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Parting Shots

By Wm. R. Lowry
Editor & Publisher, MiBiz
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note-able quotes

“The motivation behind ‘Armed Forces to Work Forces’ stems from the unfortunate fact that the local unemployment rate for veterans is at nearly 25 percent. At Cascade, we are very proud of their service to our country and want to do what we can to help them find employment when they return home to the West Michigan community.”

— Kelley Losey, Cascade Engineering

“We have many success stories of how effectively people make the transition from the military into civilian jobs — and how employers are finding skilled, loyal candidates in this unique group of applicants.”

— Greg Tusch, founder and

President of Compass Point

ten-hut

With the national discourse and mass media centered squarely on the nation’s fragile financial condition, the continuing economic malaise, high joblessness and Washington theatrics (not to mention the new season’s “Dancing With the Stars” contenders), it is easy these days to forget the plight of America’s returning war heroes.

Leaving the battle front in Iraq or Afghanistan has not resulted in safety and security for all too many of our young patriots, as millions are now facing a mainstreet fire fight for a decent job in their hometown.

So it is inspiring to see two West Michigan companies snap to attention to aid our returning vets. Cascade Engineering and Compass Point Labor Management formed a new partnership focused on decreasing the unemployment rate of West Michigan’s military veterans while providing area employers with skilled and dependable job candidates.

The companies’ “Armed Forces to Work Forces” initiative will commence with an Oct. 3 summit for business leaders interested in enlisting their organization in the new partnership. A November meeting will muster regional employers to learn how they can best engage these talented vets.

This is a battle to be joined. At Ease.

note-able quote

“A good economic development climate requires a regulatory process that is timely, understandable and fair, and not an impediment to projects that create jobs.”

— Steven H. Hilfinger, Director, Michigan Dept. of Licensing And Regulatory Affairs, and Chief Regulatory Officer

WAC enlistees

Few if any MiBiz readers will ever be drafted to help test or prioritize much less take a whack at obliterating any of the vast expanse of federal regulations contained within the 157,000 page Code of Federal Regulations.

With Michigan Gov. Snyder’s blessing and encouragement, however, citizens are being recruited to that very task on a wide front of state level subject areas including Insurance & Finance, Environmental, Workplace Safety, Occupational Licensing, Liquor Control and Natural Resources. Other Advisory Rules Committees, including Inspection & Permitting will also be formed in the future to address other areas of regulation.

This is a great opportunity for the regulated to participate in crafting the regulatory environment. Enlist today as a Reg WAC-ker at www.michigan.gov/orr.

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