Registration still open for West Shore Business and Economic Summit

Registration still open for West Shore Business and Economic Summit

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press. 

VICTORY TOWNSHIP —Registration is still open for the next week’s West Shore Business and Economic Summit. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20 at West Shore Community College and is sponsored by WSCC, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Alliance of Mason County, and West Shore Bank. 

WSCC President Scott Ward said the event is meant to inspire local leaders and create networking opportunities. 

“West Shore Bank used to hold a business symposium here at the college, around 2014, 2015,” Ward said. “It was well received and included some great speakers. It’s been a few years now and we wanted to recreate that event. It’s vital for our local business and industry leaders to come together and learn about what’s happening elsewhere in the state and the country.”

Ward said the key note speaker, Wendy Block, will discuss issues that are being addressed by the legislature in Lansing. Block is senior vice president of business advocacy and member engagement for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

“This is information that impacts every single one of the businesses in this area,” Ward said. “Knowing what’s going on will help everyone prepare for their future business plans.” 

Ward said anyone is welcome to attend the event. 

“You don’t have to own a business to come to this event,” he said. “The topics, of course, are about business and we are strongly encouraging business owners, managers, and CEOs to attend, it’s open to the public. It’s actually a good opportunity to meet local business leaders.” 

The event begins at 1 p.m. and will conclude with appetizers and cocktails.

“There will be some great networking opportunities at this event as well,” Ward said. 

In addition to the key note speaker, attendees will have the opportunity to attend break-out sessions. 

A panel of talent experts will include TaRita Johnson, senior vice president of talent and diversity at The Right Place, Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of Michigan Works, and Stephanie Beckhorn, director of employment and training for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.  Other breakout sessions will include marketing/social media for big and small business, creative compensation and wages, accessing capital-small business, EmergeSkillled, and talent retention as a strategic journey.

Cost to attend is $35 for chamber members (Mason County or Manistee Area) or $50 for non-members. 

Registration is open here.