Northern Lakes Economic Alliance took time Friday to recognize several groups and individuals whose efforts help enhance Northern Michigan economically.  The event drew more than 700 guests to North Central Michigan College and featured a keynote address by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

Northern Lakes presented economic development "Project of the Year" honors to the organizations that collaborated to develop the Mobile Digital Fabrication Lab, or "Fab Lab" for short. This recently unveiled mobile lab is meant to help area workers, as well as high-school and college students, develop skills needed to use computer numeric control (CNC) systems in manufacturing.

North Central Michigan College is leading the way in providing a new “channel” of education for the benefit of many.  “You are on the forefront due to the Fab Lab”, said Governor Snyder.
“Triune Specialty Trailers was honored to be selected as the prime contractor for the development of this extraordinary mobile outreach trailer on behalf of North Central Michigan College,” said Harry Kurtz, President of Triune Specialty Trailers.   “Producing these types of creative, meaningful, mobilized solutions is what we do best.”
 
The Mobile Fab Lab is already scheduled for training and students are lining up to get on the schedule.  Governor Snyder, North Central Michigan College and the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance are confident this is the beginning for many more trailers similar to this one.  CNC education is a primary focus with many other areas of educational need for manufacturing, skilled trades and professional services.
 
About North Central Michigan College:  North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord. North Central’s mission is to provide educational, economic and cultural opportunities for student learning, personal growth and community improvement. North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College and a Military-Friendly School®.
 
About Northern Lakes Economic Alliance: The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance is a non-profit economic development partnership providing resources to create and retain quality jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties.
 
About Triune Specialty Trailers:  A specialized manufacturing company located in the heart of Automation Alley, Triune’s mission is to be the premier designer and manufacturer of specialized transportation solutions with the highest standard for excellence, client services and noteworthy reliability. Our commitment to quality “is a way of life.”

For additional information on Triune Specialty Trailers, please visit our website at www.triunemfg.com or contact Tim Turczyn or Mike Bamrick at 248-629-2965.