Michigan Infrastructure Council Launches Next Cohort of the Asset Management Champions Program to Further Build Network of Advocates




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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**June 4, 2024*

*Contact:?Ron Leix <[email protected]>, Treasury, 517-335-2167*

*The Asset Management Champions Program Reaches a Milestone of 500 Graduates, Fostering Resilience and Innovation in Infrastructure Management [ [link removed] ]*

"Michigan Infrastructure Council Launches Next Cohort of the Asset Management Champions Program to Further Build Network of Advocates"

*LANSING, Mich. *? More than 500 Michiganders across the state are advocating in their communities for best practices in infrastructure asset management thanks to the Michigan Infrastructure Council? [ [link removed] ]s Asset Management (AM) Champions Program [ [link removed] ]. Now, the MIC is welcoming a new cohort of infrastructure leaders in an effort to continue building a network of talented individuals across the state. Interested individuals and organizations have until July 26, 2024 to apply. [ [link removed] ]

?The Asset Management Champions Program is helping individuals gain the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to navigate the complexities of infrastructure management effectively,? said *MIC Chair Palencia Mobley, P.E.* ?As we celebrate the milestone of over 500 program graduates statewide, we're driving forward the principles of asset management and paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future. Each graduate symbolizes the effort to enhance infrastructure management practices across the state of Michigan.?

The Asset Management Champions program cultivates collaboration and expands asset management education among asset managers and decision-makers across Michigan, helping them learn effective infrastructure management. The program is approved for drinking water operator continuing education credit (CECs) by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The program offers industry learning, interactive training, and peer networking to educate participants on identifying, assessing, and maintaining infrastructure assets, delivering more effective and efficient community decisions.?

?The Asset Management Champions program teaches how to take the necessary steps to maintain infrastructure and provide the best quality of life for the residents within your community, " said *AM Champion and Village of Cassopolis Clerk Tonia Betty*. ?It will help you identify what assets you have, create a management plan, provide tools to continually assess its efficiency, and create a plan for replacement prior to criticality.?

The AM Champions program continues to grow with more than 500 champions represented in 70 of Michigan?s 83 counties.

?It is so exciting to reach the milestone of graduating 500 Asset Management Champions through this program,? said *MIC Co-Chair and Executive Director of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission Erin Kuhn*. ?This program has given asset owners essential tools and techniques to better manage our infrastructure for decades to come.? It has also established a community of 500 peers who have a consistent knowledge of Asset Management and developed relationships that will foster continued growth.?

The AM Champions Program is empowering individuals from diverse communities and sectors to equip them with the skills they need to be successful and break down organizational silos. Through this diversity of perspectives and experiences, the program fosters innovative solutions and best practices tailored to address the challenges faced by each community, allowing participants from communities of all sectors to drive positive change in their respective areas.?

?The Asset Management Champion course has provided me with practical tools to help craft a comprehensive asset management plan for our community,? said *AM Champion and City of Charlevoix Manager Mark L. Heydlauff*. ?I have always thought about the water, sewer, streets, and electric infrastructure but this course caused me to think more holistically. I'm sure this will help us make better and more thoughtful long-range infrastructure decisions.?

Infrastructure assets form the foundation of Michigan's communities, delivering essential services and supporting public health, economic growth, and overall quality of life. Through the AM Champions Program, MIC continues to provide accurate and trusted information to support effective infrastructure decisions, ensuring a brighter future for all Michiganders.

?I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate in the MIC Asset Management Champions Program,? said *AM Champion and Superintendent of Blumfield Reese Water Authority Tim Sheridan*. ?As a graduate of Cohort 5, I received great insight into the asset management world. The lessons and networking opportunities are fantastic! I highly recommend this training to anyone involved with asset management."

Michigan has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get things done for everyday Michiganders through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL will rebuild America?s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. The AM Champions program equips individuals with the tools they need to manage new and existing infrastructure projects.

?The MIC AM program helped me build a foundation in critical concepts for asset management, and others from my organization have joined subsequent sessions to establish the same baseline understanding and knowledge.? said *AM Champion and City of Ann Arbor Capital Projects Asset Manager Kayla Coleman*. ?With the benefit of our shared understanding of asset management best practices, we will have more productive discussions to improve our asset management approaches overall.?

For more information and to register for the upcoming cohort of the Asset Management Champions Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/mic/am-champions [ [link removed] ].

*About the Michigan Infrastructure Council*

Cultivating partnerships that strengthen Michigan's Infrastructure to provide the foundation for public and environmental health, economic prosperity and quality of life.

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