LANSING, Mich., April 19, 2022 — Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced that 20 businesses in 19 communities across the state would receive grants of up to $25,000 as part of the Match on Main program to support economic development in Michigan’s downtowns. Saginaw’s grant will go toward the READ Association of Saginaw County.

“It’s hard to imagine an organization more fitting to receive an award such as this than the READ Association,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). “Teaching students to read gives students so much more than a useful skill: It improves their self-esteem while giving them the opportunity to form valuable connections with adult role models. I applaud the governor and the MEDC for recognizing their contribution to our community.”

The grants are expected to create or retain 135 full-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $2.9 million.