Preparing People to Live and Work Safely Every Day!

Upcoming Events With GLSTC

Save the Date: Annual Safety Celebration

Join us for our Annual Safety Celebration on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Great Hall in Midland.

This special evening will include the presentation of our Annual Safety Awards, recognizing outstanding commitment to safety across our community. We are also excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Tim Bish, who will share insights on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in safety and how organizations can leverage these tools to enhance workplace protection.

More details will be shared as we get closer to the event—mark your calendar!

Scholarships for Trades or College

Safety for the Kids Program: Investing in the Future of Safe Workplaces

Our Safety for the Kids program empowers the next generation of trades, manufacturing, and construction professionals by providing scholarships to students pursuing degrees or certifications with a strong focus on safety in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Thanks to the generous support of our members and sponsors, this program not only funds student scholarships but also enables us to provide local schools with essential safety training and safety gear—building a culture of safety from the ground up.

Scholarship Opportunities in the Great Lakes Bay Region

We are proud to partner with community foundations across the region to make these opportunities possible. Each year, three $2,000 scholarships are awarded—one through each of the Midland, Bay, and Saginaw Community Foundations. All scholarships are currently open, with applications accepted January 31 – February 13, 2026.

Additional Scholarship Partnerships:

Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA): GLSTC partners with GMCA to offer a $1,500 annual scholarship to a student enrolled in their trades program.

American Association of Safety Councils (AASC): As an active AASC member, GLSTC also helps provide an additional $1,500 scholarship awarded each year. Information on the 2025 application will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Upcoming Closure

To Our Socials!

Monthly Feature

Santa Claus School & Santa House

Did you know...?

Midland is home to the world-famous, non-profit Santa Claus school!

The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School was founded in 1937 in Albion, New York, by Charles W. Howard, who recognized the need for consistency, professionalism, and deep knowledge of Christmas traditions. In the 1960s, Nate Doan took over the school and later moved it to Bay City, Michigan.

In 1975, Tom Valent attended the school, and in 1987 he and his wife, Holly, brought the beloved institution to Midland, where it continues to thrive today. Each year, approximately 300 students attend to learn how to truly embody the role of Santa Claus. Now operating as a non-profit organization, it remains the longest continuously running Santa Claus School in the world.

Also in 1987, Tom Valent and Steve Barstow collaborated on plans for a new Santa House after the previous temporary structure had fallen into disrepair. With Steve serving as the architect, the project became a community effort. Local partners including Gerace Construction, Blasy Electric, Pat’s Gradall, Haddix Lumber, 4-D Builders, Fisher Sand and Gravel, Brandle Roofing, Ramar Construction, France Electric, Cook’s of Midland, Dow Chemical Company, Ritter Signs, and many others helped bring the vision to life.

Safety Resource

2-1-1: Connecting Our Community to Holiday Assistance

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring added stress for families in need. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their online resource directory, individuals can connect with trained specialists who provide confidential support and guide them to local assistance programs.

From help with holiday meals, gift programs, and winter clothing, to support for utility bills, housing, and mental health services, 2-1-1 links community members to hundreds of resources across the region. Their team works year-round, but demand often increases during the holidays—making their service especially vital this time of year.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra support this season, 2-1-1 is just a call away. It's free, local, and available 24/7 to ensure no one faces the holidays alone.

Learn More About 2-1-1

Staff Celebrations

Happy 4-year work anniversary, Lindsey Rugenstein! Thank you for everything you bring to the team. We are grateful for your positivity, talent, and all the ways you make work better.

Join us in wishing Marc White a happy birthday! Wishing you a year full of joy, growth, and all things that make you happiest. Happy birthday!

Upcoming Specialty Classes

Adult First Aid/CPR/AED: Thursday, January 8

Aerial Lift/Elevated Work Platform: Tuesday, January 20

Arc Flash Awareness: Wednesday, December 10

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View Our Courses Catalog

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