Since 2012 Michigan Business Network wraps up each year with an Economic Forecast Series. 2017 was no different. These stops cover a wide geography of Michigan from the Detroit region and Grand Rapids, to Lansing, the Bay Region, Traverse City and we don't forget about the Upper Peninsula.

The stops conducted usually in November and December promote participation in the twice a year Michigan Future Business Index, and later ones get to share the results of the newest survey. This is underwritten by Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, conducted by ROI Insight, and presented by Michigan Business Network. The video above is the encapsuled experience of that morning's event.

Hosted in Marquette, Michigan Business Network once again joins LSCP, the Lake Superior Community Partnership for the U.P. stop on the series. This recent year's was Friday December 8th! 

As the Michigan Future Business Indexes over the last three-and-a-half years have shown. The "Talent Gap" is the biggest issue facing Michigan businesses. Therefore this event decided to focus on the MFBI results and then tap into a "Talent Panel" for the LSCP Economic Outlook Breakfast.

Joining MBN's Chris Holman were four experts from across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Brian Sarvello is the Career and Technical Education Director for the Marquette-Alger RESA, supporting all high school vocational programs in the two-county region. He led the collaborative effort to establish the Marquette Alger Technical Middle College, which serves as the model for CTE Early/Middle Colleges in Michigan. He’s passionate about providing more CTE and STEM opportunities for all students and providing our region with the skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow our economy.

William (Bill) Raymond is currently the CEO of the Upward Talent Council, which is the Michigan Works organization for the Upper Peninsula. Prior to that position he was Executive Director of the Ottawa County Michigan Works!/Community Action Agency in Holland, MI for 10 years. Other positions include Chief Operating Officer of I.N. Network USA, a community development organization dedicated to building the capacity of indigenous organizations and personnel in 30 developing countries. He also has his own consulting firm, FaithWorks Consulting, LLC and was the Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries, a faith-based intermediary & consulting organization in Holland, MI.

Ruth A. Solinski is a respected business and human resources (HR) a thought leader with demonstrated results in building/sustaining labor and employee relationships, aligning teams with business strategies, coaching and mentoring for performance and implementing Lean processes. With strong business acumen, effective communication skills and strength as an outcomes-oriented leader, Ruth provides consulting and facilitation services in the area of strategic planning, process improvement, and HR through her own consulting company.

Robert Eslinger is currently the Interim Dean of the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences at Northern Michigan University.