MSU EDA University Center for

Regional Economic Innovation

E-Update | May 2022

The REI Center is so pleased to welcome the new Coordinator, Jenan Jondy, this spring. Jondy holds a BS in biology, minor in chemistry, and is also a recent graduate of MSU’s Master of Social Work program. Selected as an Advocacy Scholar, her studies focused on policy, advocacy, and engaging government leaders. Jenan has over two decades of experience engaging with diverse communities, outreach, human rights work, research, and development of programs at a national and international level. As co-founder of the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV), she directed its organizational response and addressed residents' health needs during the ongoing water crisis. This included creating a lead screening and dermatology clinic with volunteer staff and physicians. She may be contacted at jondyjen@msu.edu or by phone at (517) 884-6477.

The CERI project (Comprehensive Economic Recovery Initiative) is designed to rebuild and strengthen Michigan’s economy and resiliency as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. This initiative includes providing technical assistance to communities and regions under four pillars including: resiliency planning, 21st-century communication infrastructure, circular economies and financial resiliency. Recently wrapped project, Intervening in Rural and Small Community Waste Reduction Systems, conducted by Terry Link and Bill Stough, created a best practices guide for identifying opportunities within economic development around recycling and waste management as well as engaging effectively within small and rural communities. This best practices guide, as well as two webinars, is available on the CCED website, and has informed ongoing work outside of the CERI project, including potential spinoff projects in Muskegon. For a summary, webinars and the full report, please click the image above or the button below.