Intern in Michigan finds champions on Mackinac.(FROM THE PRESIDENT)(Conference news)

Intern In Michigan is a new initiative that uses technology to match students and employers based on common skills, interests and needs within internship experiences across the state. This program was conceptualized at the 2008 Mackinac Policy Conference as just one efficient tool out of a portfolio of strategies lo attract and retain talented individuals to fuel a broader and stronger workforce for Michigan's economy. This conceptual tool became a reality when www.InternInMichigan.com was officially launched on April 23, 2009. Intern in Michigan's presence at the 2009 Mackinac Policy Conference was a great opportunity for leaders of the higher education, business, government and non-profit sectors to learn more about Intern In Michigan and how it can be used as an efficient tool for their objectives to identify and retain talent.

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Conference participants had the opportunity to visit a kiosk and receive information about Intern in Michigan, talk with staff and explore the web site. Visitors also had the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a $1,500 scholarship towards an internship to be filled via Intern in Michigan. The winner, Gordon Mackay of Indian Trails, Inc., was drawn at Friday's keynote with Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation consulting. This web site is a tangible example of how ideas, leadership and collaboration can come together to address our state's challenges with effective solutions. The support this initiative has gotten from the higher education community is amazing. Students from colleges and universities from throughout Michigan are clearly using the Web site. The universities have delivered the students, and now we need businesses to do their part as well.

If we can get graduating students an internship and show them that there is opportunity available in Michigan, they are more likely to settle here. That is critical to the success of our state moving forward. Since its official launch. Intern In Michigan has been gaining attention and supporters for its ease of access and use by students and employers, as well as its potential to increase reliable matches in a short time frame. At press time, it has 3,485 registered students, 433 registered employees and 151 internships posted. These numbers are a good start. But they are just a start. I am asking all Michigan employers to do better job engaging your staff in the site. We have 3,485 students looking for a reason to stay in Michigan.

Now that the site has launched, we arc moving into the second phase of development, which will enhance the match making capability for both students and employers. We recently secured funding from the New Economy Initiative to bring the site to the next level, and you will be hearing more about our progress in the future. I look forward to seeing what keeping talented young professionals in (he region will do for our economy.

I urge you to consider using interns in your office, if you don't already, and find them through the Intern In Michigan Web site. The site will make your hiring process easier and increase your choices. So please, take advantage of Intern in Michigan and help us keep talent in our state. If you don't hire interns for your office, share this with the person who does. We need the support of the business community to make this initiative .successful, so I am asking that you sign up your company now.

Richard E. Blouse Jr, CCE is president & CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber

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