Burrell Business Brief

An Economic News Update From The Right Place

By Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager, Newaygo County

This column is designed to share the timely information our community needs to continue being a place where both people and businesses can grow and prosper. 

People
We all know it’s tough to find people to fill open jobs, but what about keeping them from jumping ship?  A focus on culture has become critical to retaining talent, and it’s how one local tool & die company has made huge strides in this space. The company has opted out of setting parameters on lunch or breaks, telling staff to simply take care of themselves. Additionally, they’ve built an on-site gym and actually pay their staff to use it. Since implementing these policies, the company has seen a 55% drop in sick days.
Michigan Construction Career Day is being held on Thursday, May 6, and is open to all students grades 7-12.  Students will have the chance to learn about employers, trades and colleges in the construction industry. Employers will have the opportunity to connect directly with Michigan’s future workforce to virtually showcase their organizations.  Registration is open now.  
Upskilling current staff is easier on your bottom line with The Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Adult Scholarships program, which is open for applications year-round to Newaygo County residents. These scholarships are available for undergrad study, certifications, credentials, and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the recently announced Michigan Reconnect program pays a portion of the cost of tuition for eligible adults in Newaygo County pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate.  
Intern season is nearly upon us, and Hello West Michigan is offering a free training workshop for employers to learn best practices on transitioning from in-person to virtual internship programs. As organizations shift to incorporate new digital processes, this workshop is designed to leave participants feeling confident in facilitating a virtual internship program. Register today for the May 13th session.
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.
We’ve just launched entrepreneurial programming for 2021 with the Grow North series. Are you interested in starting a business in 2021?  Our first session, focusing on starting a business in 2021, can be viewed here. Next up, on May 20, we dive into making a home-based business flourish, which you can register for here.
Is your daughter curious about space, wondering what a career at NASA would be like, or simply interested in STEM? Registration is now open for the Women of Aerospace event on May 15th.  Professional women from NASA will be sharing their journey with students across Michigan to help curate the next generation of women in aerospace careers.  
Teachers interested in learning about cybersecurity & computer science are invited to attend GenCyber Teacher Camp at Michigan Tech (MTU) this July.  Register here by May 1st. 

Place
What makes your town an amazing place? We like to think it has something to do with the businesses that make up the fabric of our communities. These small businesses start somewhere, and The Right Place is excited to announce the 3rd annual Pitch North competition is now accepting submissions for the 2021 event. Entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana or Lake Counties are invited to submit their ideas for a chance to pitch at the live virtual event and win cash prizes to bring their idea to life. Submissions are accepted at www.pitchnorth.com until May 10th. 
We all know broadband struggles in Newaygo County, but if your organization has an open Wi-Fi connection, you can help!  Partnering with Connect Michigan, we are hoping to beef up the Newaygo County WiFi map, by including any organization with a Wi-Fi connection open to the public. Enter your business info here.  
The Newaygo County Tourism Council is in the midst of their Spring campaign with the best ways to do Spring in Newaygo County. Interested in being seen by their 48,000+ website visitors? Contact them to get your business a front-row seat. 
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Prosperity
Are you interested in learning how your use of technology can better quantify opportunities and return on investment within your manufacturing operations? Industry 4.0 Assessments are now available from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center–West (The Center-West) free of charge thanks to funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Valued at $1,600, this resource will only be offered at no-cost for a limited time. Contact Ben Wood with The Center-West to set up your Industry 4.0 Assessment today. 
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended through May 31, 2021. For more details, check the SBA’s website. 
Automation Alley is a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. Its programs give businesses a competitive advantage by helping them along every step of their digital transformation journey. If you are a manufacturer interested in a free membership, sign up here.
Are you interested in doing business with Boeing? On Wednesday, May 12, join Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), and Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) for the Boeing Small Business Team presentation. Select suppliers will have an opportunity to meet with Boeing in one-on-one meetings. Learn more here. 
The Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, May 13. This a no-cost event focused on strengthening Michigan’s position as a leader in the commercial furniture manufacturing industry. Register here. 
The American Rescue Plan established a $28.6 Billion program called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund within the Small Business Administration (SBA). Information on this program is available here.
Due to generous funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, those who need home repair are encouraged to email [email protected] for an application for the Critical Home Repair Program.  
Did you miss the Newaygo County Economic Outlook on February 23?  Watch the replay here. 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently established the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The program entails broadband assistance for low-income residents which can offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, desktop or tablet and up to $50 per month on broadband services. More info can be found here.

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