The First Impressions Strategy Team, in collaborate with many others, is leading an initiative to connect college students with our regional community.  Several initiatives are already in place to connect with local businesses for internships and mentorships; however, we need to do a better job “selling our community” as a great place to live and play, as well as work.  Studies increasing point to the fact that college graduates are first choosing WHERE to live, then finding empl...

 Tremaine Phillips, CoChair of Talent Infusion gives his take on the Kiplinger article as well as the Love Lansing movement. 

 All Leap employees have taken the pledge to be a JA class instructor for the 2010/2011 school year. The challenge has been extended to increase the number of classrooms JA is taught in by 20.11% in 2011.

 So far, 135 businesses have pledged their support for life-long learning in greater Lansing.  It's great progress to date, but to reach the goal of 500 businesses by the end of 2010 we need to step it up and show the community greater Lansing's businesses care about education.  By taking the pledge, local businesses agree to take one, no-cost step each month to show the community education is important.  Steps may range from sending an email to staff to participating in a lo...

 Passport to Adventure is going strong.  Students and families have until August 31 to fill their Passport postcards and mail them back for a chance to win an iPad, HP Netbook, iPod and more prizes.  For an update on prizes, to download a Passport or for a list of Passport destinations, visit www.learnforourfuture.org.

 Next Bright Idea 2011 will be launching this fall in similar fashion as 2010. On December 6, 2010, the submissions will begin rolling in and voting can begin. The Next Bright Idea event will likely take place in early 2011. The prize will continue to be $5,000 and business coaching to the top 10 ideas. Stay tuned for more updates.

Dan Redford and Charles Eveslage, our team at the Shanghai Expo will end their work there on July 31.  While there, their blogs (www.shanghai-exposed.com) have received a wide following, including US Consul General Beatrice Camp.  They have done several radio interviews on TalkLansing.net and WJR.  In addition, they have identified potential opportunities for Leap to follow-up on:  investment in our region, sales to China for our firms, and ways to connect MSU and its student...

 Listen to Erik and Walt talk about talent infusion in the Greater Lansing region.

 Denyse Ferguson speaks on the importance of Junior Achievement and young entrepreneurship. 

 Click here to listen to Tremaine Phillips on TalkLansing.net