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The session, Building Economic Development Potential Through Proactive Workforce Education, was part of the National Association of Workforce Boards Forum 2007: Vision for a New Economy.

The purpose of the workshop was to explore KAL-TEC as an innovative rural community strategy for aligning higher education opportunities, workforce training, and economic efforts to significantly improve a countyÕs preparation for the Knowledge Economy.

ÒItÕs exciting to know that KAL-TEC is being noticed on a national level and there was a lot of interest from those in attendance of how to apply programs such as this into their own communities,Ó said Shetler.

The nearly 100 people that attended ShetlerÕs workshop were introduced to the building blocks and foundation behind the innovation and implementation of KAL-TEC.

Regional statistics, local needs, community support and leadership, partner and provider involvement were all mentioned as contributing factors to the notable success of KAL-TEC.

ÒThe fact that KAL-TEC has only been on the ground for10 months, people were impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the community and fact that there are nearly 400 students that have been or are currently enrolled in one or more KAL-TEC courses,Ó said Shetler. ÒIt really was wonderful to share this program on such a large scale.Ó

Oddly enough, Shetler only learned on Thursday that she would be traveling to our nationÕs capitol to make this presentation as her boss, Elaine Wood, Deputy Director for the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, had to back out on short notice due to a family emergency.

ÒWhile it was quite a surprise and a bit daunting at the same time to fill in, it was an excellent opportunity to showcase this fledgling program that is only happening way up north in Kalkaska County,Ó Shetler said. Northwestern Michigan CollegeÕs (NMC) Vice President of Lifelong and Professional Learning, Marguerite Cotto, was also meant to join Shetler in DC to assist with the presentation, but was unable to make it, as her flight out of Detroit was canceled.

While it was unfortunate to not have their primary partner of NMC present to help deliver the presentation, Shetler said that it was still a successful session.

ÒBased on questions presented following the talk, itÕs clear that others around the country share a passion for wanting to help their own communities tackle similar needs,Ó Shetler said. ÒItÕs always nice to know that weÕre not alone, but itÕs even more exciting that Kalkaska County is a leader in showing the importance of bringing so many different partners and agencies together to tackle an age-old problem in one collaborative effort.Ó

KAL-TEC registrations are ongoing at the Kalkaska Michigan WORKS! Service Center every Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. Those interested should call KAL-TEC at 231-258-4314 or visit the website at www.KAL-TEC.org.