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Deputy Oakland County Executive Dennis R. Toffolo delivered an entertaining and enlightening speech at the luncheon held at the Lapeer Country Club. Those in attendance had expected to hear Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who is well known for his oration skills. But Patterson was detained in Washington DC lobbying for an Oakland International Airport terminal.

Toffolo substituted for his boss, but economic club guests weren't disappointed by the last minute exchange to the witty speaker.

"He was like a well educated Jonathan Winters," said Lapeer County Commissioner Lenny Schneider.

Toffolo received an MBA in Finance and an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. He retired from Hudson's where he served as the president.

"I was getting under my wife's feet, and she suggested I get out of house," said Toffolo. "'Brooks said I've got the perfect job for you.'"

The two realized that to continue as a powerful economic force, jobs that were leaving the county had to be replaced.

Toffolo became head of the Emerging Sectors Program, with a goal to attract the top 10 emerging business sectors and their premier 10 producers to Oakland County.

"We diversified out of the auto industry and went after other companies," said Toffolo. "That meant 100 new companies. Every month we got a report. After three and one-half years, there are 70 companies, 12,000 new jobs and $25 million added to the tax rolls."

The team visited hospitals and discovered most of the technical equipment they use is manufactured out of the country. They personally recruited foreign companies and offered enticement including quality of life.

"As a company incentive they look for a lifestyle," said Toffolo. "We have urban centers, 1,040 lakes and suburban life."

He suggested that Lapeer County market itself as an attractive place to live.

"You should maximize and sell Lapeer," Toffolo said. "Lapeer can attract businesses. Put in a team, come up with a program and implement it."

Representative Fulton Sheen, District 88, is scheduled to speak at the noon, Monday, May 5 luncheon at Lenny Miller's in Dryden. Sheen will explain the Michigan Fair Tax Proposal. He touts the change, which he hopes to see on the November ballot, as a replacement of the Single Business Tax, Personal Property Tax and Michigan Income Tax with a single sales tax on the final purchase of products.

Michigan State University Athletic Director Mark Hollis is scheduled to address club members at the noon, Wednesday May 28 luncheon at the Lapeer Country Club.

"We are working on and hoping to secure the Governor and Bill Ford in the fall," said Lapeer Development Corporation Executive Director Patricia Lucas.

Economic Club of Lapeer County members may take advantage of the networking opportunities available. One year corporate memberships are $575, and include luncheons for three people; single memberships are $200. For more information, call Lucas at 667-0080.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810)664-0811, ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com