You may wonder why a countywide economic development organization would support the upcoming technology millage. As President of the Monroe County Business Development Corporation, the single biggest issue facing our industrial business base is finding good quality employees. If, as a community, we can produce top-notch students, well-rounded and ready for the world of work, it provides Monroe County with a competitive advantage in the future growth of our existing businesses and helps us in the attraction of new businesses to the area.
As our community has supported an additional educational benefit to our students by supporting the Technology Millage, our community has also helped provide employers with a higher caliber employee. The result of the Technology Millage will be graduates with advanced knowledge of design software used in automotive parts manufacturing operations, GIS software used by a wide range of industries in mapping and tracking data, analytical software used for critical decision making and back-office software that is used to operated complex business systems.
Now, as we inch ever closer to the 4th Industrial revolution, better known as “Industry 4.0,” it is more important than ever to invest in technology for our K-12 students. If Monroe County businesses are to take part in the new technology boom, we will need a workforce capable of problem solving through technology. By supporting the upcoming Technology Millage, we will help to secure the future of our Monroe County industrial businesses and assist us in attracting new business to the area through the development of a well-educated and technology savvy workforce.
Please join us May 4th in voting YES on the renewal of Monroe County’s Technology Millage. A vote not only for our kids but a vote for a continued vibrant economy.
Tim C. Lake, President
Monroe County Business Development Corp.
