Connecting Businesses to Resources: A sit-down chat with Bruce Seymore of St. Clair EDA

For 12 years, Bruce Seymore has been a key figure in the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance. Serving as the Vice President of Business Services, Seymore has a wide range of duties, from mentoring companies to leading the development and expansion of organizations throughout the area. 

The Keel talks with Seymore to get a deeper look at the Business Retention and Expansion Program. This interview has been modified for clarity. 

Q: Mr. Seymore, can you tell us what the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program is?

A: The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program is a core economic development strategy focused on supporting and growing the businesses that already call St. Clair County home. At its simplest, BRE is about building strong relationships with local employers, understanding their needs, and helping them succeed, because the vast majority of job growth and investment originates from existing businesses rather than attracting new companies.  

Rather than waiting for businesses to face challenges or consider leaving, a BRE program takes a proactive, “listen-first” approach. It involves regular outreach, often through site visits, surveys, or one-on-one engagement, to identify opportunities, address concerns early, and connect businesses with the resources they need to grow. Ultimately, BRE is about creating an environment where businesses feel supported, valued, and confident investing in their future within St. Clair County. 

Q: What are your specific duties within the program? 

A: My primary role within the program is to serve as both a listener and a connector for our local business community. Each year, I meet with more than 100 businesses across St. Clair County to have in-depth conversations about their operations, plans, goals, challenges, and successes. These conversations are critical. They allow businesses to share what’s working, where they may be facing obstacles, and where they see growth opportunities. My role is to listen carefully, identify needs, and connect them with the resources, programs, or partners that can help support their efforts. 

To do that effectively, I rely not only on my own knowledge of business and economic development but also on an extensive network of specialists and service providers. I maintain a robust database of trusted partners – from workforce and training organizations to financing experts and technical advisors – who can provide targeted support. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure businesses have access to the right information, the right people, and the right tools to help them succeed and grow here in our community.

Q: Why was a program like this needed within the community? 

A: A strong business community is essential to the overall health and vitality of our region. Local businesses provide jobs for our residents, which directly contribute to the quality of life –  supporting families, attracting talent, and helping people build their futures – right here in St. Clair County. They also play a critical role in supporting our municipalities. Through their tax contributions, businesses help fund essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, parks, and other community amenities that residents rely on every day. 

Beyond that, many local businesses are deeply invested in the community itself. They sponsor youth sports teams, support festivals and events, and contribute to local organizations, all of which help create a strong sense of place and community pride.  Because of this, ensuring that our businesses remain strong, competitive, and positioned for growth isn’t just an economic priority; it’s a community priority. A thriving business base is truly the backbone of a vibrant, resilient community.

Q: Do you have any idea how many people have benefited?  

A: The overall reach and impact of the EDA’s BRE program can be difficult to fully quantify, because much of the work happens through ongoing relationships and responsiveness to business needs. However, we know the program has touched a significant number of businesses across St. Clair County. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, I distributed more than 200 updates to over 1,000 local businesses, helping them navigate constantly changing regulations, identify funding opportunities, and stay informed on issues affecting their operations. That communication network has continued to grow and remains an important tool today.

Q: What are some things you’ve learned since running the program? 

A: One of the biggest things I’ve learned through this program is just how diverse and dynamic the business community in St. Clair County truly is. While automotive suppliers continue to play a significant role by supporting operations across the U.S. and globally, they’re just one part of a much broader economic landscape. We also have businesses involved in industries such as medical devices, defense, food processing, boat building, and a wide range of commercial products. 

That diversity extends beyond industries as well. We work with companies of all sizes, from large employers with more than 1,000 employees to single-person operations. We have multi-generational, family-owned businesses rooted in the community for decades, alongside companies with headquarters in Canada, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. 

What this has reinforced for me is that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to supporting businesses. Each company has its own story, challenges, and opportunities, and the more we understand that, the better we can tailor support to help them succeed.

Q: What advice would you give to business owners?  

A: One of the most important things I share with business owners is that they don’t have to navigate challenges on their own. Running a business involves far more than just producing a great product or delivering excellent service. There are many moving parts, and it’s not always possible to have all the answers. I encourage them to reach out whenever they have questions or face uncertainty. If I don’t have the answer myself, I can typically connect them with someone who does. 

Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the EDA’s Business Retention & Expansion program? 

A: My hope for the BRE program is to continue growing its reach and strengthening the relationships we’ve built throughout the business community. At its core, the program is about trust, making sure businesses know they have a reliable partner they can turn to, whether they’re facing challenges or planning for growth. Ultimately, the long-term vision is to ensure that every business in St. Clair County, regardless of size or industry, feels supported and confident in its ability to grow here.

This story is made possible with support from the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance. The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) is a regional non-profit economic development agency that works with community stakeholders and regional partners to stimulate the economy and drive job growth and investment.