(FLINT, MICH. – September 18) More than 170 business, civic and education leaders convened today for the 2014 I-69 Thumb Regional Summit to celebrate excellence, explore talent development, identify trends and discuss opportunities. The Summit was hosted by the I-69 Thumb region partners Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Lapeer Development Corporation, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corporation and Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation.
The half-day event featured panel discussions focused on the importance of technical career education, agribusiness, automotive and logistic trends and new regional projects. In addition, Exporter of the Year awards were presented to businesses from each of the seven counties.
According to Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce the newly expanded region offers more opportunities for businesses.
“Today’s event provided a glimpse into the region’s future,” said Karcher. “The I-69 Thumb Region partners are working collaboratively to foster growth and prosperity. Each of the panel discussions focused on areas of opportunity that will continue to impact us as a region. It was great to see so many engaged stakeholders take part in the Summit.”
Carl Osentoski, Director of the Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corporation says the Summit highlighted many potential opportunities created through our partnership.
“It is important to know how to leverage our assets,” said Osentoski. “Today’s event provided an encouraging view of the Region’s competitive advantages and the trends that we can take advantage of.”