By By JAN GRIFFEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Sharon Tyler, who has led economic development efforts in the Berrien County and the greater Niles area for more than 25 years, plans to seek the Republican nomination for the 78th district's state representative.
That seat is currently held by Neil Nitz, who will be unable to run in 2008 because of Michigan term limits.
Tyler said her work with local municipalities, business leaders and state government officials uniquely qualifies her to be a leader in growing Michigan's economy and creating jobs for the 78th district.
"We need to streamline how you go into business in Michigan. We need to simplify it and consolidate more of the programs together," she said. "We need to create more of a complete package for economic development. Right now, there's too much red tape. The bottom line is, if you don't have jobs, you're not going to have people."
If elected, Tyler said her number one priority would be helping build a healthy Michigan economy.
"A healthy economy leads to a healthy quality of life. It's a domino effect. A healthy economy means healthy tourism and healthy education and on down the line," she said.
One weakness southwest Michigan suffers when competing for jobs is a weak business infrastructure.
"We need to build a stronger infrastructure with broadband," Tyler said. "We have lost the opportunity to bring businesses into this community because of that weakness."
Tyler also said residents and voters need to be mindful that not all new jobs and businesses are manufacturing based.
"When I talk about growing business, I'm not always talking about manufacturing. The number one industry in Michigan is agriculture. We need to work to continue to nurture that base. Tourism is also a growing economic base in Michigan," she said.
Tyler is executive director of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance Inc., a position she has held for the last 10 years. Before that, she was financial services manager for the Berrien County Economic Development Department for 18 years. As such, Tyler directs programs and activities to promote economic growth in the region. She holds a leadership role in retaining and attracting new businesses and industries into the area.
In the last 10 years within District 78, Tyler has been involved in more than $165 million in new investment and creation of more than 2,000 jobs.
She has also been involved in securing more than $9 million in state and federal grants for community and economic development growth.
Tyler, 48, is also director of the Berrien County Manufacturers Council, the secretary and treasurer of Bertrand Crossing Association and a member of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
She was recognized in 2005 as one of two State of Michigan Economic Developers of the Year by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Tyler was named Lakeshore Rotarian of the Year in 1992, was honored as the Four Flags Chamber's Woman of the Year in 1997 and also Lake Michigan College's Alumni Service Award in 2007.
Tyler and her husband, Tim, live in the City of Niles. She has two grown sons.
"I believe my 28 years of experience working with the community, working with businesses puts me in a position to effectively represent the 78th district. I was the interim city administrator in Niles. I was elected by Lincoln Charter Township. I have worked with the local municipalities and understand the structure of Michigan. You've got to be part of the solution and I want to be that solution for the 78th district," Tyler said.