Evan Vitale Consulting: Sterling Heights council approves economic development consulting services …

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By SEAN DELANEY

Source Staff Writer

Sterling Heights has contracted with the Bonner Advisory Group for economic development consulting services. The one-year agreement was approved by the City Council at the Dec. 16 regular meeting.

“I am pleased to partner with Sterling Heights on this new endeavor,” said founder Luke Bonner, a former economic development manager with the city. “Sterling Heights is on the cutting edge of economic development activity and the city’s accomplishments speak volumes. I look forward to working with the Sterling Heights Economic Development Team to position the city for continued economic development investments.”

Since leaving Sterling Heights, Bonner served as vice president of business development for Ann Arbor SPARK, an industry leader in the field of economic development. While with SPARK, Bonner spearheaded the redevelopment of the former Willow Run Powertrain Facility into a connected and autonomous vehicle test center.

Bonner also established critical partnerships with the University of Michigan, Center for Automotive Research and Walbridge to develop and market the Willow Run project to a global audience.

“He’s had a lot of additional experience since he left the city of Sterling Heights,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool. “He has been a major player – not just in southeast Michigan, but also at the state level by working very closely the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”

In his role as economic development consultant, Bonner will be responsible for performing the following services on behalf of the city:

* Engage and work collaboratively with city administrators and city council to develop and implement a long-term strategy for the city’s economic development initiatives and programs;

* Provide an annual tactical plan that defined the key components to ensure that the long-term strategy and overall economic development objectives are achieved;

* Develop performance indicators that measure the success of the tactical plan in achieving the overall economic development objectives;

* Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive and successful economic development recruitment program for the defense, manufacturing, high-tech and emerging industries; Continued…

* Identify programs and initiatives that enhance the Velocity Collaborative Center as a center for entrepreneurship and defense-related initiatives;

* Find new development opportunities critical to the continued growth of the city tax base;

* Identify marketing opportunities that will enhance the city’s long-term strategy for economic development initiatives and programs.

“I’m extremely excited to have Luke Bonner back and involved with the city’s economic development team,” said Mayor Michael Taylor. “As a former employee, Luke already knows the business landscape and I expect him to hit the ground running. I can’t think of a better person for this strategic position and we’re very fortunate to have him back.”

Vanderpool echoed Taylor’s comments.

“We have had tremendous success in the area of economic development and Luke was an integral part of it,” he said. “We have many initiatives and programs that will greatly benefit from Luke’s unique skillset.”

According to the agreement, the city will pay an annual flat fee of $150,000 (payable in monthly installments of $12,500) for the services provided by the Bonner Advisory Group.

Contact Sean Delaney at 586-323-8127 or sean.delaney@advisorsource.com. Follow him on Twitter @sdelaney81 or on Facebook at Sean Delaney. Subscribe to his Tout feed at http://ift.tt/1zD1Ydi