Jim Klarich

Onaway — The Industrial Arts Institute (IAI) is pleased to announce that Jim Klarich, Vice President of Business Development for Resources for You (R4U) and a long-respected regional industry leader, has been selected as the keynote speaker for the Cohort 27 graduation of the Comprehensive Industrial Welding and Fabrication Program. The ceremony will be held on Friday, June 5th, 2026.

Jim brings more than three decades of experience advancing manufacturing, economic development, and global industry engagement. His career includes 23 years in international business development with Klarich Associates Inc., specializing in the representation of global companies seeking access to the North American automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, and aerospace markets. During this time, he also served three years as a Business Development Consultant for Boeing, supporting strategic supplier development and market expansion initiatives.

Jim later served nine years as Director of the Target Alpena Economic Development Corporation, where he led business attraction, retention, and growth strategies for Alpena and northeast lower Michigan. His leadership contributed to significant regional investment, strengthened employer networks, and expanded opportunities for skilled trades talent.

For the past five years at R4U, Jim has focused on growing and sustaining customer relationships across a broad range of manufacturing entities throughout northeast lower Michigan. His work supports the industrial ecosystem that fuels the region’s workforce pipeline–aligning directly with IAI’s mission to prepare graduates for high-value, in-demand careers.

A respected voice in regional manufacturing and economic development, Jim has built a career centered on strengthening industry partnerships, supporting employers, and advancing opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

IAI’s Executive Director, Tamara Ward, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming keynote, stating:

“Jim’s leadership, industry insight, and long-standing commitment to strengthening northeast Michigan’s manufacturing sector make him an exceptional choice for our Cohort 27 keynote speaker. His message will resonate deeply with our graduates as they enter a high-demand field, and we are honored to welcome him to the commencement stage.”

About the Industrial Arts Institute

The Industrial Arts Institute is licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), a Veteran Approved Training Facility, and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. IAI delivers a premier comprehensive welding program designed to equip students for sustainable, high-value careers in the skilled trades. Enrollment for the next Comprehensive Industrial Welding Course is currently open, with the next class beginning August 10th, 2026.

The Industrial Arts Institute remains committed to cultivating a strong skilled trades workforce by combining innovative instruction with rigorous, hands-on training to align talent with Michigan’s industrial sectors. For more information, visit iaiworks.com.