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The Upper Great Lakes
Talent Summit
UPDATE
September 20, 2013
Harris, Michigan
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Over the past weeks we have been sharing information about Governor Snyder's efforts regarding talent based economic development. In this issue, we will review some more of the information that came out of the Governor's Economic and Education Summits. We are reviewing this information to prepare our local stakeholders for The Upper Great Lakes Talent Summit on September 20th. In this issue we will look at some of the conclusions that were found.
"The greatest asset we have in our state is our talent."
-Governor Snyder
Conclusions
The first annual Governor's Economic Summit brought over 350 business executives together with workforce development professionals and educators, to explore ways to improve regional collaboration, and to provide input on talent demand from the business community to the education summit.
Employers and other summit participants forecasted significant demand for the following job types:
- skilled trades (many specialties)
- engineers (all specialties)
- IT specialists
- project management
- administrative services
- digital marketing
- primary care physicians and registered nurses (in particular, specialty RNs)
The talent acquisition challenges viewed as most significant by summit participants across regions and industries include:
- the "aging out" of the workforce
- the ability to retain college graduates and experienced employees in Michigan
- the lack of basic and soft skills in the job candidate pool
- the perception of manufacturing
- the perception of Michigan as a place to "live, work, play"
- a limited awareness of skilled trade opportunities
- a dearth of on-the-job training resources
- weak intra-industry collaboration on talent pipeline development
Finally, the most promising ways for employers to connect with their region's workforce development and education communities included:
- developing training agreements with universities and community colleges
- responding to surveys from the workforce development community on talent need
- collaborating with K-12 education on skilled trade careers
- establishing internships, co-ops and apprenticeships
- supporting existing workforce intelligence efforts
- engaging regularly via industry associations
- collaborating on joint talent attraction marketing
The summit raised awareness within the business community around the challenges faced by the education and workforce development communities in delivering talent development services. It also provided an important opportunity for stakeholders to connect with each other and develop relationships to foster demand-driven talent development. The business community committed to increase engagement with their regional partners in talent development that work so hard to provide opportunities for the job seekers of Michigan. Now is the time for seizing momentum and building a foundation for lasting collaboration.
Join this year's event and provide input for our region's
Talent and Economic Development solutions.
Wide-spread sponsorship across our region has been a signature of this event, sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call 906.789.0558 ext. 240 to find out how you can sponsor the Upper Great Lakes Talent Summit.
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Governor Rick Snyder connects with
Michigan Works!
Governor Rick Snyder visited with Michigan Works! Lego Robotics students and Michigan Works! board member Lyle Goward from Cliffs Natural Resources at Gladstone High School on August 14th following events during Governor's Day at the U.P. State Fair.
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Governor Rick Snyder with the team at Nor-Fab Manufacturing. Nor-Fab designed this piece of art highlighting the capabilities of their business and presented it to the Governor during Governor's Day at the U.P. State Fair. Nor-Fab manufactures parts that require skills like laser cutting, welding, CNC milling, and finishing/polishing, among other talents. The Michigan Works! Service Centers across the Upper Peninsula are etched on this piece.
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 Michigan Works! board members and partners with Governor Rick Snyder during Governor's Day at the U.P. State Fair.
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Exploring New Ideas
UPWard Initiative
Business Plan Competition
The 2nd Annual UPWard Initiative Business Plan Competition has been designed to encourage entrepreneurs to explore new ideas and start new businesses in the Upper Peninsula.
The competition is open to all residents in the Upper Peninsula, Marinette and Florence Counties. Competition winner will receive startup seed capital, as well as mentoring services and media exposure.
This region wide contest is an opportunity to compete for cash and in-kind prizes, but it's also a chance to get constructive feedback on your business plan and to help move it from a virtual business to a reality.
Contest will run from August 1, 2013 to November 1, 2013
For more information or full list of guidelines send email to: UPWARDinitiative@gmail.com
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August 22, 2013
Introduction to Federal Government
Contracting and SBA HUBZone Outreach
What does it take to become a successful government contractor? What services and resources are available to a small business pursuing the government market? If your company has been considering diversifying into government contracting, the Introduction to Federal Government Contracting seminar will give you the insight you need.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is conducting a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Outreach to present information to small businesses about the HUBZone Program. This event will help them prepare for HUBZone Certification and contracting with the Federal Government.
SOME TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
- Qualifications necessary to participate in the program
- How to maintain HUBZone Certification
- Benefits of the HUBZone Certification
- Impact of HUBZone Redesignations
Check in: 12:30 to 1:00 pm*
Seminar: 1:00 to 5:00 pm*
*All times central
Location: 
Gogebic Community College
Solin Center for Business Education
Room B22, E-4946 Jackson Rd
Ironwood, MI
REGISTER EARLY!
There is no charge for this
seminar but space is limited.
To Register Contact:
Don Makowski
donmakowski@nwm.cog.mi.us
Phone: (906)789-0558 x244
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