U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner and Farm Service Agency Director Christine White held a roundtable on job creation and economic growth on Thursday, December 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lansing Community College’s West Campus.
The roundtable followed the Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth that President Barack Obama hosted at the White House on December 3.
Approximately 70 people showed up on a cold Michigan evening to offer their thoughts about how to improve Michigan’s economy. We were honored to have William Rustem, President and CEO, of Public Sector Consultants, who served as facilitator and kept the dialogue cordial and productive.
Also attending was Congressman Mark Schauer, who offered his thoughts on ways to get Michigan moving again. The diverse group included just about every segment of Michigan’s economy, from agricultural producers to manufacturers, educators and health care providers. As one would expect, the focus was largely rural, but everyone was aware that Michigan’s rural economy is still deeply tied to the fate of our inner cities and manufacturing centers.
The event wrapped up at 8 o’clock and a great many participants lingered to network and enjoyed the excellent refreshments provided by our host, Lansing Community College. Thanks to those who participated and especially to LCC President Brent Knight, Provost Stephanie Shanblatt, and Manager for Media Relations and Events Tess King. Their facilities are first-class and their technical support was great.
To learn more, go to the Rural Development and FSA Job Roundtables Schedule, and the News Release, “USDA to Host Roundtables on Jobs, Economic Growth”