Gov. Rick Snyder will emphasize the importance of training more skilled workers to strengthen and grow Michigan’s economy during the Great Lakes Builders Show, to be held next month at Ford Field.
The Great Lakes Builders Show, which will run March 4-6, is the first large-scale Midwest building industry show to be held in five years.
“The home building industry is a key part of the economic rebound in Michigan and across the Great Lakes region,” says Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, which is hosting the event. “Gov. Snyder’s focus on growing the skilled trades is spot-on. There simply aren’t enough skilled workers to meet the demand in our industry right now.”
The state lost more than 60,000 home construction jobs in the Great Recession. While the industry is making a comeback, growth has been hampered by the lack of skilled workers, Filka says.
Also addressing the crowd — expected to consist of 3,000 builders, contractors, remodelers, and other industry professionals — will be Scott Sedam, president of TrueNorth Development, a South Lyon-based consulting firm for the construction industry. Specifically, Sedam will discuss what builders need to know about lean building and labor shortages.
“Scott will give home builders and contractors relevant, practical information that they can put to work right away,” Filka said. “His innovative ideas, especially related to lean building and quality, have made him a popular mentor across the industry.”
In addition to exhibits on the latest industry products, the three-day event will include educational sessions and demonstrations on safety and code compliance, financing solutions, green building practices, and how to find skilled workers.
For more information, visit greatlakesbuildersshow.com.
