MEDC spent $31k to send 5 employees to Middle East in December

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation spent $31,862 to send five employees to the Middle East in December.

The embattled public-private organization spent $16,241 on hotels, $10,634 on airfare, $3,434 on ground transportation, and $1,555 on meals, according to a document that Michigan Capitol Confidential obtained through a records request.

MEDCMECAPCON by mcclallen

“Last week, five Michigan businesses traveled to the Middle East to explore new opportunities and build global partnerships that drive growth back home,” the MEDC posted on LinkedIn in January. “Coordinated by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers and the MEDC International Trade team, these companies participated in strategic B2B and B2G meetings tailored to their goals. We’re proud to provide the access and expertise Michigan businesses need to compete and win globally.”

The trip wasn’t funded by taxpayers, Danielle Emerson, MEDC public relations manager, told CapCon in an email.

“The trade mission to the Middle East that you reference occurred in December and is part of the MEDC’s International Trade services which are designed to support Michigan businesses of all sizes to access international markets,” Emerson wrote. “The companies who come on these trips pay their own way, and no taxpayer dollars are used. The expenses you reference cover hotel, transportation, and food for the five MEDC staff who went on the trip and were also not supported by taxpayer dollars. Rather, they come out of the MEDC corporate budget. I invite you to visit the International Trade Services website, which has various success stories from the program and how it is designed to benefit Michigan businesses and the people they employ.”