E-News: May 2009

2009 West Michigan Vital Signs

The 2009 West Michigan Vital Signs, produced by the West Michigan Strategic Alliance (WMSA) and its partners, will be featured at the 2009 State of the Region on May 13. The regional indicators described in the report are used to measure trends in economic prosperity, environmental integrity and social justice. These indicators are designed to help people understand the bigger picture.

In addition to tracking trends and comparing our region’s data to statewide and national data, the 2009 Vital Signs introduces benchmarking data that compare West Michigan with 26 peer regions around the U.S.

Indicators are not solutions in and of themselves. Their value is to increase public awareness and enhance understanding of issues and trends affecting our long-term sustainability. The West Michigan Vital Signs provides a starting point for rational discussion about what more we need to know, where we need to go and how we might get there—simply, how we can do better.

To learn more about the West Michigan Vital Signs, please attend the State of the Region on Wednesday, May 13. Attendance is FREE, but a reservation is required.

For more information or to register, please click here.

Remaking Michigan

WMSA President Greg Northrup provided a West Michigan perspective on a Michigan Radio program called "Remaking Michigan", about how the state is trying to re-set itself economically. The program aired live on Friday, April 24, but can be heard online here.

WMSA Partners with Detroit Regional Chamber to Bring Interns and Employers Together

On April 23rd, the West Michigan Strategic Alliance (WMSA) in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, joined college and university officials, students and representatives from Michigan’s business community to officially launch Intern In Michigan, a unique statewide initiative that utilizes one central Web site to connect college students seeking internships to Michigan-based employers looking to hire them. In recognition of the unified support for the new initiative, WMSA and the Detroit Regional Chamber hosted simultaneous events on the east and west sides of the state.

Positioned to be the largest such initiative in the state and a model for other states across the nation, Intern In Michigan centralizes available internships from across Michigan to create an online hub for college students and Michigan-based employers to connect. By logging onto InternInMichigan.com and creating profiles, students can search and apply immediately for available internships. Employers can create organizational profiles, post internships and recruit college graduates.

Click here for more information.

WMSA/Green Infrastructure - 4th regional Watershed Workshop

Representatives from Watershed initiatives, Education, Government and regulatory agencies gathered at the 4th West Michigan Strategic Alliance-Green Infrastructure (WMSA/GI) Regional Watershed Workshop, April 2, 2009 at Ottawa County’s newly renovated facilities. Attendees learned about some of the latest Watershed Management tools, new data and research pertaining to values of eco-services, and experienced innovative and interactive tools for measuring and protecting watersheds in West Michigan and other parts of the Great Lakes Basin.

The purpose of the workshop was to promote regional collaboration related to watershed management and green infrastructure. WMSA/GI targeted all watershed stakeholders such as local, county, regional governments; watershed groups, consultants, farmers, riparian land owners, colleges and universities.

Click here for more information and to view presentations from the workshop.

Join the many people and organizations from around West Michigan who are contributors to the work of regional collaboration by visiting our website wm-alliance.org or email info@wm-alliance.org

Note: This project is funded in whole or in part by a WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor - Employment Training Administration