The Greater Ann Arbor Region invites interested stakeholders to learn, share, and connect! This event will include a regional stakeholder gathering to learn about the projects completed in the region and to discuss future priorities, a networking lunch, and a special session on preparing Michigan communities for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Agenda
8:30
AM
Continental Breakfast and Networking
9:00
AM
Registration
9:15
AM
Welcome and Introductions
Conan Smith, Washtenaw County Commissioner
9:30
AM
Regional Successes
MI Bright Future
Laura Hoehn, Livingston Educational Service Agency
Sarah Sebaly, Workforce Intelligence Network
The Greater Ann Arbor Region funded the Livingston Career and College Access Network and Workforce Intelligence Network to expand the use of MI Bright Future across Region 9. MI Bright Future is a partnership of K–12, workforce development organizations, postsecondary partners, and chambers of commerce working to integrate career-planning technology tools with existing education processes.
Wage and Benefit Survey
Susan Smith, Hillsdale Economic Development Partnership
The Greater Ann Arbor Region funded Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties to collect current wage and benefit data for dissemination to community employers. This data will help employers build competitive wage and benefit structures to attract more talent to the region.
Greater Ann Arbor Region Familiarization Tour
Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK
The Greater Ann Arbor Region hosted a familiarization tour for national site selectors to highlight the region’s unique assets and features. The familiarization tour allowed site selectors to experience the communities in the region that may be appealing to companies looking to open and expand operations.
Software Talent Attraction and Retention Program
Amy Cell, Amy Cell LLC
The Greater Ann Arbor Region funded Ann Arbor SPARK to implement the Software Talent Attraction and Retention (STAR) Program to attract key software development and engineering to the region. As a part of this initiative, a regionally focused consortium of employers was formed to participate in a talent attraction and retention campaign.
10:45
AM
Break
11:00
AM
Priorities for 2017 Regional Prosperity Initiative Funding
Susan Smith, Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership
The Greater Ann Arbor Region is a vibrant and economically diverse community, offering residents and employers a wide variety of jobs, education, and transportation opportunities. This presentation provides information and allows attendees to give feedback regarding priority objectives and strategies to be included in the region’s next application for 2017 Regional Prosperity Initiative funding.
12:00
PM
Lunch and Networking
1:30
PM
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Preparing our Communities
Valerie Brugeman, Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Eric Dennis, CAR
Adela Spulber, CAR
The development and deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) will transform transportation on a global scale. This emerging industry has the potential to contribute positively to job creation, economic development, and quality of life. This presentation explores what communities need to know about the widespread deployment of CAVs and the impact it could have on Michigan’s future.
