Development News

A West Michigan policy council has been named this month to steer nearly $15 million in federal workforce development funding. Dubbed WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development), the group will fund specific projects that fit into 12 “economic innovation initiatives” set last April by the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, a regional planning group.

The initiatives range from educational streamlining to research and planning for regional labor and capital needs. They also call for marketing and legal help to boost area business’ ability to capitalize on intellectual property. “Third place” communities – work places designed to better attract outside talent by providing temporary residences and social networking opportunities – are also among the initiatives.

The 15 council members form a diverse set of government, business, education and institutional leaders. They are: Fred Keller, Chairman/CEO, Cascade Engineering (Co-Chair); Lynne Sherwood, Chairperson, JSJ Corporation (Co-Chair); Nancy Crandall, West Michigan Strategic Alliance; Dr. Patrica Oldt, Vice President, Grand Valley State University; Jim Fisher, President, Shoreline Recycling; Mark Murray, President, Meijer, Inc.; Bruce Los, Vice President, Gentex; Keith Brophy, President, NuSoft Solutions; Elizabeth Cherin, President, Fremont Area Community Foundation; Andy Lock, Chief Administrative Officer, Herman Miller; Dr. Susan Meston, Superintendent, Muskegon ISD; Jane Clark, President, Holland Chamber of Commerce; Haig Kassouni, President & CEO, NK Manufacturing, Inc.; Phillip Rios, Assistant Director, West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology; Wayman Britt, Assistant County Administrator of Kent County; Keith Cooley, Executive Director, Focus Hope, Detroit (the only out-of-state selection).

West Michigan was one of only 13 regions in the country to win a $15 million WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this year.

Source: http://www.wm-alliance.org/