I had the opportunity to speak to the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) during their annual luncheon on May 11. NLEA is as a non-profit, public/private partnership serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Cheboygan counties. Their mission is to “enhance the economy of our region by acting as a resource to local government and companies to retain and create quality jobs.”
MSU Extension has been a partner in the NLEA since they it was formed in 1984, and we remain closely linked to the partnership today. In fact, NLEA contracts with MSUE to serve as employer for the Andy Hayes, NLEA president, and Wendy Wieland, an MSUE educator and NLEA staff member. In addition, Dean Solomon, Charlevoix CED, and Patrick Cudney, North Region director, sit on their board of directors.
As we look for linkages with economic development efforts across our state, we can learn a lot from the NLEA model. It’s clear that there’s a need for educational programming in economic development, as exemplified by MSU Product Center innovation counselors such as Wendy.
The NLEA helps communities and businesses attract and retain businesses and jobs. It provides counsel to small businesses in partnership with the MSU Product Center and the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center. Their 2009 economic development plan is a great formula for communities and regions across the state: helping local manufacturers diversify their product lines; recognizing, educating and capitalizing on the shift toward the knowledge economy; being prepared to react quickly to growth opportunities as the economy begins to rebound; assisting entrepreneurs at all levels; and leveraging resources to help communities become more attractive to companies.
Most important, NLEA works and succeeds BECAUSE it is an alliance—a partnership. And it is powerful: 350 people attended the annual luncheon. That’s an amazing team for four counties in northern lower Michigan. I know there are similar alliances elsewhere in the state, and we would be well served to link with them in the way we are linked in with NLEA.
Thanks to all of the MSUE staff—past and present—who help make NLEA a success.
