Macomb entrepreneurs recognized for taking care of business

The banquet hall at Andiamo Warren was packed Thursday morning for the 12th Annual Macomb Business Awards ceremony.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Planning and Economic Development Director Vicky Rowinski kicked off the festivities with master of ceremony retired WJBK Fox 2 News anchor Huel Perkins.

“Every day, local businesses and organizations make our County a better place to live, work and experience, and the Macomb Business Awards is a prime opportunity for us to showcase this,” said Executive Mark Hackel. “I’m proud to share the stage with these incredible local leaders and to once again promote that the County is your trusted business partner.”

Awards were given in eight categories: startup of the year; fueling the talent pipeline; manufacturer of the year; hometown hero; best place to work; hidden gem; non-profit and partner of the year.

Businesses across Macomb County from Romeo to Roseville took home crystal trophies with Sterling Heights businesses earning four of the eight awards.

Epoch Expressions won startup of the year; Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters is this year’s hidden gem; AGS Automotive metal parts supplier boasts less than 6% employee turnover in the past four years and was honored as the best place to work; and Velocity incubator, accelerator, and coworking space was named as economic development partner of the year.

Established in 2022, Epoch Expressions offers youth and family-focused outpatient therapy with owner Stephanie Falotico and certified therapy dog Apollo. Since opening, Epoch has served 73 clients.

“We have been so successful that we are planning an expansion soon so we can serve more teens in the Macomb County community,” Falotico said.

Deer Camp owner Julie Majewski said her retail location on Dodge Park opened during the COVID pandemic which seemed crazy at the time, but has blossomed into a Michigan-made retailer that roasts its own blend of non-acidic coffee and sells other locally-made food, beverages, wild game, cheeses and outdoor oriented products.

The company has added a Mio location and is set to open a third location in Harrison Township later this year.

“It was risky opening Deer Camp during COVID but we have welcomed tourists and it has become a place for the community to connect and check out some great Michigan products,” said Majewski. “

Roseville’s IF Metalworks took home the manufacturer of the year award that honors a manufacturer that has used modern, smart technology to adapt to industry demands and diversify its customer base. The company did restoration at Michigan Central Station in Southwest Detroit, reproducing 100 flights of historic stairs, half a mile of decorative railing, and 2,000 decorative ventilation grills.

IF Metalworks was established in 2002 and now has three facilities and plans to open a fourth location in the near future.

The company honored for fueling the talent pipeline and creating opportunities for the next generation of Macomb County workers is Aramark Facilities Management in Warren. The maintenance and housekeeping service provider offers apprenticeship programs with on-the-job training and has formed partnerships with Michigan Works and Macomb Community College.

Hometown hero award winner L&L Products in Romeo was established in 1958 combining material science, engineering and new processing technology. The global company has 500 employees at its Romeo location and provides STEM grants for local school districts, has a work education partnership with Romeo High School, and donates to several local non-profits.

“Our vision is to be a good place for all who touch it,”  said Human Resources Director Jay Krawczyk. “We want to be a good citizen in our community and it is important for us to work with our local school districts so this award really means a lot to us.”

CARE of Southeastern Michigan in Fraser was named as non-profit of the year. This year, for the first time, the public was invited to nominate and vote for businesses in this category. More than 3,000 votes were received from residents.

CARE President and CEO Susan Styf said that while most people know CARE as a place that offers services for people and families dealing with substance abuse, there are many other services available through the non-profit. Styf said she is particularly proud of CARE’s program that addresses the mental well being of first responders.

“For 46 years, CARE has been in business in Macomb County,” said Styf. “People know CARE for our substance abuse services and prevention, treatment and recovery support but what is unique about CARE is that we offer crisis support services for first responders.”

The 12th annual event was presented by Consumers Energy. Additional sponsors include First State Bank, ITC, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, OneMacomb, Connect Macomb, Macomb Community College, the Macomb County Chamber, the Macomb Intermediate School District, Velocity, RCO Engineering, and SMART.