WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced the speakers for the second annual U.P. Federal Economic Conference at Northern Michigan University to be held on Monday, September 26, 2005. The event partners small businesses, local governments and non-profit organizations with federal agencies to learn about economic development opportunities.

The kick‑off speaker will be Patrick Rea, Region V Administrator for U.S. Small Business Administration.  His topic, “Jobs for the 21^st Century”, will focus on the skills and training required for the jobs of this century.  Rea was appointed Region V Administrator for SBA, which includes the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, in November of 2003.  He oversees the delivery of SBA’s economic development, government contracting and finance programs in the Midwest.

“I’m pleased that Administrator Rea is able to come to northern Michigan to discuss the type of training and skills our residents need in a 21^st century workforce”, Congressman Stupak said.  “Mr. Rea’s presentation provides relevant information that will give attendees practical insight about how to move their businesses and organizations ahead in the future.”

The luncheon speaker will be Mr. Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense. 

Secretary McHale, a former Member of Congress, oversees Northern Command for the U.S. Department of Defense.  His office manages consolidated homeland defense and security operations for the military.  He also serves as a liaison between the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.

“Northern Michigan has unique homeland security and defense needs because of our Great Lakes, Canadian border, Soo Locks and our ports,” Stupak said. “These unique characteristics are economic factors in the business and government climate in the region.  Secretary McHale will be able to advise participants the best way to address these concerns as they develop their business plans.”

Stupak is hosting the conference and Operation Action U.P. and the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Association are helping to plan and organize the event.  Marquette General Hospital (MGH), Cleveland Cliffs Company and Engineered Machined Products (EMP) are sponsors.

Agencies presenting at the conference are the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA); U.S. Department of Commerce; Small Business Administration (SBA); U.S. Grants and procurement on line; Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) along with Michigan Department of Management Procurement Division, and U.P. Health Plan.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and adjourn by 3 p.m. The cost for participants is $30.00 in advance and $40.00 at the door. The fee covers registration and lunch. For more information and to register, please call the Lake Superior Community Partnership at 906‑225‑0089, e-mail lellis@marquette.org or check the website at www.marquette.org.  

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