I have decided to formally retire from the economic development profession.
Starting in 1973 as a city planner for the Jamestown, New York Department of Development, I rose to the role of Deputy Director prior to being recruited to lead organizations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oklahoma and Michigan.
I understood the value of and promoted regional cooperation, professional development, and the use of many tools and programs to encourage growth and diversification of local and area economies.
In 1994 I stepped away from running public/private organizations to start MCS Strategies. Having established many positive relationships with other economic practitioners and companies, I was given the opportunity to assist a diverse number and size of companies. MCS provided each client a personalized approach to addressing needs or solving a problem. Most business came from referrals or repeat customers. In addition to helping companies and communities attract and retain jobs, I was able to practice stewardship, helping several organizations carry out their mission of good works.
As I close my career, I am thankful for the many friends, associates, public leaders and businesses who entrusted their projects to me. So to Stan, Pat, Sam, John, Dick, Jack, Jim, Dave, Penny, Dale, Bob, Tim, Armand, Michelle, Claude, Clay, Mark, Kayla, Kim, Mike, and Steve: sincere thanks to you and all the other fine people whose paths I crossed during this fantastic run.
To say I enjoyed my career would be an understatement. The experiences, the challenges, the successes far exceeded any disappointments. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my wife Barbara and my children Cheryl, Mike and Tricia. Without their understanding and support, my professional life would not have been possible.
I already have a game plan in place for the next phase. My volunteer activities with the Cleveland Clinic and other organizations will expand. Our grandchildren are in need of cheering supportive fans for their sporting events. Additionally, a 2004 Corvette Coupe wants to have some new installations and more miles put on her.
Mr. Spock from Star Trek said it best; allow me to paraphrase: “Live well and prosper.” God Bless All!
Mike Michalski
March 2022
Michael C. Michalski is an expert in reviving local and regional economic development organizations throughout the United States.
He is a respected strategist in the areas of retention, expansion and recruitment. Michalski provides both his public and private sector clients a variety of value added services, such as site selection, community evaluations, restructuring and economic policies. He is noted for tremendous energy and expertise.
Recently he assisted multi-national firms expand operations within the United States and helped a state recruitment group launch marketing and recruitment activities.
A graduate of Hobart College, Michalski has managed projects for GM, Daimler Chrysler, and Diebold, as well as many other firms in diverse industry groups. Michalski’s particular expertise includes the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone program and connecting investors with companies requiring capital infusion.
While serving as a community leader he was selected by the U.S. Air Force to attend the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. Michalski is involved in several community and professional organizations. Additionally he has taught courses at the community college, undergraduate and graduate levels at institutes of higher learning around the country.
In balancing many interests Michalski is active in various volunteer pursuits. Most notably as a national volunteer with the American Heart Association he established the Strong Heart Endowment, to make investment in heart research, wellness and community education programs.