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(02/07/19) - After years of uncertainty there was a lot to celebrate at this year's State of the City and State of the County address in Saginaw. The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual get-together to focus on what's happened and what's ahead for the Saginaw community. It was held at The Dow Event Center. "I'm pumped about Saginaw. I really am. Our city has turned a corner, we are in a position now to move forward. And there's problems, I mean there's money issues, there's lack of funds, but we are doing everything possible, everything we possibly can to move forward," said Saginaw Mayor Floyd Kloc. It was Kloc's first address as Saginaw mayor. "It is one of growth, momentum and anticipation of a brighter future," Kloc said about the state of the city. Kloc said state revenue sharing continues to be an issue, adding the city has lost out on $50 million in the last decade, but said there is a lot to celebrate. Kloc highlighted the new Delta College building going up downtown, as well as the SVRC Marketplace which opened last year. He said already the marketplace is bringing thousands of people downtown each week. Up next Kloc said expect to see progress at the old Civitan building, Michigan Photo building and the Lee Mansion, often referred to as the Cat Lady House. "Most people saw these buildings as derelict white elephants, but visionaries saw them as opportunities for redevelopment. As steps into our future," Kloc said. He said there's been a surge in the last two years. Construction was valued at $13.2 million in 2016 and jumped to $66.8 million last year. "Promise you that we will continue our commitment to improve the quality of life in Saginaw and to lay a solid foundation for a better future," Kloc said. The new Saginaw County jail is also being built in the city. It comes at a time when crime rates are going down. Saginaw County Sheriff Bill Federspiel spoke about the state of law enforcement around the county. "We're proud of our relationship with the state, we're proud of our relationships with one another, we check our egos at the door and we get the job done," he said. After decades of transition, including some really tough times financially, those who spoke feel the county and city are on the upswing. "We can look and remember the past. The city of Saginaw is going to look like what the next generation wants it to look like. Saginaw is going to be a thriving community and is well on the way there. It's just not going to look like it did 50 years ago, nor should it," said Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Veronica Horn. Horn added something else that could help the county would be to have the Saginaw River deepened. Making that change would allow growth in shipping and support other existing businesses.

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