Nov 22
Feb 21, 2017
Lake Superior State University President Tom Pleger, standing right, moderates a question-and-answer session with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder during a Building the 21st Century Economy Commission listening session held Feb. 17 in Marquette, Mich. Snyder appointed Pleger to the 23-member commission last summer with an assignment to set goals and establish metrics to measure Michigan’s economic success, identify the potential for industry growth, develop strategies to support existing industry, and make recommendations that will distinguish the state as a center for innovation.
Commissioners have been traveling around the state to have discussions with local leaders regarding their vision for Michigan’s future economy, as well as the region-specific opportunities and challenges they are facing. Pleger also moderated a panel discussion with commissioners at the Marquette event that gathered input from Upper Peninsula business leaders. The commission submits a final report to the governor in June. Seated between Pleger and Snyder is LSSU student R. J. Homan, from Mancelona, Mich., who graduates this spring with majors in political science and finance and economics. (Courtesy Governor’s Office)