A Look Back on Discover Manufacturing Week

National Manufacturing Day is one day, but our manufacturing partners understand the importance of raising awareness of the great jobs available in our region, which is why we make it a week. What a success this year's Discover Manufacturing Week was. In total, over 4,000 students from 28 schools participated with over 65 manufacturers opening their doors. Shout out to the Ottawa Area ISD, Careerline Tech Center and the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency and every manufacturer who contributed to making this year's event successful.
Check out our Facebook Album from the week

Don't Wait. Do the Right Thing for You and Others

October 27 was National Mentorship Day. Our president, Jennifer Owens, offered a reflection on the power of mentorship in a letter to the editor that ran in the Holland Sentinel this past Sunday.
Read on the importance of mentorship HERE.

Two Companies Expanding in Holland Township

Big Dutchman and Tric Tool announced growth projects in Holland Charter Township representing over $1 M in private investment and creating at least 29 jobs over three years. 
Read our Press Release
Big Dutchman's Expansion
Tric Tool's Expansion

Ready, Set, Customers!

Amanda Chocko, Director of SURGE, wrote an entertaining blog on customer development based on her personal experience as an entrepreneur and as the facilitator of SURGE Boostcamp. 

Read her take on customer development HERE.
Investor Spotlight
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is a commercial construction firm in Grand Rapids. Since 1891, they've served clients in our region. Below is a spotlight on Josh Szymanski, their Chief Strategy Officer.

News

  • DeWys Manufacturing partnered with Coopersville High School to create the MEPP Program. Watch Here for how students are being trained in skilled trades in high school in Coopersville.
  • West Michigan Works! has information for those affected by temporary layoffs, which allows employers to apply for a "seeking work waiver" for employees affected. Learn More
  • The City of Otsego is continuing to work on redesigning its riverfront area. The master plan contains a boat and kayak launch and an outdoor amphitheater. Learn More
  • The Investor Trade Program has a new allocation for State Trade Expansion Program Funds (STEP) available for eligible small business concerns. Apply for STEP funds on the MEDC portal Here.
  • Colliers International released their Q3 Research and Forecast Industrial Report. Read the report Here.
  • Earlier this month, Grand Rapids Business Journal named the 40 Under 40 honorees as well as The Grand Rapids 200. Among those honored are a few of our wonderful partners including Mike Goorhouse of The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland AreaCathy Monton of Manpower, Brian McKeiver of Bizstream, Jessica Babcock of Suburban Inns, Luis Avila of Varnum, Amanda Reed of Spectrum Health, Dave Riley of The Right Place, Inc., Laura Traxler of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Nick Nykerk of Lakewood Construction.
Events
  • November 12The Van Andel Global Trade Center is hosting a seminar on International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations. Register Here
  • November 13Barnes & Thornburg is hosting a webinar on best practices and creative solutions to managing employee separations. Register Here
  • November 19Hello West Michigan is hosting a Recruiting Trends Conference at the Calvin University Career Center. Register Here
Thank you to Koops for becoming a new Fellows-level investor.
Thank you to Hope College and BizStream for increasing their investment.
Lakeshore Advantage investor support positively impacts the region's
economic growth.
This news and events update was sent to you as a service of Lakeshore Advantage. We send communications on a regular basis to keep you up-to-date on information that may be helpful to you as a West Michigan primary employer. Please direct questions, comments and future submissions to Kelsey Sivertson at kelsey.sivertson@lakeshoreadvantage.com. 
616.772.5226
www.lakeshoreadvantage.com

West Michigan's Business Advantage
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