MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) — A coalition of economic development leaders has introduced a strategic framework consisting of 10 key priorities aimed at fostering long-term economic growth across Michigan. These initiatives are organized into four core areas: attracting and supporting businesses, strengthening communities, advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, and cultivating a skilled workforce. Randy Thelen, chair of the Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), emphasized that retaining existing talent is as vital as drawing in new professionals.
“It’s similar to running a company,” Thelen explained. “If a business struggles to keep its current clients, how can it realistically bring in new ones? This principle applies statewide.”
He highlighted that nurturing homegrown talent begins with leveraging Michigan’s network of higher education institutions. While performance varies among schools in keeping graduates within the state, Thelen stressed that human capital is foundational to building a modern economy.
Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP and an EDLM member, noted a shift in both the state’s economic landscape and workforce expectations. He argued that Michigan must move beyond its traditional identity as an automotive and manufacturing hub.
“Relying solely on our legacy industries is no longer sufficient,” Fittante said. “What makes this plan significant is that it opens doors in advanced manufacturing, encourages technological advancement, and supports the renewal of local communities.”
Fittante also pointed out that innovation plays a crucial role in keeping younger professionals in the state. Today’s workforce, especially younger individuals, often chooses where to live based on lifestyle and opportunity, not just employment options.
The coalition is calling on state officials and community leaders to adopt these recommendations as part of a unified effort to ensure Michigan remains competitive and economically resilient in the coming decades.
— news from Upper Michigan’s Source
— News Original —
Coalition unveils 10 priorities for Michigan’s economic growth
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Economic Development Leaders for Michigan have released a unified list of 10 priorities to help Michigan grow and prosper long-term. The list includes targeted investments and policy reforms across four key categories: business attraction and retention, community development, innovation and entrepreneurship and talent. EDLM Chair Randy Thelen says the state can’t just attract talent; it needs to retain it. n n“It’s almost akin to a business,” Thelen said. “If a business can’t retain its current customers, how can you expect it to attract new ones? That’s true across the state.” n nThelen says developing the state starts with keeping young talent here. n n“We have a collection of great universities and colleges all across Michigan,” Thelen said. “Some are better than others at retaining their talent. As we think about how we grow a new economy for the state, it starts with people, it starts with talent.” n nMarty Fittante is the CEO of InvestUP, a member of the EDLM. Fittante says there’s been a change in the way Michigan does business and in the workforce, which is where entrepreneurship becomes critical. n n“Michigan can no longer just rely on being the automotive capital and the manufacturing that went alongside that,” Fittante said. “From our perspective, that’s what’s so important here, because it provides opportunity around advanced manufacturing. It provides opportunity around innovation, it provides opportunity around community revitalization.” n nFittante says embracing innovation can also help achieve retention goals. n n“Often now, with that younger generation, they’re making decisions based upon where they want to live as opposed to the job that they want to have,” Fittante said. n nThe EDLM members are urging state policymakers and leaders to support these initiatives as part of a collaborative strategy to secure Michigan’s future economic success. n nThe video above will feature the TV6 livestream until staff can clip the corresponding story, if available, from broadcasts or other TV6 content. You can subscribe to our YouTube page or download TV6+ to stream the latest local news and weather.