The Paper and Printing Cluster developed three action initiatives that members agreed to implement. Some of these efforts are naturally linked to a regional Flagship on education and training.

1. Paper and Printing Career Promotion and Cooperative Training (Flagship)

Objective: Increase the supply of prepared and skilled workers for paper and printing cluster by improving the image of the industry through better recruiting strategies and better coordination of training with the regional higher education system.

Activities: Program to promote industry and attract better prepared workers.

• Prepare Market Information for Schools: Develop marketing information targeted to high school students to encourage them to explore careers in paper and printing.
• Career Counseling Materials: Develop pre-testing and screening materials to help counselors and faculty understand the match of skills and aptitudes to this industry and help students explore choices.
• Image Promotion: Advertise collaboratively to promote paper and printing and increase interest in working in this industry. See marketing plan below.
• Recruitment Plan: Develop a recruitment plan based on international models, where relationships with future employees are begun as early as the 7th grade. Establish relationships with high schools in order to carry out in-school recruitment.
• Cooperative Company Training: Develop shared training programs for printing focusing on new and existing employees; have specific firms with experience cooperate with other firms in delivering training.
• Coordinated College Training Programs: Gather support and compile paper and printing industry requirements for proposed Technical Center at KVCC. Work with Western Michigan University on modifying and expanding appropriate programs for paper and printing.
2. Paper and Printing Industry Market Research and Image Initiative

Objective: Attract more skilled workers and clients by improving the visibility and attractiveness of the paper and printing industry in this region.

Activities: Start a paper and printing industry image promotion program.

• Study: Conduct market research to profile Paper and Printing Cluster members, including sales, number of employees, resources used, training availability, products produced and distributed.
• Strategize: Develop a marketing strategy and program to position and promote the industry based on the research described above.
• Produce Media: Prepare a marketing brochure and distribute to the community.
• Build a Directory: Create a directory of in-house training programs offered by various firms in the region, plus other non-company, off-site training related to paper and printing.
• Collaborate on Image: Form a working group to examine and improve the image of the paper and printing industry.
• Jobs/Training Clearinghouse: Organize a clearinghouse within the paper and printing cluster that provides information on job types and availability, forecasts needs, and training resources.
3. Production Network Initiative

Objective: Increase local paper and printing sales and generate new products for export by identifying products and services that can be purchased and developed within the region.

Activities: Build a new buyer-supplier network among paper and printing cluster members.

• Create Company Directory: Work with other companies in the Paper and Printing Cluster to develop a regional directory of company equipment, capabilities, products and resources that can be the basis for a production network.
• Develop Company Linkages: Convene companies in the paper and printing cluster to explore opportunities to buy and sell from each other and to collaborate in producing advanced paper products.
• Continue Network: The production network and paper and printing cluster can be organized as an association/network activity with low overhead requirements.
4. Status of Actions

Defined, screened and developed a contract with a local Human Resources firm to become a critical resource for the paper and printing industry to attract workers. Alliances Resources would:

• Coordinate job fairs
• Develop an applicant database
• Screen and select applicants
• Market career opportunities in the industry

As of October 13, $15,000 has been plEDGEd toward this project.