Amy Clickner, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Journal columnist

At the LSCP, we do approximately 500 business visits per year to make sure we understand the challenges and opportunities they are facing. The number one challenge we continue to hear, is the difficulty finding and retaining talent.

So as an economic development organization, we have had to find our place in the talent world. While a big portion of that role is to collaborate with our workforce partners, there are programs and resources that we also manage.

A great example of working to solve a talent need is the Electrical Line Technician program that our LSCP Foundation started with NMU over 16 years ago to meet the ongoing needs of the utility industry. Interested in learning more about this program? Check out our website lscpfoundation.org .

Are you interested in assisting your current talent in professional development? Or community leadership opportunities? Then our Lake Superior Leadership Academy is a must! This program is a great way to retain and grow your current talent by providing them a back stage pass to the inner workings of our community. To apply for the program check out our website, Marquette.org/participate/lsla.

Looking to train or retain employees? Attend one of the upcoming educational sessions about the Going PRO Talent Fund program which provides financial incentives to businesses looking to do so. UPward will be holding information sessions for employers across the Upper Peninsula over the next few months. During this summer’s information sessions, businesses can learn about the application process and how to get started. Information will also be provided on the different types of training, grant requirements and funding parameters.

Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties: 7/18/2019, 8/1/2019, 8/8/2019, 8/15/2019

Baraga, Marquette, and Alger Counties: 7/18/2019, 8/14/2019, 8/21/2019, 8/28/2019

Check out upmichiganworks.org website for session location and times.

Our website offers a variety of resources regarding talent. From the “Job of the Week” to connections to our workforce partners, you will find an abundant amount of information to assist you in your talent needs. You will find this information at marquette.org under the heading Live & Work- Working Here.

While employers in all sectors are struggling to find talent, we hear the need for those in the skilled trades most often. There are incredible opportunities for young people in these fields and there is a great opportunity to learn more on September 25 at 9:00 am to September 26 at 1:15 pm at the 2019 U.P. Professional Trades Career Days at the Marquette County Fairgrounds.

Do you have children or grandchildren away that are looking for an opportunity to return to the U.P.? Well there are plenty of opportunities across the region for them to consider. Encourage them to stay up to date with our website marquette.org for links to resources and job opportunities that may interest them. We do not need to sell those familiar with the 906 area code what a wonderful place it is to live, work and play. They know that the four seasons, low risk of natural disasters, low crime and great schools make it a perfect place to raise a family.

Believe it or not, there are an incredible number of job opportunities across the region with no easy solution on how to fill them. How can you help? Share this information with family and friends outside of the area that may be considering a move to the U.P. You never know when you may help make a match.

PS. From the Board of Directors and staff of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, we congratulate Jim Reevs on his retirement as publisher of The Mining Journal. Jim was a founding board member of the LSCP and has been an incredible supporter of economic development throughout the years. He and The Mining Journal have helped and supported our efforts to see our community thrive and grow. We wish him all the best on this next chapter of his life.

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.