Burrell Business Brief

An Economic News Update From The Right Place

By Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager, Newaygo County

Economic development is sometimes hard to describe, but in a nutshell… We thrive on relationships, we connect businesses to resources, we focus on collaboration, and we are here to ensure our local employers succeed.  This column is designed to share the timely information our community needs to continue being a place where people and businesses can prosper. 

Talent Growth & Attraction
While unemployment in Newaygo County crept up slightly to 5.3% according to recent data, finding new talent continues to be a struggle.  This challenge provides employers with a unique opportunity – to focus on upskilling current staff. One of the ways they can do this is through  The Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Adult Scholarships program, which is open for applications year-round.  These scholarships are available for undergrad study, certifications, credentials, and apprenticeship programs.  Additionally, the recently announced Michigan Reconnect program pays the cost of tuition for eligible adults pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate.
Looking for more tools in attracting workforce to Newaygo County?  Check out this great video put together by the team at The Right Place, highlighting what it’s like to live and work in beautiful West Michigan.
For those looking for their next opportunity or hire, Michigan Works! West Central is hosting two virtual job fairs this month!  This one is specific to employers in their territory, including Newaygo County.  Additionally, they have partnered with MDARD to host an Ag/Food Processing specific job fair on March 25.
The Newaygo County Career Tech Center is launching a Career EXPLORATION Fair, March 11th.  If your business hires people, we need your participation! This virtual event is all about exposing local students to career possibilities close to home.  Learn more and register here.

Strategic Foundations
If you are suffering through an unstable connection on your daily Zooms, here is an opportunity for local business leaders to voice frustrations with the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  Register to join the Feb 26, 11 am session or the March 2, 11am session. 

Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
Looking for ways to diversify your customer base?  Meijer is seeking local products to offer in their stores across the country.  If your company offers grocery, produce, deli, bakery, baby, beauty, or personal and wellness care items, you are encouraged to create a profile on RangeMe through this link prior to Feb 19th.  Interested in securing government contracts? Check out this webinar on March 3 with the Small Business Development Center. 
The Newaygo County Tourism Council has recently launched a robust $50,000 marketing campaign, and they are kicking it off with the best ways to do winter in Newaygo County.  Interested in getting in front of the 48,000 plus website visitors?  Contact them to get your business a front-row seat. 
Wondering what else is going on in the world of economic development?  The Newaygo County Economic Development Advisory Committee invites you to join us for the Newaygo County Economic Outlook via Zoom on Feb 23. Register here.

Economic Inclusion
Do you or someone you know need help filing taxes? Thanks to a connection made at a United Way of The Lakeshore – Newaygo County meeting, Gerber Federal Credit Union just announced a partnership with Goodwill Industries. Learn more here

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