Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Is Now Networks Northwest

 

The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) adopted a new name to more clearly identify itself and the services it offers to businesses and organizations in northwest Lower Michigan. Beginning October 1, NWMCOG became Networks Northwest.

The name change coincides with Governor Snyder’s Regional Prosperity Initiative, which puts a new emphasis on centering many state programs and services around common geographic regions. In response to that initiative and to streamline operations, NWMCOG’s two governing boards voted in August to start meeting together and operating as a single board. That board will operate under the new Networks Northwest name.

“Our organization helps create opportunities for prosperity by connecting businesses, individuals, and communities with the resources they need to succeed,” said Elaine Wood, NWMCOG CEO. “The new Networks Northwest name represents the collaborative nature of the work that goes on within our organization and among the many businesses, organizations, and units of government we serve.”

NWMCOG programs including Northwest Michigan Works!, the Small Business Development Center, and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center will not change their names. They will be referred to as programs of Networks Northwest.

The name change is also helping NWMCOG mark an important milestone. In 2014 the organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary.