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The Southwestern Alliance
CONNECTIONS
Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and
the Berrien County Manufacturers' Council |
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July, 2009 - Volume 1, Issue 6 (Special Update) | |
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| Updated and Additional Meeting Information |
| Many of you are expressing interest in the Manufacturing Diversification Seminar in August. There is now a website with more information where you can also register for the event. Please see the August 19, 2009 announcement below.
I also just received information for a "Trade North America Conference" that will be held in Detroit September 9-10. John Engler, Michigan's former governor and currently the President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers is one of the keynote speakers. Please see complete announcement below.
The breakfast with Sharon Tyler is also still open for reservations - please call SMEGA at 683-1833 to RSVP by July 21.
Shelley Klug |
| July 24, 2009 |
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Sharon Tyler, State Representative 78th District, will present the most up-to-date information regarding new legislative actions, the State Budget, and programs designed to encourage growth, retention, and attraction of businesses to Michigan. This meeting is for members of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and the Berrien County Manufacturers Council. The meeting includes a continental breakfast ($10) and will be held July 24, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at the Orchard Hills Country Club on Niles-Buchanan Road. Please RSVP to Shelley Klug (269-683-1833) by July 21. |
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August 19, 2009 |
See web address below to register and find more information about the Manufacturing Diversification Summit to be held on the Southwestern Michigan College Campus in Dowagiac.
Economic and workforce development partners in the Southwest Michigan region are working together with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Keep Michigan Working to bring experts from four targeted and growing industry sectors to provide your manufacturing company with opportunities in the following high growth markets:
- Wind Energy
- Aerospace
- Defense and Homeland Security (Government contracting)
- Medical Devices
Presenters will provide information about:
- What it takes to thrive in a global economy by breaking into new in-demand markets
- The components of a diversification strategy
- The barriers to market entry (and how to overcome them)
- Your company's potential to adapt and flourish in the rapid and dramatically changing global 21st Century Economy
Participating companies will receive a thorough menu of services provided by a network of high quality contracted industry specialists. Companies that follow the diversification process may qualify for a $10,000 matching grant from the MEDC's Economic Development Job Training program to assist in their diversification process!
WEB ADDRESS FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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| September 9-10, 2009 |
| The Trade North America Conference, hosted by the United States Department of Commerce, will provide opportunities for new and experienced exporters to learn more about the trade environment between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Keynote speakers include John Engler, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Robert Noble, Canadian Consul General, Vicente Sanchez Ventura, Consul of Mexico. Topics will include the Future of NAFTA; Getting Paid: Financing Canada/Mexico Deals; Smart, Secure Borders: What You Need to Know Now; and Appointments with U.S. Embassy Specialists from Canada and Mexico.
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| September 30, 2009 |
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Sell your products and services to the nation's largest consumer... the government!
The Berrien County Manufacturers Council will host Jan Campbell, director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), who will share how PTAC's electronic bid matching service can assist you with finding the right opportunity for government contracts. PTAC also provides one-on-one counseling, subcontracting assistance, procurement histories, and military government specifications as well as provide assistance in finding and downloading drawings. Almost all of PTACs services are free.
The government purchases billions of dollars in goods and services each year. Your company should take advantage of this enormous market - many Michigan companies already do!
This meeting is open to Berrien County Manufacturers Council Members and Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance Members. Guests of members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Shelley Klug at 269-683-1833.
The meeting will be held September 30, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Location to be announced. To learn more about PTAC, check out www.ptacsofmichigan.org. | |
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Shelley Klug, Executive Director
Southwestern Alliance
Phone: 269-683-1833
Fax: 269-683-7515
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