The Goal

Showcase the area’s cultural, social and business opportunities to college students from across Michigan.

Background

Young college graduates are leaving the state at a significant rate. However, we have the opportunity to retain and attract interest in the area.

Small businesses provide roughly 70% of net new jobs annually. Small businesses drive economic turnarounds. Locally, Royal Oak offers a diverse local economy with roughly 900 small businesses.

Within the state of Michigan, Royal Oak is in the unique position to offer a broad range of opportunities for a fulfilling and high quality lifestyle. The small business and creative environment in Royal Oak offers a centerpiece of economic and cultural opportunities for our next entreprenuers, artists and community contributors.

The Program

Michigan State University and the Royal Oak Forward are partnering to launch the MSU Royal Oak Business Internship Program. Select undergraduate students will participate in the term-based internships with local Royal Oak area businesses.

Find out more!

Interested Students

Undergraduate students interested in participating in the program should send their resume along with a brief self-evaluation including the following:

• Field of study
• Brief description of type of internship desired
• Expected outcomes

Email correspondence to the Royal Oak Forward @: david.baldwin@royaloakforward.com

A Veteran of the United States Air Force, Chef Jim Lombardi is currently the Vice President of Culinary Services at MiDAS Foods International, a producer of functional dry mix systems. He has worked in many kitchens and food manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. He has created many food products for some of the largest foodservice chain restaurants in the nation. Chef Lombardi is a published author and active member of the Research Chefs Association. He and his family are active in many community activities with their local church.

Joseph Grimley, Vice President

As well as practicing law as a prosecutor and commercial litigator, Joseph Grimley has a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, most recently as a Vice President in National City’s Private Client Group. His previous experience includes middle-market corporate lending. Mr. Grimley has also served since 2006 on the University Musical Society (U-M) Advisory Committee, serving as Chair of Corporate Sponsorships for several events which raise funds for youth education and audience development. He received his MBA from Michigan State University and BA and JD degrees from Arizona State University.

David Baldwin, President & Executive Director

Along with the Royal Oak Business Association, the BD Group was founded by David Baldwin. After his most recent position as a Director of Business Development in the aerospace industry, David left the corporate environment to enter the nonprofit, community development arena. Along with an engineering background, David brings 10 years in business development expertise to assist in meeting business and community goals. David received his MBA from Wayne State University and his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University