Mayor’s initiative recognized at Mid America Economic Development Council
Michigan City’s Promise Scholarship was named one of the “Best Practices in Talent Retention Strategies” by Ady Advantage, a comprehensive and integrated economic development, site selection and marketing consulting firm.
The scholarship won the award after a Midwest Talent Strategy Inventory was conducted by the Wisconsin firm, and was recognized at the Mid America Economic Council Best Practices Conference in Milwaukee this week. 85 communities across the Midwest submitted their initiatives, 10 were interviewed, and the top 5 were invited to the conference to receive the award.
“My administration recognizes that one of the most important components businesses and manufacturing are looking for is a talented and job-ready workforce. Michigan City will continue to utilize innovative ways, like the Promise Scholarship, to prepare our residents with skills necessary for high wage jobs in today’s employment market,” said Mayor Ron Meer.
Introduced in 2017, Promise Scholarship is a Mayor Ron Meer initiative, offering up to $5,000 per year, renewable for four years, to eligible Michigan City High School seniors who will be attending a regionally accredited college, university, post-secondary educational program or vocational school in the State of Indiana. Students are required to participate in community service with a goal of engaging them in the community, making it more likely they will choose to live and work in Michigan City.
“Talent retention and attraction in our workforce are going to be keys to both retaining and attracting livable wage companies to Michigan City. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan (EDCMC) is excited about this recognition of Michigan City’s creativity and thrilled to be part of the initial team that introduced and brought the concept to fruition,” stated Clarence Hulse, EDCMC Executive Director, “We are already seeing dividends of the program by an increase of students in Michigan City Area Schools, home sales have increased citywide and more families moving into Michigan City corporate city limits.”
For more information about Promise Scholarship, visit www.michigancitypromise.com. To read the article, visit www.adyadvantage.com/communities-innovate-to-confront-talent-shortage.
Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana, is committed to growing and attracting new industry and business to the community as well as strengthening existing business. EDCMC services, programs and one-on-one assistance clearly provide the optimum business environment — a place where commerce and industry can prosper and grow. EDCMC merges the right mix of resources, including city government officials, utility engineers and the expertise of business leaders. Exclusive incentive packages and unique natural resources make Michigan City the place to build or expand. For more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.