Kevin Tompkins spoke to businesses and community members during a Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce event at Bullfrogs in Ortonville, May 23.
McLaren presently has locations in 53 counties in Michigan and employs 17,000 workers.
‘We are the ninth largest employer in Michigan,? said Tompkins.
That number is expected to rise if McLaren can build a new hospital on 80-acres of land in Independence Township off Sashabaw Road.
‘We focus on doing everything we can so people have access to healthcare in the community,? said Tompkins.
About seven years ago, McLaren identified Clarkston as a promising area for a hospital. McLaren is hoping to transfer 200 beds from its hospital in Pontiac to the Clarkston area.
‘We are working with the state and we are required to demonstrate need in the area for a hospital,? he said.
The investment would total $300 million and create 1,500 long-term jobs, he said.
Tompkins said McLaren would like to start building the Clarkston hospital by next year. The location, already home to McLaren Cancer Institute and Clarkston Medical Building, would also include a retail component.
McLaren representatives have already been working closely with the Independence Township Planning Commission and look to identify federal grants to help improve access to Sashabaw Road, he said.
‘We are delighted to be part of the community,? said Tompkins.
? Andrea Beaudoin