HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) is holding their biggest education and networking event of the year in Holland this week.
According to Lakeshore Advantage, the meetings have drawn the largest amount of sponsorship support and will be the most well-attended meeting in the organization’s 57-year history. The meetings run today, August 16 through August 18 and will take place at the Haworth Inn and Conference Center, with breakouts, meetups and tours being hosted throughout the region.
Holland was considered for the first time ever by the MEDA annual meeting committee due to the recently expanded hotel capacity in downtown Holland. More than 170 economic development professionals are registered to attend.
John Avery, MEDA’s executive director says that Holland is the ideal setting to showcase forward-thinking economic development practices that work. The West Michigan lakeshore region is a shining example of how economic development success can be achieved by all sizes of communities.
Opening the conference is a session “Fierce Competitors Join Forces to Develop Talent Pipeline,” featuring Franco Bianchi, president and CEO of Haworth, Inc. and Brian C. Walker, president and CEO of Herman Miller, Inc., sharing about their collaboration efforts to ensure talented workers for the future.
Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage says a standing ovation goes out to our world-class employers and businesses opening their doors this week as exceptional examples of achieving economic success and a vibrant community for living, working, playing and learning.
Tours at the Holland Energy Park, Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute and Saugatuck Brewing Company will highlight internationally recognized best practices in a public utility’s role supporting business and the community, chemical manufacturing and the craft brewing process. Other local businesses that will host MEDA events this week include Boatwerks, Big E’s, Butch’s, CityFlats Hotel, Curragh Irish Pub, Hops @ 84 East, Mizu Sushi and New Holland Brewery.
