Today, we celebrated Education Month with Rotary with our speaker from Grand Valley State University, Kara VanDam. She shared a lot of information about the workforce in West Michigan and the talent pathways and current landscape of the job markets.
Michigan faces three talent pressures, a demographic cliff, a retirement cliff, and a population cliff. While we face these issues, Ottawa County is struggling less than the surrounding counties and the state as a whole. While growth does help bridge the gap, there is more that needs to be done.
Geographical logistics create constraints making it less likely for out of county students will attend. Over 50 counties lack in-district community college or public 4-year universities. Grand Valley is working on bridging these issues by offering direct credit learning, and working to link industry credentials to degree progress.
Birthdays: Bari Johnson (September 7th), Brook Bisonet (September 7th), Rachel Dody (September 11th), Elisa Hopper (September 12th)
Wedding Anniversaries: Bill & Kerrie Bassow (23 years)
Rotary Anniversaries: Meghan Herritage (12 years)
Announcements:
We inducted two new members to our Club today. Please welcome Scott Deater and Jason Reineckke if you see them at a future meeting.
Hiway cleanup is happening September 26th. We will be meeting at 8am that Saturday morning. Look for a signup email from John soon!
The Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the Tri-Cities Family YMCA is September 21 at 2:00PM.
We are currently working on plans in partnership with The Eagles on a Taste of Grand Haven event for either June or September of 2027. Working with The Eagles will allow us to create a possible new signature event. More information to follow when more details are known.
Change for Change jar is on the back table. Drop your change to assist our Interact Club in granting additional Micro-Loans with the Interact Club of Grand Haven High School.
We have a Rotary Spotlight every month on WAWL.
We are in search for our next Peace Fellow to study overseas. If you know of someone looking for education or a career change please let Gernot know.
50/50 Raffle: We had no winners today - the pot rolls over!
Coffee at the Grand Haven Rotary Meetings provided by Kenzie's BE Cafe - please be sure to thank them by visiting the shop for a coffee or your next meeting!
