A resolution to designate October 8, 2025, as APEX Day.
Impact
The APEX program has played a vital role in strengthening the nation's industrial base by equipping small businesses with the necessary training and counseling to compete for government contracts. The Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (MAAA) currently operates as a statewide network dedicated to providing procurement assistance at various government levels. Last year, MAAA supported over 3,420 businesses, leading to the creation of approximately 24,180 jobs and assisting in securing $2.23 billion in prime and subcontract awards. This has been exemplary in contributing to Michigan's economic vitality.
Summary
Senate Resolution 75, introduced by Senators Klinefelt and Geiss, aims to designate October 8, 2025, as APEX Day. This resolution honors the contributions of the APEX program, originally established as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) in the early 1980s. The APEX program has been instrumental in assisting small businesses in navigating federal procurement processes and enhancing their participation in government contracting. The resolution recognizes the program's evolution over the past four decades and its formal authorization by Congress in 1985, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Contention
The proposal to officially recognize October 8 as APEX Day has been met with broad support, emphasizing the significant impact of APEX Accelerators on local and national economies. While the resolution appears largely uncontroversial, it places a spotlight on discussions around small business support and governmental procurement processes. There may be underlying debates concerning the effectiveness of such programs and whether the acknowledgment will lead to increased funding or support for small businesses in the future. However, no major points of contention were highlighted during the discussions surrounding the resolution.
Economic development: other; length of time for an exemption; limit. Amends secs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 9 & 10 of 1996 PA 376 (MCL 125.2683 et seq.) & adds sec. 9a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0631'25
Economic development: Michigan strategic fund; procurement technical assistance center (PTAC); update to APEX Accelerator. Amends sec. 2 of 2006 PA 317 (MCL 125.1972).
Economic development: other; Michigan strategic fund centers; amend to reflect elimination of the Michigan strategic fund. Amends title & sec. 2 of 2006 PA 317 (MCL 125.1972). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0631'25
Economic development: other; strategic advisory board; create, and provide for the development of strategic plans. Amends 1984 PA 270 (MCL 125.2001 - 125.2094) by adding secs. 9a & 9b. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0213'25