In its first full year under a revised funding structure, the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County reported $160.7 million in investment and 339 new jobs in 2025, matching prior-year output despite a leaner staff, restructured budget and rising inflationary pressures.
The 2025 results marked the organization’s first full year operating without direct county appropriations after the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners ended its annual contribution in early 2025. The figures were shared Feb. 17 during the EDA’s semiannual luncheon.
The county had previously provided roughly $300,000 annually in quarterly payments. EDA leaders said the transition prompted a renewed focus on diversified revenue, expanded membership support and strategic fundraising, while continuing to advance the organization’s long-standing mission of attracting jobs and investment to the region.
“Disruption can be good for an organization because it makes you rethink, retrench and analyze what you’re doing, how you’re doing it and look for ways to improve,” said Dan Casey, chief executive officer of the EDA of St. Clair County.
“At the end of the day we have a mission — to attract jobs and investment to this county — and we’ve been doing it since 1952,” he added.
Casey said the organization’s 2025 performance demonstrates those adjustments were effective.
“The results that we’re going to share today are on par with what we did last year when we had a bigger staff,” Casey said. “As an organization, we’re doing fine. We’re moving forward.”
Of the $160.7 million in total investment reported for 2025, $87.5 million came from expansion and retention projects, $36 million from business attraction efforts, $35 million from community development initiatives and $2.2 million from entrepreneurial activity.
The EDA also reported 122 business retention visits, 256 company assists, 17 expansion projects and two attraction projects throughout the year.
In addition, its small business and incubator programs supported dozens of entrepreneurs through capital access, grants and training initiatives.
Among the larger projects highlighted during the EDA’s semiannual luncheon was Legacy Port Huron Paper, which is investing $24.5 million and creating 82 jobs as it reopens the former Domtar facility.
The EDA also recognized Michigan Metal Coatings Company in Port Huron for continued investment in production upgrades. Those projects reflect both attraction and retention efforts — two pillars of the organization’s strategy.
Casey also framed economic development as a key tool for local governments facing rising costs.
“We’re going to continue attracting companies and developments to the area and working with existing companies on expansions that generate more tax revenue to help communities keep up with the rate of inflation,” Casey said.
In addition to investment totals, the EDA reported $3.68 million in total income for 2025, with revenue coming from a mix of public support, private membership, grants, incubator rent and special events.
Grants made up the largest share of income, totaling just over $3 million. Total expenses for the year were $4.67 million, including payroll, marketing, operations and grant-related expenditures.
During the event, the EDA presented 12 economic investment awards recognizing business growth and community development across St. Clair County.
Economic Investment – Attraction
Economic Investment – Community Development
Economic Investment – Small Business
Economic Investment – Expansion/Retention
Partner of the Year
Legacy Award
Looking ahead, Casey said the EDA plans to continue expanding its membership base and pursue additional fundraising efforts to strengthen its long-term sustainability.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: EDA reports $160.7M in investment, 339 new jobs in 2025
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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