Tag Archives: Andy Hayes

Why economic development is regional

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Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension


We all know that companies cross government boundary lines all the time. They are constantly buying and selling goods and services while crossing city, village, township, county, state, and in many cases federal boundaries. 


But what many people may not realize is that employees regularly cross city, village and county boundaries for employment. This ebb and flow of employees help companies located in a particular county fill needed positions, which enables them to sell products and services, pay taxes, and support their home county.


Conversely, many residents rely on companies in another county for employment, which enables them to live, raise families, pay taxes, and support schools and community projects in their home county.


The US Census Bureau OnTheMap has created an interesting report called: “Inflow/Outflow Report All Jobs for All Workers.” Search and select the county or city you’d like to analyze, then select “inflow/outflow” and “all jobs” in the dialog box. From the generated report you’ll be able to see how many individuals are employed and living in the area, how many come into the area for employment, and how many leave the area for employment.


The report is based on 2015 data, but the proof that economic development is regional is shown vividly by the movement of residents. View your community data and access the full reports at http://onthemap.ces.census.gov.


Michigan State University Extension partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) utilizes this data to better understand the talent pool in the region and what the needs are for employers and employees.


“Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.”


Twitter:  Why economic development is regional


URL: http://onthemap.ces.census.gov, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/, www.northernlakes.net


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).


Is community growth a good or bad thing?

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By Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension

 

I recently attended a meeting in the greater Grand Rapids area where the discussion centered on how we can benefit Michigan and its communities. In typical brainstorm fashion, our large group was divided into smaller tables to discuss and generate ideas which would be reported out to the larger group.

 

After one group’s suggestion that we help communities recruit individuals, an audience member respectfully suggested, “Why grow?” When the response was “to keep our communities from stagnating,” the audience member persisted that growth is bad, causing unnecessary congestion and build out, and that we should learn to live with what we have. Polite as the discussion was, I resisted the urge to jump up and debate the topic that day.

 

So there is no misunderstanding, growth is a good thing, if done right. There are countless examples from the old days, and unfortunately present day too, of poorly managed growth in urban sprawl, over taxing of utilities, etc. That is bad growth.

 

Communities are just like people, they are either green and growing or ripe and rotting, nothing stays the same. Each of us tries to grow personally, professionally and keep in shape, as a result we are better than we were before. In fact, we can choose to continually grow and improve. Yes, we all know that one guy from high school that 20 years later is still sitting on the couch re-living the same game-winning-touchdown-pass he caught. That is an example of no growth. Communities are the same, they can’t sit around remembering the good ol’ days. Instead, they need to look forward and position themselves for a positive, productive future.

 

If you’ve been paying attention, Michigan has been hemorrhaging for 10 years when three major companies ended 400,000+ manufacturing jobs. This created a ripple effect and tailspin of people leaving our state, taking their skilled talents and families with them.  Although Michigan has done many things right and we are gaining back ground, we still need talent.  We need people to move back to Michigan bringing their skills and talents, but also their families, ideas and civic involvement. It is this growth that Michigan and our communities desperately need in order to be a vibrant state.

 

Here’s the fun part.  Yes, we have to encourage and embrace growth in order to be better, but we must be smart about it.  As communities and as a state we need to decide what type of growth works, where best to encourage it and what happens when it comes. In other words, we must do some advanced planning so that the growth we so desperately need is organized, positive and helps us get to where we want to go.

 

And here’s the really fun part, there are loads of people and resources out there that can help.  From your local economic development organization, in our case the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, to the MSU Extension, regional planning agencies such as Networks Northwest or the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments to the Michigan Municipal League and others.

 

Michigan has a bright future, and I hope growth will be part of it!

 

Michigan State University Extension‘s partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) seeks to assist and create growing and thriving communities through collaboration with many entities to achieve their goals.

 

Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to statewide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

 

That business isn’t going to start itself — the SBDC can help!

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By Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension

 

Starting a new business or taking your business to the next level can come with many questions and loose ends to tie up before launching. In today’s world there are many places to go to find your answer. You can ask a family member or friend or you give it the good ol’ college Google search, but for new businesses that wants to start out on the strongest foot possible, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Michigan is a great place to go for guidance.

 

The SBDC of Michigan is a powerhouse, headquartered out of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids. They have 11 regional offices and over 20 satellite offices around the state, making it easy for you to meet with a business counselor for a session or training. The SBDC offers many avenues of assistance for each stage of business: business plan development, raising capital and export strategies. In conjunction with the Sideman College of Business out of Grand Valley State University, the SBDC also produces market research in order for you to make the best decisions for your business.

 

Starting a business is costly, so it is always helpful to receive guidance from a credible source. The SBDC offers seminars and training sessions, at little to no cost, on various topics from writing a business plan to navigating social media. As your business develops its sea legs, it will be time to start thinking about the next step on where your business will or should go from here.

 

Strategic planning is important for businesses of all stages and sizes. SBDC business counselors aid in the development of growth strategies by helping businesses select their goals and generating the best steps to reach those goals. Their business planning services help optimize performance and pave the way to the next level.

 

Michigan State University Extension partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance matches companies and communities within their four county service area with resources to begin the early stages of developing their business. NLEA hosts three Pitch Night programs for entrepreneurs at any age to pitch their business plan for chances to win startup seed dollars. NLEA works alongside companies, once a business plan is in place, with funding assistance and to settle in an area that’s right for them.

 

Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to statewide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).