Development: Jobs Landed

Supporting the development of a digital trails initiative in Northeast Michigan in conjunction with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) and the Up North Trails Collaborative.  The project involves the launch of a first-of-its kind initiative to "digitize" the trail networks in Northeast Michigan.  The "Digital Trails" project is intended to represent the nation's first trail network integrated with broadband access points, mobile applications and other app supported tools to enhance and support tourism, access, education, and commercial development in northeast Michigan.  The initiative encompasses three areas of focus including  implementation of a pilot program to digitize a segment of the Up North Trails system; creation and implementation of a fund development plan; and the establishment of a comprehensive marketing plan.

I am responsible for developing funding strategies for Prima Civitas Foundation and securing and managing funding from external sources. In addition, I work with the staff and leadership team in program development and strategic planning.

As Vice President of Regional Partnerships, my role is to maintain and cultivate relations within the community that enhance Lansing’s convention and tourism industry.  In addition, as part of an agreement between the GLCVB and LEPFA, I am responsible for Convention and Meeting Sales at the Lansing Center.

On Twitter: @gus_pine

I finally found a position where I can apply both my creativity and business acumen to a significant growth opportunity.  I will be working with a cross functional team at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, INC. to expand the company’s franchise locations both nationally and internationally.  Currently the company has over 200 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Ireland which equates to 3500 movers and 1400 iconic trucks.  I am starting with a priority of expanding East and West coast franchise locations.  In the process, I will get to work with prospects that are looking at starting their first small business or expanding their current franchise footprint.    
 
I am proud to be a part of this company with a great culture that is headquartered right here in Lansing.  I was treated to the best first week on the job ever.  I can’t wait to look at a franchise location map a year from now and see what this team accomplished.

On Twitter: @igeekmama3

Responsible for developing strategic athletic donor stewardship and event initiatives by sustaining positive and mutually-rewarding relations between the Athletic Department and its donors; partner with university colleagues and coaches to determine the best strategies for effective stewardship of donors; maintain ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies; and provide event management for increased donor engagement.

On Twitter: @sarahskilling

 I will be serving as a Capital Equity Intern for this coming summer and will assist in administering programs to provide access to capital for businesses across the state.  Some of the current programs include a venture capital fund, small business capital access program, in addition to some new programs that will be implemented this summer that I will be assisting with.  My professional interests include economic redevelopment in the State of Michigan as well as entrepreneurship.  In the past I have worked for a venture capitalist firm (RPM Ventures) in Ann Arbor and have been a small business owner myself and will bring these experiences with with me into the work I will be doing for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

On Twitter: @itsaDJstory

As a Co-Director of the New Economy Division for Leap, Jeff is focused on developing the culture of entrepreneurship in the Lansing Region through programs, space, and events. Programs include business accelerator services, facilitating the Lansing Regional SmartZone, funding mechanisms, as well as supporting regional business incubators. Prior to joining LEAP, Jeff spent the last 4 years as Project Manager for New Economy Initiatives for the City of East Lansing, as well as staff of the Lansing Regional Smartzone.   In these roles, Jeff helped develop the operations and management programs for the Technology Innovation Center and the Hatch student business incubator. 

On Twitter: @jothum

Working as the Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association is probably the best job I could ask for straight out of college.  I have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and produce large scale festivals and events, beautification projects and community enhancements to benefit the revitalization efforts for Old Town Lansing. I work with 1300 volunteers annually, manage 5 committees plus additional festival committees throughout the year, and train 5 interns from Michigan State University on the Michigan Main Street Program. I do everything from plant flowers to producing the annual festival fundraisers. With all of that amazing creative community energy that surrounds me daily from the families that visit our office to the business owners who support OTCA's efforts - I am able to combine my unique ideas with the community to execute our Old Town Lansing community development and economic revitalization program. I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity to make an impact and leave a legacy on the Greater Lansing community I love so much.

On Twitter: @LouiseGradwohl

The New Economy Division of LEAP handles a number of different economic development initiatives on behalf of the tri-county region including: the management of the Lansing Regional SmartZone including the Technology Innovation Center & the Hatch, the administration of State of Michigan business accelerator funds and tools to help encourage the growth of startup companies, as well as a number of different “placemaking” and talent initiatives.  Our goal is to create a more entrepreneurial focused culture within the Greater Lansing region by supporting companies, places, events and assets that encourage this transformation.

My current role involves building mobile apps, but I also try to think about how users interact with technology and what their goals are. I was living in Lansing having most recently taught at LCC. My friend, Scott Gowell, who already works at Gravity Works, knew that I had been working with iPhone apps and suggested my name when they started looking for a new developer. I've only been here a couple weeks, but I've known most of the people here for a while, so it's been great so far. I like the challenge of learning new technologies as mobile apps become more common.

At Gravity Works we strive to make people's lives better through the application of technologies.  It is very enjoyable making the world a better place by doing things like enabling a small business owner to take orders while  watching their daughter play volleyball or helping in the fight against preventable disease and extreme poverty.

Follow me on Twitter: @DavidSilvaSmith

As resident wordsmith at Gravity Works, I manage content. This means writing proposals and content integration in DotNetNuke, as well as skinning web pages with CSS, social media, and editing photos. We have a very creative, collaborate environment; everyone at Gravity Works is excited to work with new technologies---HTML5, CSS3, mobile development for the iPad, and the latest in ASP.NET. I've really been enjoying Adobe Creative Suite 5, but the best part is finding out what gets clients excited about their new websites.

Follow me on Twitter @LaurenTGC

As the Multi-Media Marketing Specialist, I came into the organization and created a social media strategy for all Leap’s brands. I work to keep the communication through these channels tight and efficient. We are currently using social media to connect with the movers and shakers in the region and keep the community up to speed on different initiatives Leap has taken on.

In addition to working with social media, I also assist in day to day traditional communications with investors and the board of directors as well as with Leap’s marketing projects. I do my best to keep our websites fresh with interesting content and work with each of the Greater Lansing Next strategy teams to keep the community in the loop on what these teams are working on since the launch last year.

There is always something great happening in the region that I get to tell people about. I spend a lot of time trying to get connected and network with the right people doing all the right things. I love my job and I get to do what I love every day.

I work with Michigan businesses, MEDC Business Development staff and local economic development partners across the State of Michigan to design incentive packages to expand, locate and/or retain businesses and jobs here in our state.  This includes making incentive recommendations and managing project portfolios to ensure success of businesses and job creation in Michigan. 

I work with local governments and non-profits on key strategic initiatives to improve lives within Greater Lansing, specifically working on grant writing, facilitating cross-boundary collaboration on strategic regional projects.  I also work with our action teams organized under the Greater Lansing Next plan.