Over three days, I traveled from Michigan City to Rensselaer to Gary, rode a bus, attended award ceremonies, visited opportunity hubs, and explored workforce training programs. I mingled, I networked, and somehow managed to sneak my way into more photos than I can count.
And wow... you all really embraced me this year.
Everywhere I turned, someone was carrying me around, posing me for photos, coloring me, introducing me to a friend, or finding a new place for me to pop up. One attendee even cut me out, just like my hero Stanley Lambchop AKA Flat Stanley! Somehow, I ended up with custom makeovers, and brand-new looks too!
By Day 3, people weren't asking, "Who's Flat MUS?"
They were saying, "Where's Flat MUS?" and "Get over here, we need a picture with Flat MUS!" It seemed like folks thought I was pretty funny too. I sure did hear a lot of laughter everywhere I went.
At this point, I'm kind of a big deal.
I visited some pretty amazing places, but the people I met along the way are what made the trip memorable.
Throughout the week, I learned how Indiana communities are transforming former schools into opportunity hubs. I saw workforce training taking shape in classrooms, trades programs, healthcare pathways, and apprenticeships. I learned what it means to become an integrator, connecting employers, educators, workforce organizations, and community partners around a shared vision. Most importantly, I saw how workforce development creates opportunity, strengthens communities, and changes lives.
Thank you to everyone who brought me along on your Northwest Indiana adventure. The laughs, creativity, and memories made this one of my favorite trips yet.
I will continue to show up where Workforce Works!!
Stay tuned. Next month I'll announce the winner of the Flat MUS Social Media Contest and reveal who will take home the gift card.
See you around!
