Enterprise Operations Contribute $78M to Michigan Economy

Enterprise Holdings contributed more than $78 million to Michigan's economy last fiscal year — the birthplace of the renowned U.S. automotive industry and largest producer of cars and trucks in the country.

Founded in 1957, Enterprise Holdings has a longstanding relationship with automakers based on a shared commitment to providing the best transportation options for the long term. As a result, Enterprise Holdings continues to operate as a significant part of the automotive value chain — regardless of whether vehicle rentals are for an hour, a day, a week, or longer. Moreover, Enterprise Holdings’ fleet introduces consumers to different brands and the latest technological advances in more than 450 makes and models, which, in turn, also helps automakers maintain, and even grow, market share.

Technology and Transportation

Since its entry into the Michigan market four years ago, Enterprise Truck Rental has grown statewide to include locations in Warren, Romulus, Wixom, and Grand Rapids. In March, the business expanded further with the opening of its newest location in Saginaw.

Enterprise Truck Rental provides an extensive inventory of commercial trucks, moving trucks, vans, and tow-capable pickups, as well as vehicle telematics.

“More and more customers in construction, highway maintenance, landscaping, and other seasonal industries are recognizing truck rental as a viable option to meet their transportation needs,” Chris Gould, vice president and general manager of Enterprise Holdings in Michigan, said in a statement. “Through our extensive array of transportation options, we are able to help businesses and personal customers alike find affordable and sustainable mobility solutions.”

In fact, the surge in Enterprise’s regional truck rental business has helped contribute to the company’s economic impact and employment opportunities throughout Michigan.

Employment

Enterprise’s total Michigan workforce increased by more than 150 in fiscal-year 17, with 1,830 employees at 150 locations today. Of that number, 145 Michiganders were hired into the renowned Enterprise Rent-A-Car Management Training Program. Enterprise employees have a chance to advance their careers quickly, thanks in large part to the thorough preparation they receive from the Management Training Program, which teaches employees everything they need to know about running a business.

Enterprise has repeatedly earned a spot on “Metropolitan Detroit’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” list. This honor recognizes Metropolitan Detroit’s top companies for excellence in communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, and retention.

Economic Impact and Corporate Responsibility

During Enterprise Holdings’ fiscal year 2017, the company’s impact on the Michigan economy was more than $78 million, including:

• Nearly $22 million in state and local tax revenues
• Nearly $13.5 million spent with local collision repair centers, dealerships, and vendors
• More than $42 million in companywide purchases from local diverse suppliers
• Nearly $650,000 raised by employees and matching Enterprise Holdings Foundation donations for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan
• More than $288,000 in donations by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation to such local charities as Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, Kids’ Food Basket, and On My Own of Michigan

In late 2016, Enterprise’s philanthropic arm announced a large donation aimed at fighting hunger around the globe. The program — called “Fill Your Tank” — celebrated the company’s 60th anniversary by providing $60 million to address food insecurity.

As part of the donation, each of Enterprise’s regional subsidiaries received an allotment that the local team could distribute as it saw fit. In Michigan, “Fill Your Tank” funds have been allocated to seven local food banks, all members of the Foodbank Council of Michigan: Greater Lansing Foodbank, Gleaners Foodbank, Forgotten Harvest, Food Gatherers, Foodbank of South Central Michigan, Feeding America West Michigan Foodbank, and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

In addition, as part of the Enterprise 50 Million Tree Pledge, the Enterprise Foundation has funded the planting of over 12 million trees since 2006. This includes more than 1.6 million trees planted in the state of Michigan, including 180,000 trees in Michigan State Forest and another 140,000 trees in the Atlanta Management Unit.

Related: Enterprise CareShare Comes to Princeton University