime Dearborn resident and successful entrepreneur and money manager Jim Parrelly to chair this important group, which will ramp up this fall with a compelling mission.

It will focus on initiatives to appeal to both businesses and residents, and encompass multiple strategies, including:

• Pursuing larger economic development goals that require the involvement of business leaders who can open doors and foster partnerships that are otherwise inaccessible
• Creating a culture of corporate philanthropy to generate a new revenue source that can be used for strategic investments and reinvestments
• Establishing a direct feedback loop to critically evaluate current economic development efforts to attract, retain, and expand business, including all service level interactions
• Developing a new incentive program to retain and attract residents

O’Reilly praised Parrelly’s expertise to chair the roundtable.

“I cannot think of anyone better positioned and more experienced to lead this new effort,” said Mayor O’Reilly.

“Jim knows Dearborn, but, just as important, he personally knows many of the major players in the corporate community whose knowledge and networks will be key to meeting our goals,” he said.
Parrelly echoed the Mayor’s expectation for this initiative.

“I’m extremely excited to roll up my sleeves and begin work on this critical endeavor,” Parrelly said. “I’m also honored that the Mayor has confidence in my abilities to take this dynamic idea and fully develop its potential.”

The roundtable is expected to recruit about 20 business leaders. With Parrelly leading the group, it will also work closely with the East and West Downtown Dearborn Development authorities and the Warren Avenue and Dix- Vernor District Improvement authorities, he said.

It’s inspired in part by similar successful efforts in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and a resurging Detroit.

O’Reilly will provide the vision for the roundtable, process its recommendations and marshal city resources as needed to complement the anticipated transformative projects it will generate.

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