WEST BRANCH — Local business leaders, manufacturers and resource partners gathered today for the Small Business Manufacturing Roundtable.
The event gave manufacturers in Ogemaw and Iosco counties a platform to share their experiences, challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate. Attendees engaged directly with local, regional and state partners working to strengthen the manufacturing sector.
“Parts of the discussion, and again in wrap-up, there were concerns voiced about tariff’s and what it means for Ogemaw and the surrounding area,” said Penny Payea, Ogemaw County director of business services and economic development for Michigan Works! Region 7B.
“What I applaud everyone for was that they were sharing some really out-of-the-box thinking on how to handle this and related issues. We learn so much when we have these conversations together!”
The session included presentations, a Q&A and an open dialogue where manufacturers offered input on supporting growth and innovation locally, regionally and nationally.
“There is another conversation slated for April and we hope more of our local and partnering manufacturers will be at the table,” Payea said.
The roundtable was hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration Michigan District Office in partnership with Michigan Works! Region 7B, the Ogemaw County Economic Development Corp., the Lake Huron Region Small Business Development Center and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
For more information about resources available to manufacturers and small businesses in Ogemaw and Iosco counties, contact your local Michigan Works! Region 7B office or visit www.michworks4u.org.
