West Shore Business & Economic Summit 2024

Overview:
Featuring sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strategies for business growth, including practical applications of AI in manufacturing and talent retention, this is an event you and your team will want to attend. The summit will conclude with a session on the political landscape at both the state and federal levels. This event is put on by West Shore Bank, West Shore Community College, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber Alliance of Mason County. 

AGENDA

1:00 - 2:00 PM: Artificial Intelligence: what it is, what it can do and where it is going. Brian Tol, Chief Technology Officer, SpinDance.

2:00 - 2:45 PM: Cybersecurity with the Michigan Deputy Attorney General

2:45 - 3:00 PM: Break

3:00 - 3:45 PM: Breakout sessions

AI for Manufacturing: The Right Place

Does your company want to implement AI into some processes but not sure where to start? This session offers a framework to begin incorporating AI to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Employee Value Propositions: TaRita Johnson, VP of Talent, The Right Place

The what and why: developing a statement as to what your company offers employees in exchange for their skills and commitment.

Hello West Michigan: Rachel Gray, Executive Director, Hello West Michigan

Become connected with Hello West Michigan to elevate talent sourcing and how to tap into available programs and opportunities to attract talent.

Apprenticeships: Julie Sanders, Apprenticeship Specialist, Michigan Works West Central and Evelyn Szpliet, Regional Director of Apprenticeship Services, Networks Northwest

Learn about the numerous opportunities for Apprenticeships including the creation, funding and execution.

3:45 - 4:00 PM: Break

4:00 - 5:00 PM: It’s an Election Year: What is the Scoop at State and Federal Levels?

Kevin Courtois - Vice President, Great Lakes Regional Office Government Affairs, and Jim Holcomb - President and CEO, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

The federal and state political landscape: potential scenarios and what businesses should be aware of in 2024 and 2025

5:00 - 7:00 PM: Business After Hours Meets Chamber Untapped

Sponsored by OxyChem, Ludington Meat Company, and Martin Marietta