“What does your mom say you do?” I’ve heard this is a popular topic of conversation among economic developers at industry conferences. Since economic development is an incredibly multi-faceted industry, answers may vary. Having worked with various initiatives in Lenawee Now as the Marketing Coordinator for just over a year, I have found that the initiatives we enacted have the common goal of creating a vibrant community by way of a solid economic infrastructure.
A thriving community is a major driver for a prosperous economy. By empowering individuals in an area to participate in the economic ecosystem, whether through gainful employment or entrepreneurship, individuals will be able to improve their own lives and make the county more attractive to businesses considering relocating to the area, due to a sufficient variety of current community offerings and an available labor pool. This, in turn, drives more skilled workers to the area, which attracts more businesses. Throughout my time at Lenawee Now, I have seen the various ways this has played out, through, business and entrepreneurship creating a stronger workforce.
For individuals who will be joining the workforce after graduation, it’s important for them to know that there are numerous options for career entry and education available. To connect high school seniors who are not pursuing a traditional four-year degree with options for their future, we hosted the first Career Connections Job Fair in March of 2022 at Adrian College. At this event, students were able to network with regional employers who needed apprentices and entry-level employees. High schoolers were able to discover options they previously didn’t know existed and attain gainful employment. This year, we are looking forward to another successful Career Connections Job Fair to be held at Siena Heights University on March 23rd.
Creating a talent pipeline starts as early as middle school exposing students to professional options that are available to them gives them a goal to strive for and helps them understand the importance of education. Also, it can save time and money. Those who develop a plan early can get the resources they need to be successful while still in high school, whether that is certifications, scholarships, or apprenticeships.
To ensure Lenawee’s learners have an idea of rapidly growing occupations, we have been piloting certification programs in ten different fields and have implemented career exposures through a project management certification pilot program in Springbrook Middle School, camps, and partnering with local colleges.
Last summer, I had the opportunity to photograph the endeavors of our first Project Management Camp, put in partnership with the Lenawee Intermediate LISD TECH Center, and was very impressed by how they took concepts of two fields and provided engaging hands-on exposure for those in middle and high school. Students were able to gain knowledge of project management through a panel of current project managers, sharing their personal experiences in the role, and allowing students to ask questions. They were able to put concepts they learned into practice, allowing them to exercise collaboration, strategic planning, and adapting when things do not go as planned.
As for start-ups, I have had the opportunity to talk to various small business owners and start-ups for promotional purposes, and I have found that they are very passionate about creating a better Lenawee, and filling needs in the community, whether this increased access to childcare, cutting down the wait time at food pantries, or simply addressing the county’s lack of incredible salsa.
A notable entrepreneurial venture would be our Square One Competition. At this competition, 5 entrepreneurs gave a pitch for a new business idea. The contestants were incredibly passionate about their endeavors, which were vastly different. De’Angelo Boone, who received the Idea Genius Award, is creating the Food Pantry App. He found that families often wait up to 45 minutes to be served at a food pantry. Since the competition, De’Angelo has been working with Lenawee Now to develop his app and distribute it among food pantries.
Ryan Waggoner of Salsa Bliss, the Audience Choice Award Winner, was tackling a completely different food-related problem. He noted that he had traveled the world and had some amazing salsa. However, when coming back to Blissfield, he realized all the salsas around the area were nearly identical and had excess sugars and preservatives. According to Ryan “I had no choice. I had to start making Salsa.” Ryan has several flavors of salsa, which have been a huge hit with individuals across Lenawee and adding spice to parties everywhere.
Salsa Bliss products are for sale at local and regional stores in Onsted, Tecumseh, and Blissfield, which adds unique offerings for the shops, giving the populous additional regions the to shop locally, as opposed to large chain stores. This keeps money in the community, increasing resident satisfaction. In turn, a thriving community will bring new organizations and businesses, enabling the region to employ more people.
From working in economic development, I have found several factors improve the community and economy, involving everything from early career exposure to gourmet salsa.