(FLINT, MICH. – Sept. 12, 2013) How the I-69 International Trade Corridor can compete for new investment, take advantage of automotive and manufacturing trends and leverage state programs to increase hiring and grow are among the many areas that presenters will highlight during the 2013 I-69 International Trade Corridor Regional Summit. The event takes place on Wednesday, September 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint.
The half-day Summit is designed to provide businesses in the corridor with information about growth opportunities, strengths of the region and employment resources. Last year, the Summit drew more than 250 attendees from along the corridor. This year hundreds are also expected.
This year’s summit boasts a number of strong speakers. Greg Burkhart, Managing Director for Duff & Phelps will provide a site selector’s perspective focused on the range of assets in the Corridor and trends in re-shoring and other business growth. Bernard Swiecki, Senior Project Manager for the Center for Automotive Research will share automotive trends and associated opportunities in the Corridor that can lead to future growth.
New state initiatives to help businesses leverage talent will be emphasized as Amy Cell, Senior Vice President, Talent Enhancement for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presents. Cell will be joined by a panel of regional employers, including Tracey Watlington, Human Resource Manager for Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy in Flint and Troy Angst, Chief Financial Officer of Rugged Liner in Owosso.
According to Janice Karcher, this year’s Regional Summit is focused on growing the Corridor through increased collaboration and leveraging assets.
“We have assembled speakers who will help identify new opportunities for growth,” said Karcher. “The Corridor is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its strengths like transportation and talent. This Summit is designed to help businesses put the pieces together and to succeed in the future. Businesses in the region can gain an important perspective by hearing about business trends and assistance.”
The I-69 International Trade Corridor Partners include: Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Lapeer Development Corporation, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and the I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC). Margaret McAvoy, Chair of the I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation will also provide an update regarding the NMDC.
Those who would benefit from attending the summit include regional businesses, educators, government officials and community stakeholders.
There is no cost to attend the Summit, however registration is required. To learn more about the summit visit flintandgenesee.org/events. For registration contact Brian Sullivan at the Flint & Genesee Chamber at (810) 600-1404 or .
The Holiday Inn Gateway is located at 5353 Gateway Centre in Flint.