Amy Clickner, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

In 2018, our business development team visited with nearly 500 businesses in Marquette County. For the Lake Superior Community Partnership, that was a new record! Thanks to all of you who opened your office door to speak with us and allow us to hear your challenges and opportunities. Many of you toured us through your facilities providing a hands-on experience that helps us better understand your industry and how we may be able to assist.

While you’ve heard me talk about the talent crisis many businesses are facing, I wish I could tell you things have changed. However, it remains one of the top challenges facing businesses of all sizes and sectors, which is why the LSCP has several tools and partners that can assist those in search of that perfect employee.

Our website, www.marquette.org, has an entire section of resources under “jobs and talent.” There are links to a variety of job websites and information on engaging in internships or apprenticeships. We also post a “Job of the Week” on the website and throughout our social media platforms. Quarterly, we produce a Talent Newsletter to highlight activities and resources our investors may be interested in using.

On Feb. 28, you will want to grab a copy of the new Career Technical Education (CTE) magazine highlighting the many opportunities for students to be trained for fast-growing, high-paying careers. If you are a high school sophomore in Marquette or Alger counties, you will receive one at school. The number of organizations, educational institutions and businesses that come together to develop the magazine and all the programs inside is staggering!

Are you working on a talent recruitment plan? We can help with that, too. The “insight” software that we have, along with a certified user, has already provided critical intel to businesses looking to recruit employees to the region. We want employers to use their resources as effectively as possible and know our data can help.

Might wages be an issue in your search for employees? We can help with that too. By providing wage studies, as a service, businesses can quickly benchmark what they are paying against state and national averages. Perhaps by adjusting wages, you will find more candidates for your open positions.

Lastly, coming up is another collaborative effort between the LSCP, MARESA and Michigan Works! You may be familiar with Business After Hours, but have you heard of Industry After Hours? This event is to be held at Dan Perkins Construction from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. There will be hands-on activities with Dan Perkins and the Westwood High School Building Trades Program students. This event is open to students and parents wanting more information about entering a career in skilled trades.

What are you doing to meet your talent needs now and into the future? If the LSCP, and our many partners, can assist please give our Business Development Team a call at 906-226-6591.

Editor’s NOTE: Amy Clickner is CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Her twice-monthly column will address topics of interest to the local business community.