GLBMA announces first winner of the GLBMA Ken Horn Manufacturing Scholarship

Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association
7400 Bay Road, Curtiss Hall 201
University Center, MI 48710
989-964-2881
Glbma.org
 

The Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association (GLBMA) has established the GLBMA Ken Horn scholarship in honor of Ken’s service to the Great Lakes Bay region and Manufacturing across the state. Our inaugural scholarship was awarded to James Henige of Freeland. James attends Freeland High school, Delta College Early College program, and the Bay Arenac Skill Center. He plans to attend Owen Community college with the Michigan CAT collaboration pursuing an associate degree in Transportation Technology specializing in Diesel/Heavy Equipment.

Ken Horn came from a humble beginning. He was born in Detroit to German parents, that fled communist East Germany. As a first-generation American, Ken has come a long way in becoming one of the staunchest supporters of manufacturing in the Great Lakes Bay region. Ken has lived in Frankenmuth for over 40 years and enjoys spending time with his beautiful family and wonderful grandchildren. First elected in 1992, Ken was a Saginaw County Commissioner for 16 years before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives for 6 years. Ken served as chairman of the House Energy & Technology Committee. In 2022, Ken saw his final term in the Michigan Senate come to an end. Ken chaired the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee, along with two Senate Appropriations Subcommittees: Capital Outlay and Talent, and Economic Development/MEDC. Ken also served as the vice-chairman of the following committees: Energy and Technology, Education and Career Readiness, and the Appropriations Subcommittee at Universities and Community Colleges. He was also appointed to the Insurance and Banking Committee and Legislative Council. Ken was instrumental in developing several programs within his time in the House and Senate. Most notable are the Going Pro Talent Fund, Michigan Reconnect, Procurement Technical Assistance program, Autonomous & Roadway funding, Streamline of the Skilled Trades licensing process, Strategic Outreach Attraction and Reserve (SOAR) funding. Ken has been recognized by various organizations around the state, see list below. After receiving his Michigan Manufacturers Association Legislator of the year award on September 14, 2002, in Lansing, Senator Horn said, “Manufacturing remains the backbone of our economy. It puts Michigan on the map and provides jobs for thousands of our hardest working residents.” “My top priorities have always been keeping jobs here in Michigan and growing our economy.” Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Concordia University in Ann Arbor. He has completed Michigan State’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, Leadership Saginaw County, and the Saginaw County Vision 2020 One Thousand Leaders Initiative. In 2022, Ken was bestowed Saginaw Valley State University Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

The Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association has been the voice of manufacturing since 1912. The organization has transformed from its original land bank origins to bring manufacturing to the region after the lumber era ended by promoting and educating the next generation. Putting manufacturing and skilled trades in the forefront of the talent pipeline.