Older Adults News
Encore: An update for our older adult residents
Encore 2026 | Vol. 6
This edition of Encore highlights a wealth of local programs and resources designed to help Oakland County seniors thrive through active living, community engagement, and educational opportunities.
Encore 2025 | Vol. 5
The holiday season is upon us and that means it’s a good time to take a moment to give thanks for those who enrich our lives and help us remember our shared traditions.
Encore 2025 | Vol. 4
We hope you can take advantage of everything Oakland County has to offer from the recreational opportunities to summer concerts and festivals.
Encore 2024 | Vol. 3
This newsletter is full of fun facts, stimulating events and opportunities to learn more about the history of the county.
Encore 2024 | Vol. 2
In this and future newsletters, you can learn more about what makes Oakland County such an amazing place to call home.
Encore 2024 | Vol. 1
This is the first of a series of newsletters where we will share information about all the resources, we have to offer you and your families.
News Articles & Announcements
Oakland County Launches 2026 Local Gems Sweepstakes to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses
The monthlong campaign encourages residents to shop locally Nov. 1-30, with chances to win $1,000, $500 or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.
- The monthlong campaign encourages residents to shop locally Nov. 1-30, with chances to win $1,000, $500 or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.
- Shoppers can enter by posting selfies at small businesses across Oakland County, with up to 10 entries allowed per participant.
- The campaign launch event will take place Nov. 5 at Andy’s Place in downtown Holly.
PONTIAC, Mich., — Oakland County will launch its 2026 Local Gems Sweepstakes Nov. 1, kicking off a monthlong campaign encouraging residents to shop local and support small businesses throughout Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.
The campaign launch event will be held Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon at Andy’s Place in downtown Holly.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities, creating local jobs, supporting families and giving our downtowns their unique character,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “The Local Gems Sweepstakes is a fun way to encourage residents to discover new favorites and keep more of their spending in our communities this holiday season.”
Running Nov. 1-30, the Local Gems Sweepstakes invites shoppers to visit small businesses throughout Oakland County and post a selfie taken inside or outside each business for a chance to win $1,000, $500 or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union.
Each selfie taken at a different small business counts as a separate entry. Participants may submit up to 10 different small businesses to increase their chances of winning the random drawing.
“Genisys Credit Union loves supporting the Local Gems Sweepstakes because it reminds our communities that shopping with small businesses is more than a transaction; it is what makes our communities vibrant with personality and character,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “We encourage everyone to discover local gems and shop local this holiday season.”
The campaign is organized by Oakland County Economic Development, in partnership with Genisys Credit Union, Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive. Since its creation, the Local Gems Sweepstakes has helped promote local spending and spotlight the small businesses that contribute to Oakland County’s diverse and vibrant economy.
In 2025, entrants came from 92 different Michigan communities. Lily’s Seafood in Royal Oak received the most entries, followed by Vibrant Vizionz in Oak Park, All About Women’s Health Boutique in Farmington, Havana Tacos & Burgers in Southfield and Lake Orion Bike & Adventure in Lake Orion.
“The Local Gems Sweepstakes gives residents a fun way to discover the small businesses that make our communities unique,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County Economic Development. “Last year, more than 675 businesses across 46 Oakland County communities received at least one submission, showing how choosing local can make a real difference. We hope residents will take the opportunity this year to explore their communities and celebrate the businesses that make them special.”
Small-business owners can obtain Local Gems Sweepstakes posters and cards while supplies last, to help promote their businesses and encourage customer participation. Materials are available through Oakland County Economic Development.
For complete details and official rules, visit OaklandCountyMI.gov/ShopSmall.
Follow and share on social media using @AdvantageOak, #OaklandCounty and #LocalGemOC.