Knowledge • News • Insights

In Partnership With

Michigan Business Network: LAFCU - Top

Bay Future | Bay Future Focus: December 2022

08.21.19 -- BayFutureDriveForward.

President & CEO’s Message

Last week, we had the honor and privilege of welcoming President Joe Biden, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Representative Dan Kildee, and numerous esteemed guests to Bay County! President Biden spoke about the critical role SK Siltron CSS is playing in advancing U.S. manufacturing and how critical efforts like this are in growing the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
 
We are fortunate to have a county, region, and state rich with manufacturing history and legacy. When SK Siltron CSS made the announced investment of $300 Million in Bay County, the resources we had here and available to the company were a critical aspect – talent and training providers being two at the top. The growth of advanced manufacturing and future-focused careers in this and similar industries includes skill trades opportunities, administrative opportunities, and growth in the engineering sector. To be able to compete in attracting and retaining employers, there too must be growth opportunities and resources to employees.
 
That’s why we’re excited to announce a new initiative we are working on together with regional partners called Regional Talent Innovation. This program offers FREE short-term training – at no cost to employers – in areas related to advanced manufacturing. Our businesses also have the opportunity to engage with the Going PRO Talent Funds which awards grants to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
 
We’re grateful for the partnerships and collaboration that allows programs like these to assist employers and employees, alike, in an effort to help grow our community and help to grow the skills of those people in our community.
 
These efforts are not possible without the dedication of our team and the staunch support of our Bay Future: Drive. Forward. Investors. Thank you.
 
Continue reading, below, to learn more about President Biden’s visit and the Regional Talent Initiative!
 
Keyes 2022
 
 
Happy reading,
 
-Trevor Keyes, EDFP
President & CEO
Bay Future, Inc.
 
 
Featured Content
 
 
President Biden Visits SK Siltron CSS, Calls it a “Game Changer”
In his address, President Biden said, “They [SK] produce everything from semiconductors to Electric Vehicle batteries to chargers to pharmaceuticals. Part of the investment is coming right here in Bay City to produce semiconductor materials for the small computer chips that power our everyday lives…They’re especially critical for powering electric vehicles. I also want to thank the leaders of SK siltron css. I met with… some of their folks as well in Korea. They’re a first-rate operation, and they’re going to create a lot of good-paying jobs here… They’re going to do that pretty soon.”
 
In August of 2021, SK Siltron CSS announced a $300+ Million investment in their Bay County facility to expand production of much-needed silicon carbide wafers, considered the future of the industry because of their ability to efficiently transfer energy. The announcement included plans to create an additional 150 good paying jobs.
 
 
“We need these chips to make vehicles,” continued Biden. Earlier in the day, the President toured the facility where SK Siltron CSS produces silicon carbide (SiC) wafers, which can increase the driving range of an EV up-to 10%.
 
The event was a momentous occasion to recognize how America is bringing manufacturing operations back home and recognized SK Siltron CSS in its efforts to employ talented people in support of their vision to create sustainable solutions that are home-grown and geared toward changing the world, right here in Bay County, Michigan!
 
Read more on the event:
 
Check out the MLive Video below highlighting President Biden’s Speech:
President Biden visits Bay City's SK Siltron
 
 
NEW INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT: S-S Development & Management Investing $2 Million
Uptown Bay City continues to expand along the Bay City riverfront with the additional investment of $2 Million. Two buildings are currently under construction along the expanded 10th Street and Water Street corridors that will serve as nine market-rate rental housing townhomes, slated for completion in early 2023.
 
 
This investment will continue the goal of Shaheen Development, with the support of many partners, including the City of Bay City, to create a more vibrant, and energetic area and walkable community contributing to a strong sense of place.
 
Investor Spotlight
 
IBEW Local 692 / NECA – Meet Travis Brady
Bay Future, Inc. Meet Travis Brady
“Without these projects coming to the area, we’re living out of suitcases across the country… I’m really optimistic about Bay County’s future just by seeing what’s taken place in the last 5 years and there’s a different energy walking around town.”
 
Learn more about Travis Brady, Bay Future, Inc. Board of Director and Business Representative IBEW Local 692 / NECA
 
 
Featured Program
 
Regional Talent Initiative – FREE Training
 
 
What is RTI?
The Regional Talent Innovation Program provides FREE, short-term training in areas related to advanced manufacturing. Trainees can select up to 40 hours of trainings from the 30 courses being offered through Delta College. 
 
Who can benefit?
Anyone who has been impacted in any way by COVID-19 and lives OR works in the following Michigan counties: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, or Saginaw can receive FREE training.
 
Customized training plans for Employers
If you’re an employer, you know the needs of your company and how those can be met through upskilling your current employees. Through RTI, you can connect with Delta College for a free consultation to develop a training program and sequence of courses that meets some of those needs.
 
Your customized training plan can be scheduled at times that work best for your business and that works around your production schedule. The courses and materials are free, and your business will not be billed for services. This is not a reimbursement program. No matching funds are required to participate in the program.
 
When does the program run?
Applications are now open and trainings will be offered through April 2023.
 
What are my next steps?
Employers looking to customize training programs for their employees start by reaching out and letting us know your needs and ideas.
 
The process is as easy as 1,2,3
1. Submit the Employer Interest Form (opens in new window)
2. Delta College will connect with you to create a training series and course schedule that fits your needs and your business
3. Your employees complete and submit Application Forms and the required verification materials
 
What trainings are available for free?
Participants can select up to 40 hours worth of trainings that will be 100% FREE. Materials and supplies will also be FREE! Training is offered in the following categories:
  • ·    Supervisor, Operations, and Business
  • ·    Safety
  • ·    Robotics
  • ·    Manufacturing Skills
  • ·    LEAN
  • ·    Computer Skills
  • ·    Basic Manufacturing and Shop Skills
To see a full list of available trainings visit https://mmdc.org/training/
Don’t hesitate to get in line for this first come, first serve training. Click the “Training Request Form” link below to express your interest for FREE training.
 
Want to speak with someone directly? Contact Jim Reaume&n

What's Hot

Mic higan Business Network: Bold LeadHERS purple logo

Bold LeadHERS | Inaugural Episode

Lorri Rischar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, joins Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI.Together they Co-Host the new MBN show “BOLD LeadHERS”

Read More »
Mic higan Business Network: Bold LeadHERS purple logo

Bold LeadHERS | Inaugural Episode

Lorri Rischar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, joins Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI.Together they Co-Host the new MBN show “BOLD LeadHERS”

Read More »

Get the latest news from MBN right in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a beat.