Bay Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Bay Area talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize local resident Joal Loughner, as well as Michigan Sugar Company and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! for providing job seekers with opportunities to make advances in their education and career. 

After his family dynamic changed, Loughner knew he needed to secure employment in order to help out his familiy financially.  In search of a steady income, he reached out to Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! where he shared with staff that he had not completed high school. 

To improve his chances of securing employment and earn steady wages, Loughner started attending the Michigan Works! Academic Center on a regular basis, even though he had no transportation.  With intense instruction from the Academic Center instructor, he earned his High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate.  It was a proud day when he brought a copy of it to share with his partners at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!. 

Following the completion of his HSE Certificate, Loughner began working with is career manager to create an effective, professional resume while learning interview techniques.  He continued his dedicated quest for employment by spending time with staff at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! to search and apply for jobs.  It was through these Michigan Works! services that he landed his first-ever paycheck from Michigan Sugar Company as a research laborer. 

“I was very proud to share my HSE Certificate and first ever paycheck with my career manager and Academic Center instructor,” said Loughner.  “I enjoy my job at Michigan Sugar, and am pleased to have full-time employment.  I am very thankful for the support and assistance provided to me by Michigan Works!.” 

Michigan Sugar Company is committed to growing Michigan’s talent pipeline by investing in individuals searching for work, like Loughner.  Through initiatives such as robust apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, internal and external classes and seminars, Michigan Sugar Company enhances their employee’s skills, knowledge, and capabilities to strengthen the community and individuals like Loughner. 

“Joal is an excellent example of someone who put in the hard work and dedication to overcome multiple barriers to earn his High School Equivalency certificate, gain a new skill, and start a new career in Michigan,” said state Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Arcadia Township). “Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! does a great job of working closely with local companies to assist residents in our region with reaching their career goals.”  

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

 “Congratulations to the team at Michigan Sugar Company for working closely with Michigan Works! to continue to grow Michigan’s talent pipeline,” said state Rep. Timothy Beson (R-Kawkawlin). “Their dedication to offering initiatives that help employees learn new skills is key to not only having a successful business but also to ensuring the success of Michigan residents.”  

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners. 

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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