Event Notices From Oct. 25-27

Project Lead the Way Convenes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Conference: With an engineering shortage plaguing Michigan and students lagging behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, it is more important than ever for employers to get involved at the ground level and have a say in the education of the next generation of employees. On Monday, Nov. 4, Project Lead the Way will hold a STEM conference for the purpose of developing tomorrow's workforce and fostering economic and personal development in Michigan Schools. Now in its second year, the conference will feature two keynote presentations and five track sessions focused on: PLTW Counselor; PLTW/STEM Best Practices in grades K-8; PLTW/STEM Best Practices in grades 9-12; Michigan Secondary District & School Administrator; and Business, Industry & Foundation. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing. Keynote presenters are Terry J. Woychowski, ESD's immediate past president and senior vice president of engineering and quality at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., as well as Vince Bertram, president and CEO at Project Lead The Way. PLTW provides comprehensive middle and high school programs for both engineering and biomedical career paths. The engineering career path consists of eight nine-week units that are taught in middle school and eight year-long courses that are offered in high school. The biomedical sciences career path consists of four high school courses. PLTW programs are being offered to more than 450,000 students in more than 4,700 schools in all 50 states. There are currently 118 schools offering PLTW programs in Michigan. Each course concludes with a standardized test to gauge student performance and is cross-walked with the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Upon completion of the program, students are offered the opportunity to take an exam, which upon successful completion, will provide college credit at numerous universities, including Eastern Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University and Kettering University. The cost to attend the conference is: $30 for educators and $50 for employers to cover the cost of food and beverage. For more information or to register, visit: http://pltwmichigan.org/

Automation Alley Aims To Help You Sell To The State: Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, is hosting a free Contract Connect seminar to help local business owners win state contracts, Friday, Nov. 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at its Troy headquarters. The state of Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget-Procurement has a contract portfolio of 1,200 multiyear contracts worth billions of dollars. Department representatives will speak on topics such as bidding opportunities, how to register with the state as a vendor, free resources for research and bid preparation and navigating the state contracting process. Speakers for this event include two members of the state of Michigan DTMB, Genevieve Hayes, manager of the business development unit, and Jenni Riehle, vendor outreach coordinator. In addition, Jennifer Tisdale, procurement counselor for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Schoolcraft College, will present information about the variety of free services available to business owners, including bid matching services and assistance with researching and bidding on federal contracts. Also, Jacob Schroeder, director of Pure Michigan Business Connect, will present information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation program. The event will begin with registration from 9:30 to 10 a.m. followed by presentations from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Automation Alley Headquarters is located at 2675 Bellingham in Troy. There is no cost to attend. This event has sold out in the past, so register early to secure your spot. Visit automationalley.com to register. For more information on this event, contact the Automation Alley Resource center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com. For more information on other Contract Connect events in the area, visit www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect.