From the MEDA Annual Meeting in Bellaire, Michigan, Chris spoke with Jenifer Owens, CEO of Lake Shore Advantage, in Zeeland, Michigan. Lake Shore Advantage is an economic development agency in Ottawa county. One of the main focuses of the agency is to attract new and retain existing businesses.

One of the challenges, as new companies come into the area, is the talent gap. A key selling point of the region for attracting businesses, is quality of life, diverse employment, a community centered environment, beautiful downtowns and numerous festivals. She speaks on the importance of working with local schools to assist with workforce development in effort to help with the talent gap. The agency brings in over 400 interns per year. With such a diverse community, there is involvement with international business relationships, with a strong European and Korean base working on opening doors with existing companies.