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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2015

Matthew Felan, (804) 347-6840
[email protected] 

GOVERNOR RICK SNYDER PRESENTS “CONNECT AWARD” TO STEM IMPACT INITIATIVE
Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Recognized for Connecting Business, Education & Non-Profits

(Detroit, MI) – On Tuesday, March 3, Governor Rick Snyder presented the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance STEM Impact Initiative with the “Connect Award” on the final day of the Governor’s Economic Development and Education Summit in Detroit. The STEM Impact Initiative was one of only 3 awards given statewide by Governor Snyder at this year’s Economic Development and Education Summit.

“Michigan has some of the best, brightest and most innovative entrepreneurs and educators in the nation,” Snyder said. “These local businesses, schools, and organizations are working together in really exciting ways to build a talent pipeline that will keep Michigan’s economy moving for generations.”

The Collaborate, Connect, and Create awards were each presented to one of Michigan’s 10 Prosperity Regions, which were created under the Governor Snyder to inspire collaboration and provide services more effectively and efficiently.

“The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance is absolutely thrilled to be recognized by Governor Snyder for the STEM Impact Initiative,” said Matthew Felan, President and CEO of Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance. “The results from the STEM Impact Initiative study have provided clear, fact based guidance and recommendations for the Great Lakes Bay Region to build a STEM talent pipeline.”

In 2014, leaders from business and education joined forces under the leadership of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance to launch the STEM Impact Initiative. The long-term goal of the Initiative is to increase the number of students who are interested in and prepared to pursue STEM-related careers in the region. The full results of the STEM Impact Initiative Study were released at a sold-out STEM Summit held at Central Michigan University last November. Phase Two of the STEM Impact Initiative begins on March 23, and will include major announcements about the formation of a regional STEM Program Management Office and STEM Hubs across the Great Lakes Bay Region.

“The Governor’s Prosperity Region Plan is designed to encourage collaboration,” Felan said. “Our STEM Impact Initiative was recognized because we have been ahead of the curve working in coordination with business, education, and non-profits to build a STEM Talent Pipeline to meet the growing needs of our current employers and to attract new jobs and companies to the Great Lakes Bay Region.”



Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance
The mission of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance is to encourage, support and celebrate regional collaboration and initiatives that will improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance is comprised of 48 Board Members who represent Bay, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties. www.greatlakesbay.com