NEWS RELEASE
GREAT LAKES BOAT BUILDING SCHOOL
*************************
CEDARVILLE – The Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) is bringing back "Beerfest" on Friday, Aug. 23, after a hiatus last year for site preparations related to an upcoming construction project.
This year's Beerfest will take place at Les Cheneaux Distillers in Cedarville. Attendees can look forward to live entertainment, food, drinks, and various displays for their enjoyment throughout the evening.
Beerfest is an annual fundraising event to raise money for the school’s Student Enrichment Fund which elevates the GLBBS Student experience by supporting equipment purchases, field trips and other professional development opportunities.
Nikki Storey, president of Great Lakes Boat Building School, shares her excitement about Beerfest’s return and the importance of this fundraiser.
“GLBBS is currently undergoing remarkable growth, with a larger number of students on our waiting list than ever before, eager to pursue training in Cedarville and embark on their marine careers,” says Storey.
“While we strive to expand our student capacity through the construction of a new training facility, there were concerns about losing the venue for this important fundraiser. Fortunately, our collaboration with Les Cheneaux Distillers has enabled us to host this event just a few blocks from our campus. The Student Enrichment Fund plays a crucial role in our funding, and the success of this event will not only support our students but also celebrate the wonderful community we are a part of.”
Great Lakes Boat Building School is gearing up for its 2024/25 school year, in which 30 students are enrolled in either the Marine Service Technology or Comprehensive Career Boat Building classes. The training offered through GLBBS not only impacts the students, but plays a large role in the communities economy as well. A 2023 study by LSSU’s School of Business indicated that GLBBS currently has an annual detailed economic impact of $2.81 million and supports 30 jobs in the community.
Tom Coates, director of development at GLBBS, says the support between the community and GLBBS creates a unique and enjoyable environment for students to live and train. “GLBBS was founded by community members, and the Les Cheneaux community continues to strongly support the school and the students who attend each year,” says Coates. “It’s clear through the economic impact study that as the school succeeds so does the LCI community, and that’s something worth celebrating”
GLBBS would like to thank the many sponsors who have come on board to help to make Beerfest possible. First National Bank in St. Ignace is the official Title Sponsor of the event, with Siddock Group and Capitol National Bank both joining as Premier Partners. Tri-County Builders, Cedarville Hotel, Clark Construction, and BreezeSwept Docks are all on board as Business & Industry Supporters. Bohn Marine in Cedarville, Autore Oil & Propane, Central Savings Bank, and Central States Marketing have also given their support to this event.
Tickets are $50 a person and include two drink tickets, one food ticket, and entry to the entertainment and vendor booths for the evening. You can find tickets at www.glbbs.edu/beerfest-2024 or by visiting the Great Lakes Boat Building School.
GLBBS produces qualified students from their Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program (CCBB) and the Marine Service Technology Program (MST), in partnership with Mercury Marine University, with a nearly 100% placement rate. The School addresses the shortage of skilled trades and craftspeople in the marine industry following graduation. For prospective student enrollment information go to https://glbbs.edu/admissions-aid/ or call 906-484-1081.
Great Lakes Boat Building School is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
*************************
