Technology was the focus of Gov. Rick Snyder’s visit to Northern Michigan University on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Surrounded by education and technology leaders, Snyder praised current efforts and led a discussion on leveraging all the technology assets in the Upper Peninsula to support businesses and education. Much of the focus was on creating opportunities to bring business to the U.P. and keeping jobs and talent in the area.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity here, I think, in technology businesses, and information technology in particular, that can be leveraged,” Snyder said. “Sitting around the table were a lot of great companies, both start-ups here and companies that had come from downstate Michigan to take advantage of the wonderful people here.”

Hosted by NMU’s new president, Fritz Erickson, the roundtable also featured a demonstration of the active learning classroom technology featured in the new John X. Jamrich Hall. Students will begin using the new building when classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25.