Insurance and Financial Services Cluster Update

 The IFS Cluster is quickly growing legs and will soon be completely up and running. Jamie Hess, Education Consultant, Office of Career and Technical Education of State of Michigan is working with the IFS members to help develop a new finance curriculum in Michigan schools. The Education Workgroup is starting to work on a regional asset map of resources, indentifying skill gaps, and connecting academic programs to business needs. The IFS has continued discussion with both MSU and Olivet College to build a career path to the insurance/finance sector.  This would include developing short-term courses and certifications in the insurance /banking cluster and to develop talent in these industries.The Marketing Workgroup is developing a positive, strategic, industry-wide message addressing the assets and value of the IFS Cluster to the region, including the strength of the industry; job opportunities; and innovative leadership.