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More Symposium Speakers Announced
Have you heard? The 2023 Northern Lakes Economic Symposium and Showcase is on Monday, May 22 at Boyne Mountain Resort! To support the businesses and communities across the region that are confronting the challenge of attracting talent, this year’s theme is Talent Attraction and Retention. Presenters will offer solutions to the question: What can the businesses and communities of Northern Lower Michigan do to attract the workforce necessary for our region thrive?

Michele Wildman, Executive Vice President for Economic Development Incentives with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), will lead a breakout session exploring MEDC programs geared towards placemaking. Community leaders will have the opportunity to learn how to leverage MEDC programs to build communities that are a more desirable place to live, work, and play.

Data reveals that Northern Michigan’s flourishing craft beverage industry is outpacing national growth. How can the region best support the sector in an era of talent constraints? Breakout session panelists Emily Hengstebeck, Scott Newman-Bale, and Chris Fredrickson will delve into this, and other, questions.
5 Reasons: Attend the Symposium & Showcase
talent attraction and retention
The second annual Northern Lakes Economic Symposium & Showcase is a forum for local and state government officials, community and business leaders, area entrepreneurs, chamber members, educational leaders and everyone involved in the economic vitality of our region for sharing of knowledge of the economic drivers of the region, networking, and celebration. The top 5 reasons you don't want to miss it:

  1. Learn what we can do to attract the workforce necessary for our region thrive.
  2. Networking with 300 others who care about our region's economy.
  3. Panel discussions on attracting and retaining awesome employees.
  4. The Showcase is like the Oscars for economics, without the drama.
  5. You don't have to go the office on a Monday!

Now is the time to get your tickets. All the details are in the link below. If you have additional questions contact Sam Bailey at the NLEA.
Attracting Talent with MI STEM Forward
By Sam Bailey, NLEA Strategic Initiatives Manager
Across the state, businesses are facing talent challenges, causing many to look for new avenues to reach the workforce they need. Internships have emerged as a tool for companies to gain capacity with the potential to transition that intern into a full-time role upon completion. MI STEM Forward has emerged to support this movement to connect college students with positions in the STEM fields. Marketing Technologies Inc, a technology-based visual merchandising company in Charlevoix, recently leveraged MI STEM Forward to recruit and hire a software developer.
Congratulations Jeff Lawson
Jeff Lawson, Cheboygan County Administrator and twelve-year NLEA Board Member, recently received Lean & Green Michigan’s 2022 Most Valuable PACEsetter award!

In November of 2021, the NLEA coordinated an educational meeting between Cheboygan County officials and Lean & Green Michigan to introduce them to the unique financing tool. Lawson educated and advocated for making this financing tool available to Cheboygan business owners.

Cheboygan County is the third county in the NLEA service area to adopt PACE. Currently, Charlevoix County is reviewing the PACE program following a NLEA facilitated introduction to the program. Learn more about the program by contacting Buck Love at the NLEA.
Juliette King-McAvoy Elected MDARD Board
During its April meeting, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) elected its 2023 board officers. Juliette King-McAvoy of Central Lake was elected Secretary of the Commission. King-McAvoy is the VP of Sales and Marketing for King Orchards, a family-owned and operated orchard and food business. She is also in her second year representing Antrim County on the NLEA Board of Directors.
Housing Needs Assessment Completed
Housing North logo
Housing North recently conducted a Housing Needs Assessment of its 10-county region in northern Michigan including the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford.

The purpose of the survey is to collect information on the relationship between employment and housing. Results will be shared in May of 2023. Stay tuned for that and what's next.
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