Core Partners
We draw from the many resources of our member-partners including:
Michigan State University Extension
| Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). In June of 1992, the NLEA implemented a formal partnership with Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension). This partnership was established to allow the NLEA greater access to the University's vast pool of resources. The NLEA still maintains full control of its work plan and policies through the locally appointed Board of Directors. Both the resources of MSU and of the land grant colleges in the US are available to us through this arrangement. The MSU Extension partnership provides technology transfer, tourism development, training for community and economic development, technical support, overall economic development plans, community cash flow analysis, financial support, and community economic analysis tools. |
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Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center
| Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (sbTdc). Since 2001, the NLEA has had a formal partnership with the sbTdc. The sbTdc network is a grass roots advocate for small businesses working in partnership with local resources to grow and strengthen companies. New ventures, in particular, may be unfamiliar with funding sources and support services. The sbTdc works throughout the state to uncover opportunities and build relationships with organizations that make a real difference to entrepreneurs. The state headquarters is located at Grand Valley State University . It supports 12 regional offices and over 30 satellite offices, each providing counseling and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the 83 counties in Michigan through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration. The regional office in Traverse City provides the NLEA with valuable staff resources, technical expertise, and holds various training events jointly with the NLEA. |
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Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
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Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG). In 2005, the NLEA negotiated a formal partnership with the NWMCOG. Recognizing that both the NLEA and NWMCOG strive to improve the economy in the communities of Northwest Michigan , it was determined that a partnership could benefit both organizations and our area by maximizing resources. The NWMCOG provides resources to support the NLEA’s community development program. This partnership provides a seamless approach to helping our communities on a variety of projects, including assisting with the preparation of the annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, organizing Sustainable Business Forums and organizing local area transportation planning activities. Additionally staff works with local communities by assisting them in the furtherance of their economic and community development strategies. |
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Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District
| Charlevoix - Emmet Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD). Both the Char-Em ISD and the NLEA are in the business of developing communities. The NLEA maintains a strategic partnership with the Char-Em ISD where we work together to create high skilled and high paying jobs, attract business to the area, and map out work force development needs. In addition, the Char-Em ISD generously provides us with office space, technical support and other services to support a variety of community and economic development programs. |
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Michigan Economic Development Corporation
| Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In June 2001, the NLEA entered a formal partnership agreement with the MEDC. This partnership has proven to be valuable to obtaining state economic resources. The MEDC is a corporation formed by our state government that is responsible for delivering economic development services statewide. The agreement provides greater access to the state’s vast resource of community and economic development tools. These tools include grants, loans, technical assistance, business development tools, community assistance programs, training, speakers and promotional materials. The partnership also gives us the opportunity to review and make suggestions on new economic programs as they are being developed. NLEA staff regularly make joint local business retention calls with MEDC representatives. |
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