Workshop addresses automotive plant closings and layoffs

One day after President Obama's dire words about the American auto industry, a community workshop at Grand Valley State University will address local automotive-related plant closings and layoffs.

The Economic Development Administration Community Economic Adjustment Program (EDA CEAP), in partnership with Grand Valley State University, The Right Place, United Way of the Lakeshore, the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center,  the Center for Automotive Research, and the University of Michigan will host a community workshop designed to bring representatives from federal, state and nonprofit agencies into the community to discuss potential funding and other support opportunities with local and regional leaders. At the workshop, representatives from these agencies will provide information on the assistance programs available through their respective agencies and will allow time to meet with community leaders on a one-on-one basis to discuss how local organizations can apply for funding and/or other support. 

The West Michigan Regional Workshop for workers in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Barry, Oceana and Newaygo counties scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 from 9  a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center, Room 215.

The University of Michigan, EDA University Center for Economic Diversification, part of the Office of the Vice-President for Research, has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to assist communities in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana that are experiencing major automotive plant closings and mass layoffs.  The Community Economic Adjustment Program helps communities organize and prepare plans, projects and proposals directed toward economic recovery that will assist communities in mitigating the adverse socioeconomic impacts of major economic dislocation and distress.

"This workshop is about hope -- it's not about doom and gloom," said project manager Jennifer Bruen.