February Newsletter
Work
L3 Technologies Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS) is preparing to double its production of engines and transmissions, which means more jobs and investments in its facility, said CPS President Maria Hedden during a recent facility tour with MLive/Muskegon Chronicle.

“What we do matters to the safety of our nation," Hedden said. "We power freedom.”
Live
In 1978, a group of parents, concerned about the future of their children diagnosed with a developmental disability, came together to seek a solution.

Since then, MOKA has built dozens of homes and currently supports over 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The mission of MOKA continues to expand, as they offer community jobs through supported employment, living supports, skill building programs, behavior analysis treatment options, and more.

The organization employs approximately 550 employees in roles such as
Residential Support Staff, Skill Building Mentors and Youth Autism Specialists.
Play
Get outdoors! The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex features two acres of outdoor ice rink, a 1/4 mile ice skating trail, a luge track (one of only four in the United States!) and endless cross country skiing or snowshoe trails.

Join  Watch Muskegon in enjoying the great outdoors on February 12 anytime from 4pm to 10pm. Those who pre-order activity passes will get a special rate, and a portion of the proceeds will go back to the campaign.

Click on the button below for pricing information.
Learn
Muskegon Community College President Dale K. Nesbary was honored as the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s Newsmaker of the Year in the Education category during the publication’s annual awards breakfast held on February 1.

In recognizing Nesbary’s accomplishments, the GRBJ noted “Muskegon Community College is a small school that has made a big impact in 2018 with the completion of two major construction projects.”

Other local nominees for the Newsmaker of the Year included Dave Alexander of Downtown Muskegon Now (Economic Development) and Chris Baker of Betten Baker Automotive Group (Retail).
THE STATS
Homes Sold
January 2018 = 132
January 2019 = 146

Average Sale Price
January 2018 = $121,276
January 2019 = $134,073
In December of 2018, the top local occupations advertised online were Retail Salesperson (43), Registered Nurse (34), and Engineer (22).
In 2018, 48% of eligible Muskegon Area Promise Scholars made the decision to stay local for college (an increase of 7% compared to 2017).
Statistics provided by: Michigan Association of Realtors, West Michigan Works! , Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
CLICK HERE to read the latest newsletter from  Muskegon Area First.