The Lakeshore region is driven by manufacturing. Nearly one quarter of the jobs in Ottawa County are manufacturing-based, which is almost three times higher than the national average. Many of these jobs require skills, certification and training beyond high school, but not necessarily a college degree. Yet, the average wage in manufacturing is significantly higher than the average income.
Our current talent pipeline is not sustainable for our employers’ future growth. It takes actions, perception changes, investment and everyone working together to create a sustainable economic future for our employers and citizens. The good news is significant forward motion is occurring in our region.
These are great strides, but we have more work to do. Continued forward progress will take a strong partnership between our employers and school districts to ensure the incredible career exploration programs, like those offered at the Ottawa Intermediate Area School District Careerline Tech Center, are led by strong manufacturing mentors.
A sustainable economic future is one in which individuals are successful as their interests match their education levels, skills and careers; in which our companies grow as their talent needs are met, and in which our region experiences a vibrant economy with great jobs now and in the future. For everyone.
Jennifer Owens has been president since 2013 of Lakeshore Advantage, a non-profit economic development organization that connects businesses to the resources they need to grow in Ottawa County, northern Allegan County and West Michigan.
Economic Development: Businesses and the local consumers are driving engines that generate capital for growth and development. We want to be a location of choice for new business and industry.
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.