An employer information session for the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program will be held on Thursday, March 10 at Henry Ford College in Dearborn.

Companies will have the chance to meet with current MAT2 employers and students and tour the college's training facility.

One of the key benefits of MAT2 is the program's applicant pool. With access to the applicant pool, employers can view resumes of candidates who are interested in working in highly skilled technical careers - and who meet the academic requirements to be successful in a challenging, technical training program.

The students companies will observe during the information sessions are currently employed by companies participating in MAT2 who have paid for the students' tuition and provided apprenticeship opportunities. As an employer who could take advantage of MAT2, the State of Michigan is offering the opportunity to become a part of the MAT2 program, which will begin in the fall of 2016.

Attending one of these sessions will provide you with an inside view of the expertise of the next generation of skilled technicians, leaving you impressed with their quality and professionalism!

The information session at Henry Ford College (5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128) will take place in the Technology Building, Room E-123. Employers are invited to attend either the morning or afternoon session. The morning session will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., while the afternoon session will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

To RSVP, or for more details, please e-mail wda-mat2@michigan.gov.

For more information about how to become a MAT2 employer, please visit www.mitalent.org/mat2-employer-information/.

From the picturesque wineries amid the rolling landscape of the northwest Lower Peninsula to the expansive farms of mid-Michigan to the flat terrain of the Thumb and slopes of the state’s southern border, Michigan’s agribusiness evokes a compelling portrait of the ongoing progress of one of the Great Lake state’s largest and most profitable industries.

Collectively, the eclectic assemblage of (commodity, dairy, cattle, hog, turkey) farmers, meat processors, wine-makers, microbrewers, and fresh-food enthusiasts provide an impressive mosaic and diverse representation of those behind the state’s promising agribusiness future.

In total, approximately 52,000 farms throughout the state generate more than $100 billion in economic business with Michigan leading the nation in the production of blueberries, cucumbers, squash, tart cherries, four varieties of dry beans, and 12 assortments of flowers.

In March, the state celebrates a thriving food and agriculture business with a range of events and public awareness campaigns around the fertile land of the Mitten, which boasts the second most agriculturally diverse state with more than 300 commodities.

“Michigan’s food and agricultural businesses have always been a major part of our economy and they are continuing to play a large role in the state’s comeback,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “There is a tremendous opportunity for these companies to take a national leadership role in research and development, food processing, and exports from Michigan.”

The state’s natural resources are critical to the success of the agribusiness industry. Indeed, the diversity of the food grown in Michigan, access to water, and the range of microclimates make the state a unique environment for all facets of the food and agriculture chain.”

“Not only is March a great time to thank our farmers, it’s also a time to look at the abundant business and career opportunities,” said Jamie Clover Adams, director of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “From skilled trades to technology-based careers to having your own food-based company, the possibilities are limitless.”

Did You Know?

• Michigan farmers produce 300 different types of food and agricultural products.
• Michigan Sugar Company, the only sugar processor in the state, processes sugar for Pioneer, Big Chief, and more than 20 other private labels.
• Michigan ranks first in the nation for tart cherry production, and fourth for sweet cherries.
• Michigan ranks first in the nation for the production of low fat ice cream mix, but Michigan dairy farmers also contribute to other products such as Hudsonville ice cream, Kraft cheese, Yoplait yogurt, Michigan Made cottage cheese, and Country Fresh sour cream.
• Michigan is first in the nation for production of dry black beans, cranberry beans, and small red beans and second for production of all dry beans.
• Michigan has over 100 commercial wineries, and ranks first in the nation for production of Niagara grapes and eighth for wine grape production.
• Nursery and perennial plants are the second largest agricultural commodity group in Michigan.
• Michigan egg farmers supply all the eggs to McDonald's restaurants east of the Mississippi River.
• Michigan is No. 1 for production of blueberries.
• Michigan supplies 3 million Christmas trees annually to the national market.
• Michigan slices more apples than any other state for use in pies.
• Michigan is fourth in the nation in farmer's markets, supplying fresh farmer products to Michiganders every week.

For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development's website.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is proud to announce that Roush Enterprises of Livonia MI has been selected as a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer, joining GM, Whirlpool Corporation and Quicken Loans as one of the top employers of veterans in Michigan.

Roush Enterprises began the Roush Veterans Initiative Program in June, 2013 and soon thereafter achieved MVAA Bronze-Level status.  Their efforts included visits to active component military transition sites to present employment opportunities to transitioning service members, a constant presence at veteran-centric hiring events, a professionally crafted marketing plan focused on attracting veterans to their workforce, and an unselfish sharing of best practices with other employers throughout Michigan, and the nation.

Roush achieved Silver-Level status in June, 2014 and has also been recognized with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Pro Patria Award (2015), the Disabled American Veterans National Commanders Award for Large Business (2015), the Victory Media Military Friendly Employer designation (2015 and 2016), and was a 2015 finalist for the prestigious US Chamber of Commerce Hiring our Heroes Steve Robinson Post 9/11 Veteran Employment Award – a recognition shared with international employers like PNC Bank, Starbucks and Hilton Worldwide.

Congratulations to Rob Ells, Veterans Initiative Program Manager at Roush, Vice President of Prototype Operations Mr. Steve Sciatto, Human Resources Director Kris Munroe, Chairman and founder Jack Roush, and to all the veteran friendly employees at Roush Enterprises.       

MVAA recognizes employers that commit to military veteran recruitment, training and retention practices by awarding those employers Gold, Silver and Bronze level status as Veteran-Friendly Employers. MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program helps qualified organizations recruit and retain top veteran talent while providing others a road map to improve their recruitment efforts.  

MVAA will assist employers as they develop and improve their efforts to recruit and retain high-quality veteran candidates. Employers who meet the criteria will be publicly recognized and allowed to use the Gold, Silver or Bronze Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employer logo to market themselves to potential veteran applicants.

If your organization would like to be recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Employer, please review the criteria and fill out the Veteran-Friendly Employer Application and send it to:

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Attn. Employment Analyst
P.O. Box 30104
Lansing, MI 48909

Or email to mvaastrategy@michigan.gov. 

As a manufacturing leader, you play an integral role in paving the way for an advanced industry and competitive economy. Stay ahead of the game and attend Michigan's premier manufacturing event, the Michigan Manufacturers Association's Manufacturing Forum!

Circle this event on your calendar - Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Detroit's Cobo Center. Start influencing the future of manufacturing today.

See more of last year's excitement by visiting the MMA Facebook page.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Cobo Center, Detroit, MI 48226

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Networking reception to follow at the Crowne Plaza-Pontchartrain.

Register online or contact MMA's Sarah Pytel by phone at 517-487-8521, fax form to 517-853-3321 or email pytel@mimfg.org.