Partnerships that make sense for the global economy

The global economy has drastically shifted how regions establish and maintain a competitive advantage.  One of our strategies to meet this challenge is to prioritize the alignment of economic development with workforce development.  
 
In fact, Region 7B through Northern Transformation became the first workforce agency in the State of Michigan to start to do just that. 

Economic Development Corporations in Arenac, Gladwin, Ogemaw, and Roscommon counties are now partnered with Region 7B.

Through this enhanced partnership,  we now have the ability to attract and retain more employers.  We do this by providing more than just services — from business incentives and financial programs — but by connecting economic development with the talent needed to grow an industry. 

Job creation and retention strategies

• We are focused on identifying the jobs that fuel growth industries and supporting industries that generate a spectrum of jobs with opportunities for advancement.
• We are focused on maximizing the efficiency of economic investment and asset management through cooperation rather than fragmentation.
• We are focused on matching people with quality jobs and workforce training opportunities.
• We are focused on promoting the development of new business ideas and incubators.
• We are focused on creating a robust set of networks that effectively connect business leaders and resources to expand services and/or to relocate to the area.
• We are focused on retention programs and programs that improve the quality of existing jobs.   

Our Values

Prioritizing the alignment of economic development with workforce development is
just one key factor in the success of Northeast Michigan.  It will also
take comprehensive job creation and retention strategies:  

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