David Hollister served as executive director of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) since 2003, when he was appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. DLEG, which was launched that same year, has since focused on strengthening economic and workforce opportunity throughout the state. Hollister, former mayor of the city of Lansing from 1993 to 2003, recently announced plans to join Prima Civitas, an emerging nonprofit partnership designed to improve economic conditions in mid-Michigan. As he prepared to leave DLEG on February 3, Hollister discussed his views of economic and workforce development in the state with Mott Communications Officer Duane M. Elling.
Mott: What do you consider to be DLEG's key accomplishments over the last three years?
David Hollister (DH):
Creating a department that integrated the work of various areas -- commerce, labor, licensing and regulation, economic development, and others -- into a cohesive workforce development strategy. We did this by initiating 38 collaborations with other departments and agencies that previously had worked largely independently of one another. This has created a more strategic, coordinated and action-based approach to workforce development in the state.
Mott:
What aspects of the state’s economy offer the most challenge -- and the most promise -- for the coming years?
DH:
We also helped launch several key programs, including the Cool Cities movement, which is helping several Michigan cities become energetic, exciting places that attract jobs and people. The Regional Skills Alliance initiative is bringing together local partnerships to address workforce issues within specific industries, and the MI Opportunity Partnership is helping move displaced workers into good jobs, like health care and skilled trades. We also started a Council of Economic Advisors, which regularly brings leaders from throughout the state to help the governor formulate economic strategy.
Initiatives like these are redefining the way we look at workforce and economic development in Michigan, as well as how we engage local communities in that development.
Mott:
What aspects of the state’s economy offer the most challenge -- and the most promise -- for the coming years?
DH:
We’re primarily a state that makes things, whether automotive-related, pharmaceuticals, furniture, etc. But many of these jobs are moving out of state and even out of the country. We need to preserve as much of the manufacturing sector as we can while creating new opportunities. We need to continue restructuring tax policies that are particularly burdensome to manufacturers and grow workforce development programs that provide skilled, well-prepared employees.
Diversifying Michigan’s job base is also an important challenge. The department’s focus there has been on four emerging arenas: life sciences, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; advanced manufacturing in such areas as information technology; alternative energy; and homeland security. We believe these sectors will be very robust in the coming years and the state’s focus will include helping create and promote job opportunities in these and other key areas.
Mott:
What other factors will help strengthen economic opportunity among Michigan families?
DH:
We must fundamentally change the culture of Michigan by embracing change, diversity and entrepreneurship. We need to adopt new standards for high school graduation and invest more in preschool education programs. We need to increase the number of residents with college and technical degrees, and help people commit to lifelong education.
Mott:
How can the public and private sectors best work together to help build those opportunities?
DH:
The collaborations I highlighted earlier are good examples, they represent a strategy based on inclusiveness, one that gets more people involved in a hands-on, roll up your sleeves approach to problem solving. These collaborations can -- and should -- take place at every level in the public and private sectors.
The stark reality is that the public sector has a declining or limited revenue base and must be creative in sharing and leveraging resources. Philanthropy also plays a key role in these partnerships, with Mott and other foundations having helped launch some of DLEG’s own initiatives. Everyone needs to step up to the plate and work together to move the state forward.
Mott:
What will be your key priorities at Prima Civitas?
DH:
I see my role as an advocate and a broker for our state and its entrepreneurs. To take the state’s economic plan, the Cool Cities movement, our workforce development strategies and the other initiatives that I’ve helped formulate and put them to work in Michigan. I want to build on them and help the region use our assets of people and resources to take the lead on new economic opportunities. And I want to help unify and market our region, demonstrating that diverse groups can work together and grow businesses and jobs in Michigan.