Experts Coming to Grand Rapids to Collaborate on Economic Development at Event Co-Hosted by Grand Rapids Community College and Kettering University

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--May 8, 2006--Grand Rapids Community College and Kettering University in Flint have teamed up for an event designed to identify global economic challenges and provide inspiration, direction and practical information for West Michigan manufacturers as they respond to changing economics.

"Leveraging Innovation for Competitive Manufacturing in West Michigan" is set for Tuesday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Grand Rapids Community College Applied Technology Center. The $95 seminar will assist leaders of the Grand Rapids manufacturing, business, education and advanced technology communities.

To register or for more information, click on: http://www.grcc.edu/symposium

"This event is crucial for organizations that realize the need to 'reinvent' and 'innovate' as our West Michigan economy faces unprecedented global challenges," said Dr. Juan Olivarez, president of GRCC.

Stan Liberty, president of Kettering University, said collaboration among education, government and business is essential to strengthening any regional economy. "Innovation is the key to being competitive in the global knowledge economy."

Keynote speakers on May 9, 2006 include:

Robert Sobie, VP of Marketing for Cardinal Health

"Strategy for Innovation in Advanced Product Development & Manufacturing for Profit." Learn from a Grand Rapids native and GRCC alumnus how Cardinal Health is using "continuous innovation" to select, develop, manufacture and distribute products profitably in the face of global competition.

Major Horton, CFO, Rackspace Managed Hosting

"Manufacturing Strategies for the New Economy." Major Horton, a 1984 graduate of Kettering University, is dedicated to discovering the leading manufacturing innovations and best practices.

Dwight D. Carlson, CEO Coherix

"Financing and Managing Innovation for Manufacture." Also a prominent alumnus and a 1967 graduate of Kettering, Dwight Carlson will show how a company or industry identifies capital resources for advanced technology for manufacturing.

James Epolito, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

"Facilitating Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing in West Michigan." Learn about the State of Michigan's commitment to helping business, how local, state and federal aid is being focused, and how your company can participate.