Lakeshore Advantage

06/05/2026

West Michigan's future workforce isn't waiting until graduation to build connections.

Next week, college interns from across the region will gather for Intern Connect — an opportunity to network and build relationships.

Programs like Intern Connect matter because talent retention starts with connection. When emerging professionals build meaningful relationships with employers, peers, and the community, they're more likely to envision a future here after graduation.

We're excited to see interns, employers, and community partners come together for a great afternoon of networking and engagement. Both of our summer interns, Jadyn Keatley and Micah Graham will be there - so say "hello" if you run into them.

Who else will be there? Drop a comment below and let us know. 👇

Learn more: https://vist.ly/56rh8

06/04/2026

"Let's Highlight 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧! Home to over 𝟔𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 working in manufacturing, it's also leading the nation in apprenticeships and engineering statistics to build the next-gen workforce." - Jake Hall

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
Michigan Manufacturers Association
The Right Place
CentrepolisAccelerator
Michigan Works! Association
Aerospace Manufacturers Association
Association for Advancing Automation
Industry 4.0 Accelerator
@𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧


Learn more:

Let's Highlight 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧! Home to over 𝟔𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 working in manufacturing, it's also leading the nation in apprenticeships and engineering statistics to build the next-gen w...

05/29/2026

May is Professional Trades Month, and it's a reminder that the future of manufacturing isn't just about technology, it's about the skilled people who know how to build, maintain, program, and improve it.

Professional trades careers are among Michigan's most in-demand occupations, offering strong wages, long-term stability, and opportunities that don't always require a traditional four-year degree.

For the Lakeshore region, where manufacturing accounts for roughly 40% of our regional economy, these careers are critical to our continued growth and competitiveness.

We're fortunate to have outstanding workforce partners helping develop the next generation of talent, including Careerline Tech Center, Allegan Area ESA Tech Center, Grand Rapids Community College, and PRO Services Inc. industry-driven training programs that connect students and workers to real-world career pathways.

This month, we're celebrating the skilled professionals, educators, and employers who are helping build the workforce that powers our region today—and prepares it for tomorrow.

Read more: https://vist.ly/55xnd

05/29/2026

Be the Connector Behind What’s Next.

Apply NOW: https://vist.ly/55x89

05/27/2026

Congratulations to ODL, Inc on being named a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

This recognition speaks to more than business performance — it reflects long-term leadership, strong culture, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to people.

From the manufacturing floor to customer-facing teams, ODL continues to demonstrate the kind of consistency and care that helps strengthen both its company and the broader Lakeshore region.

We’re proud to celebrate this achievement alongside the entire ODL team and grateful for the impact they continue to make across West Michigan and beyond.

Read more: https://vist.ly/55ntw

05/26/2026

ALWAYS EVOLVING.

We’re excited to celebrate several well-deserved promotions and new roles at Lakeshore Advantage.

Congratulations to:
• Beth Blanton: Senior Vice President of Engagement
• Jean Ellis: Operations & Administrative Services Manager
• Rebekah deVries: Software & Systems Manager

Each of these team members brings tremendous talent, leadership, and commitment to our mission, and we’re grateful for the impact they continue to make across our organization and region every day.

Please join us in congratulating them on these exciting next steps.

05/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this week’s Lakeshore Advantage Fellows Gathering.

The level of thought leadership, insight, and strategic perspective in the room was a powerful reminder of what makes the Lakeshore region exceptional. Our Fellows continue to challenge ideas, ask important questions, and help shape the future of this region through collaboration and leadership.

From conversations around talent and housing to long-term regional competitiveness, the dialogue reflected a group of leaders deeply invested in building what’s next for the Lakeshore.

We’re grateful for your partnership, your perspective, and your continued commitment to moving this region forward.

Special thanks to Haworth for hosting our gathering and for the fantastic brand gallery tour!

05/21/2026

"My hope is simple: that each of us becomes the person who makes leadership feel possible for someone else. Offer the nudge. Open the door—and hold it long enough for others to walk through.

If you’re a woman wondering if you’re ready, hear this: you don’t need every answer to take the next step. And if you believe in the women around you—keep mentoring, advocating, and investing in them.” —Jennifer Owens.

Congratulations to Jennifer Owens on being recognized with a Crain’s Women of Influence Award—a well-deserved honor that reflects her ability to inspire others, build meaningful connections, and lead with both purpose and heart.

We are fortunate to have such a visionary and compassionate leader guiding our organization and region.

05/15/2026

We’re growing our team.

Lakeshore Advantage is hiring a Business Attraction Manager to help position the Lakeshore Region for continued growth and investment.

This role will support business attraction efforts across Ottawa and Allegan Counties — working with site selectors, managing attraction projects, coordinating site visits, and helping tell the story of why companies choose West Michigan.

If you’re passionate about economic development, relationship-building, and shaping the future of the Lakeshore region, we’d love to connect.

Learn more and apply: https://vist.ly/54chf