(FLINT, MICH. – September 11, 2014) Talent, industry trends, regional projects and opportunities will be highlighted as the I-69 Thumb Region hosts its 2014 Regional Summit. The event takes place on Thursday, September 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint.
This year’s event is hosted by the recently expanded I-69 Thumb Region, which brings together economic development efforts in seven counties, including: Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola and Huron counties. The Summit will provide an update on key trends and efforts in the region to promote growth.
The half-day Summit is designed to provide businesses and residents with information about growth opportunities and strengths of the region. Last year, the Summit drew nearly 200 attendees.
Exporter of the Year awards will also be presented to businesses from each of the seven counties who are taking their locally produced products and services beyond the boundaries of the U.S. in a notable way.
Expert panelists will provide perspective on a wide range of opportunities in the seven-county region. Panelists include: Lisa Katz, Executive Director, WIN Network; Kevin Miller, Superintendent, Cros-Lex School District; Scott Corrin, Economic Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; George Erickcek, Senior Regional Analyst, Upjohn Institute; Glenn Stevens, Vice President, MichAUTO; Jeff Wright, CEO, Karegnondi Water Authority and Serge LaVoie, President, Southwest (Ontario) Economic Alliance.
According to Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce the Summit provides an important look at the newly expanded region and provides the perfect venue for the presentation of the Exporter of the Year awards.
“This Summit promises to be one of the best,” said Karcher. “Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how the expanded I-69 Thumb Region is poised to grow and is working to leverage the combined assets from each county. In addition, panelists will speak to current business and job opportunities in the region. We look forward to the collaborative energy that this Summit will provide.”
Those who would benefit from attending the Summit include regional businesses, educators, government officials and community stakeholders.
There is no cost to attend the Summit, however registration is required. To register, visit https://www.flintandgenesee.org/events/3rd-annual-regional-summit/. For more information contact Holly Carlton at or (810) 600-1452.
The Holiday Inn Gateway is located at 5353 Gateway Centre in Flint.