MANUFACTURING FORUM - Manufacturers are invited!

Lake Michigan College is hosting a "Manufacturing Forum" December 13, 2011 to identify strategies for developing new feeder programs for today's manufacturing jobs.

"For years, local manufacturers have had a difficult time finding reasonably qualified personnel, particularly in the skilled trade fields.  The field of manufacturing has changed significantly over the past years and now offers, in addition to traditionally higher compensation levels, a much cleaner, safer, and more challenging work environment.  Unfortunately, it seems that manufacturing's positive story and an awareness of the opportunities that continue to be available in the field just aren't getting out to those individuals in high schools, colleges, or in the workforce who are looking for a well-paying career."  Bill Hanley, President, Vail Rubber

The LMC forum will include discussion of topics such as: Understanding Generation NeXt, Externships, Internships, part-time employment, connecting training and employment, and identifying training needs.  Manufacturers are especially encouraged to attend as this subject is important to the future of manufacturing.

Event Details:

Lake Michigan College (Napier Campus) Mendel Center

December 13, 2011

7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (Breakfast is provided)

Please RSVP to Ken Flowers at 269-927-8100 x3032 or flowers@lakemichigancollege.edu

11th STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT - NILES COMMUNITY

The Niles City and Niles Charter Township communities have been collaborating for almost a year on a long-range plan for the improvement of the 11th Street Corridor.  A committee comprised of representatives of both communities, and members of the public, has provided valuable input for the plan.

Consultants from Land Information Access Association (LIAA) have been the plan development leaders and have also consulted with several agencies including MDOT, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and SMEGA for additional information.

The final public input meeting is scheduled for December 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Brandywine Middle/Senior High School Media Center located at 1700 Bell Road in Niles (Corner of Bell and 17th Streets).

Anyone interested in the future development of 11th Street (and especially business and property owners along the corridor) are invited to attend this meeting.  The consultants will show maps and corresponding renderings of possible future development designs for discussion. 

Please call Shelley Klug or Katie Furner at the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance office (269-683-1833) if you have any questions.

FAVORITE LINKS

There are some great new websites being rolled out.  One of our favorites is the new Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce site.   There is always a lot going on in Niles so be sure to check this website often.

Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce   

Another amazing new website I personally want to recommend is Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve.  I counted the activities scheduled for December - there are 30!  Many of these activities would make a great family outing, some might be just for the grown-ups but all promise to be fun.  If you remember Fernwood from your youth, this might be the time to become reacquainted with this beautiful-any-time-of-the-year friend.