Prima Civitas, Talent Retention Initiative Partner Up
EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- Expanding Michigan's talent pipeline is the focus of a new collaboration between economic development organization Prima Civitas and the Global Talent Retention Initiative of Michigan. The two non-profit organizations now share space in East Lansing and are working together on attracting, educating and retaining international talent.
Both organizations point to the huge potential for further developing a supply of talent to work in the STEM professions -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
"Both PC and GTRI are focused on positioning Michigan for a competitive future," said Prima Civitas CEO Arnold Weinfeld. "It is an economic imperative for us to continue to retain and attract a world class global talent pool to complement and expand our workforce. Another important benefit to Michigan will be the expansion of the number of slots in our world-class educational institutions, to provide even further training for global talent who locate here."
Added GTRI direcotr Athena Trentin: "GTRI's mission of strengthening and diversifying Michigan's economy through the retention of top international talent aligns perfectly with the programmatic approach that Prima Civitas utilizes for economic development. This partnership will allow each of our organizations to amplify our impact in creating the environment necessary for business to thrive in our state."
Among GTRI's strong suits is policy-level work to break down barriers to training and work opportunities for international students and professionals. Prima Civitas works with Michigan's higher education institutions to make international connections so they can, in turn, expand their programs to train international students and workers. It also develops internship opportunities for international talent that benefit both prospective employees and employers.
Prima Civitas has Michigan State University and Flint's Mott Foundation as key partners. It develops emerging and re-emerging markets and industries, and has created state-adopted international export strategies. PC also works with municipalities to create efficiencies and regional opportunities, and coordinates international activities to benefit Michigan's economy. In addition, PC develops strategies to integrate entrepreneurship into K-12 schools, and advance Michigan's student and adult talent pipeline. More at www.primacivitas.org.
GTRI focuses on strengthening and diversifying the state's economy through the retention of top international talent. By retaining international students, GTRI is a catalyst to lessening the skills gap in the STEM fields especially, and cultivating a climate in which Michigan businesses can be competitive in the new economy. GTRI collaborates with Gov. Rick Snyder's the Office for New Americans, Global Detroit, over 30 Michigan Universities, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Michigan's economic development agencies, ethnic chambers, professional organizations, and employers throughout the state. GTRI is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the New Economy Initiative, and is housed in partnership with Prima Civitas. More at www.migtri.org
