Earlier this week, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and Lake Michigan College announced a partnership that sets a great example for entities of all sizes in Michiana.

The tribe, which owns the Four Winds Casinos in New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac, contributes a significant amount of revenue to the community annually. On Tuesday, the Pokagon Band announced a $500,000 investment in Lake Michigan College, dedicating the funds to help create a new technology center. The new facility will benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, but especially those pursuing careers in the manufacturing industry.

Additionally, the community college will create three programs specifically for Pokagon citizens, employees and custodial parents, designed to help Pokagon students work together while obtaining their degrees. The programs will allow for students to pursue manufacturing, tribal government and gaming careers.

This partnership is beneficial for all involved, with the college now receiving more funds for a new facility, and the Band able to offer specialized courses for their people. We believe that investing in younger generations is always money well spent, and working together to create these win-win situations is always a good idea.

Two organizations with completely separate purposes and business models set out to find a way to accomplish two different goals. This give and take of business trade is a model we can all learn from.

Lake Michigan College is constantly looking for ways to improve education for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we appreciate the forward-thinking and in-depth research made leading up to these decisions.

The Pokagon Band continuously entertains grant proposals and contributes to countless entities, setting a wonderful example for organizations they share the community with. We can all learn from their generosity, as well as their commitment to their people.

This collaboration is an excellent partnership, and when making relationships with other people and entities, all businesses should follow the lead of the leaders in this decision.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.