ECONOMIC FORUM IN WORKS FOR CENTRAL LAKE

Senator Jason Allen and Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer are bringing state and regional experts to meet with community leaders in Central Lake on April 15 at 6:00 p.m.to discuss options and opportunities as northwest Michigan continues to grapple with a struggling economy.

The public meeting will be in the cafeteria of Central Lake High School, 8190 West State Street.

Tremendous economic difficulties are hitting area companies like Barnes Precision and Second Chance. Their workers and other local residents deserve as much information as possible, according to the lawmakers organizing the event.

"Transitions may be filled with opportunities, but they are extremely hard to navigate," said Allen, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. "There are no easy answers, but these experts can help workers and job providers strategize for the future as they attempt to rebuild their lives."

The free forum has invited representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Michigan Works. There will also be staffers from local family health centers and resource centers.

"Residents and community leaders can come to learn more about what resources are available," said Elsenheimer. "Individual workers and their families, as well as the community, region and state, all have a stake in establishing a direction that will lead to a better future for people in this area."

For more information about the meeting, contact Sen. Allen’s office at 1-866-525-5637 or Elsenheimer’s office at 1-877-536-4105.