The 2012 Upper Great Lakes Summit – Friday September 21st

The 2012 Upper Great Lakes Summit – Connecting Economic, Legislative, Education and Workforce Development, will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012, in the Great Lakes Rooms on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

The 2012 Summit continues to carry on the tradition of providing opportunities for our community to learn more about the collaboration of business and education activities from a national, state, and local perspective. This year’s Summit is a multi-organizational collaborative seeking to connect the efforts of regional businesses, economic and workforce development partners, education, state legislators, local units of government and other regional partners.

This year’s theme is “Future Next Exit…how innovation and relevance are driving business and education to build our talent pool.” One of the Summit’s key note speakers is Jim Brazell, a technology forecaster, strategist, and public speaker focusing on innovation, transformation and what’s next. His 2008 National School Board Association essay, “The Bellwether Sounds” was one of the early public voices proclaiming the need for a Sputnik-like awakening of the public to the importance of science and technology to the economy, education, society and national security. Jim’s speeches and workshops have been well received for the past decade by a broad range of audiences

This year’s event will also feature special guest speaker, Gerald L. Moore. Mr. Moore is the Michigan District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. As district director, he is responsible for the delivery of all SBA programs and services in the state, including the SBA guaranty loan program, which is delivered through more than 120 lenders; the government contracting and minority enterprise development programs; and oversight of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and a Veterans Business Outreach Center. The Michigan District Office, which covers all 83 counties in the state, is located in Detroit (with a Grand Rapids satellite office) and has a staff of 15 employees.

The 2012 Summit is the second year in a row that two previously held separate conferences will unite to bring added value to attendees. The U.P. Education Legislative Summit concluded its 14th year in 2010 and the Upper Great Lakes Economic & Workforce Development Summit held 5 annual workforce and economic development events prior to combining efforts last year.

The Summit is a unique opportunity to interact with various businesses, community, and education leaders; state legislators; and other officials on how we can develop effective partnerships to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and prepare our children for the future.