Author: KMF Infotech

08/26/2022 // ZEELAND, MICH – Lakeshore Advantage, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), awarded $130,150 to three training providers in Allegan and Ottawa counties through the Michigan Workforce Training Center Equipment (TEC) Grant Program. The grants were awarded to Allegan County Area Technical Education Center, Grand Rapids Community College – Lakeshore Campus and Thompson M-TEC/Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD). The equipment will help improve or expand area training programs for health care and automation.

“Our training providers are educational catalysts for the ongoing development of our local workforce,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President.  “As lakeshore companies continue to grow and expand, the need for a trained workforce becomes more pressing. The Michigan Workforce TEC Grant Program helps ensure our training providers have the appropriate equipment to help workers and students achieve the credentials and skills needed to be successful in today’s marketplace.”

Among the three training providers awarded funds is Allegan County Area Technical Education Center (ACATEC) which offers 19 technical training programs as well as vocational training opportunities for students with special needs. ACATEC, located in Allegan, was awarded $30,400 by Lakeshore Advantage to be used to cover the cost of training equipment for students working to earn Patient Care Tech and EKG certifications.

“I am very grateful to Lakeshore Advantage for their advocacy and support of the value of the education we provide at the Allegan Tech Center. The tremendous gift of money will allow our students to enhance their learning to obtain an industry-recognized credential,” said Rich Okoniewski, Allegan County Area Technical and Education Center Director and Principal.

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) – Lakeshore Campus was awarded $49,875 which will be used to purchase equipment that will allow for advanced automation training for the local workforce. These funds will also provide certification opportunities under Smart Automation Certificate Alliance (SACA) and FANUC certifications. This equipment will be housed at GRCC Lakeshore campus in Holland Charter Township.

“GRCC values our collaboration with Lakeshore Advantage, Holland area employers and the MEDC to give local residents the ability to gain skills they need for today and for the future,” said Julie Parks, Grand Rapids Community College’s Executive Director of Workforce Training. “Industry 4.0 adoption is strong in this region, and this additional equipment is another piece that allows GRCC to make sure the workforce is ready to produce products that make Michigan a manufacturing leader.”

Thompson M-TEC/Ottawa Area ISD was also awarded $49,875 which will be used to purchase equipment to train on a FANUC/Miller ARC Robotic Weld Cell and offer FANUC specific certifications in robotic welding processes.  This equipment will be housed at the M-TEC center located in West Olive.

“We are honored to receive this grant from Lakeshore Advantage and excited to add two FANUC/Miller Robotic Weld Cells and further expand our Industry 4.0 training options for businesses and students in Ottawa County and beyond,” said Tonia Castillo, Director of Adult Training and Career Services for Thompson M-TEC.

This funding awarded was part of a $3 million statewide funding program for the Michigan Workforce TEC Grant Program to support the needs of qualified training providers that provide workforce training for qualified employers and individuals in Michigan.  Lakeshore Advantage was one of several area economic development organizations that administered the program on behalf of the state.

More information on the Michigan Workforce Training Center Equipment Grant Program can be found at: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/workforce-training-grant/.

08/23/2022 // OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Lakeshore Advantage announced today a call for Business Stabilization projects as part of its role as the Ottawa County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding bucket manager. Workforce Development and Access to Technology have been identified as priority funding focus areas.

“The business stabilization funding is critical to support our local businesses as we continue to emerge from the pandemic”, said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “The funding priorities that we established, workforce development and access to technology, target two issues that will keep Ottawa County businesses competitive today and in the future. We are eager to see the transformational programs and partnerships that will result from this investment in our local community and economy.”

Priority business stabilization focus areas were selected based on Lakeshore Advantage’s ongoing research, responses to the Ottawa County Citizen Survey and input from the Business Stabilization Advisory Board. The Business Stabilization Advisory Board is composed of local Chambers and community leaders. Ideal project submissions should reflect the selected funding priorities:

• Workforce Development: Increase the capacity, knowledge, skills, and education of the current and emerging workforce.
• Access to Technology: Reduce barriers or increase opportunities for local businesses to implement innovative, modern technologies.

Recommended projects will be sent to the Ottawa County ARPA Task Force. Pending approval, selected projects will continue to the Ottawa County Board Finance & Administration Standing Committee and the Board of Commissioners for final funding determination.

Ottawa County received $56.7 million as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s American Rescue Plan. These funds are intended to provide a one-time infusion of resources to help communities lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional Ottawa County ARPA funding focus areas, not led by Lakeshore Advantage, include Affordable Housing, Social and Human Services and Broadband. More information about the Ottawa County ARPA plan can be found at: https://www.miottawa.org/Departments/FiscalServices/arpa-plan.htm

08/19/2022 // HOLLAND, MICH – Metal Flow, a worldwide leader in deep draw and progressive die stamping, is investing $7.2M into a 60,000-square-foot expansion in Holland Charter Township. Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization that assists employers with growth opportunities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, connected the company with local resources on this project.

“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of our economy. Metal Flow is a great example of a future-focused company, expanding to make investments in new technologies that will help secure its prosperous future,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “Congratulations to Metal Flow on their continued success.”

This expansion adds 60,000 square feet of space in a new facility adjacent to their existing facility in Holland Charter Township and will create 10 new jobs.

“As a global supplier of technically sophisticated products, Metal Flow has experienced growth and made investments in new technologies,” said Kelly Springer, Metal Flow CEO. “That growth and investment, along with anticipated future growth, resulted in the need for additional square footage. After evaluating several locations within North America, Metal Flow chose to expand on property purchased years ago and leverage the talented workforce currently located in Holland, MI. Our new facility will have light manufacturing, robotics, automation, and logistics to enable continued support of existing and new customers.”

Holland Charter Township is supporting this project in the form of a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption that was approved last night.

“Holland Charter Township is pleased to support the expansion and investment Metal Flow is making in their facilities,” said Steve Bulthuis, Holland Charter Township Manager.