• Batton joins a list of the area’s 40 most influential young professionals
• Honorees represent a variety of industries and professions, ranging from community activists to business leaders
• Batton’s DEGC Small Business team dedicated to growing Detroit neighborhood commercial corridors

DETROIT— The Michigan Chronicle has named Pierre Batton, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) Vice President, as one of its 2020 “40 Under 40” honorees. Batton leads DEGC’s Small Business Services team.

“For more than 40 years, DEGC has been staffed by a team of extraordinary individuals, many of whom have been recognized at the highest levels for their accomplishments,” said DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. “Batton continues that legacy by proving himself a passionate champion of Detroit’s small business community. I am confident he will continue to make a positive impact on Detroit’s economy.”

Each year, The Michigan Chronicle celebrates 40 professionals under the age of 40 who have inspired others through “vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and community service participation.” The honorees, chosen from hundreds of nominations, represent a variety of industries and professions, including business leaders, community activists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and educators. Batton joins a list of the area’s most influential young professionals including Judge Aliyah Sabree, Dr. LaToya M. Thompson, State Representative Kyra Bolden, and Wayne State University’s Robert Reaves.

At DEGC, Batton works to grow the City’s commercial corridors through a variety of equitable and inclusive initiatives that support local entrepreneurs. His team is responsible for attracting, retaining and expanding neighborhood business through a variety of resources including funding, training and navigating city processes. Most recently Batton’s team administered two state-funded COVID-19 small-business grants, which injected a total of $11 million into the City’s commercial corridors.

Batton joined DEGC in 2018 to lead the Motor City Re-Store program and was quickly promoted to senior program manager, assuming responsibility for the Motor City Match program as well. Prior to joining DEGC, Batton oversaw the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund for the City of Detroit. He has worked for the microfinance organization ProsperUs Detroit and the State of Michigan. At the State, Batton was responsible for the mobile office initiative under former Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. Batton has a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan and resides in Detroit with his wife.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity. Follow DEGC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. www.degc.org.