Bronson Healthcare Recognized as Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 15, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Bronson Healthcare for their commitment to training and developing a pipeline of skilled and competent talent in Michigan. Named Michigan Works! Association Employer of the Year, Bronson Healthcare received an award during the Association’s annual conference.

“The Michigan Works! Association is proud to honor Bronson Healthcare with the 2021 Employer of the Year Award,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This award recognizes a private sector company that, in partnership with Michigan Works!, goes beyond the call of duty, continuously contributes to local job placement, and promotes education to maintain a skilled workforce. Congratulations to Bronson Healthcare on winning the award this year!”

Bronson Healthcare based in Kalamazoo, Michigan is a not-for-profit, community-governed health system serving nine counties in southwest and south central Michigan. With 8,400 employees and more than 1,500 medical staff members, Bronson is the largest employer and leading healthcare system in the region. It offers a full range of services from primary care to critical care across more than 100 locations. Key member organizations include: Bronson Methodist Hospital, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, Bronson LakeView Hospital, Bronson South Haven Hospital, Bronson Medical Group, Bronson at Home, Bronson Commons, Bronson Athletic Club, Bronson Wellness Center and the Bronson Health Foundation.

The year 2020 will forever be synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough year for all industries/employers across not only our local communities, but the State of Michigan and the nation. Perhaps none had a more difficult time than those in the healthcare industry. When “essential work” and “essential workers” are considered, we must first and foremost think of the individuals and employers comprising the healthcare sector who worked tirelessly on the front line of this pandemic to provide care and healing to so many.

“Bronson has been a very active partner with Michigan Works! Southwest as not only a member of the Employer Resource Network, but also through talent development and retention efforts with the Business Services Team, and as a Going PRO Talent Fund recipient in 2020,” said Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “While Bronson’s slogan ‘Bronson Positivity’ was truly put to the test this past year, they have continued to be a true leader and supporter of not just our community, but also workforce development in general.”

Bronson is an industry leader and regularly participates in MiCareerQuestTM Southwest, a career exploratory event for local eighth graders, and, during the last several months, has been working with Michigan Works! Southwest to establish several Registered Apprenticeships.

“It is very important to us to bring healthcare to the forefront for students as they consider their talents, interests and future careers, and to create career pathways and growth opportunities for our current workforce,” says Cheryl Johnson, chief people officer for the Bronson Healthcare system. “Partnering with Michigan Works! has helped us build school and community

relationships that connect more people with the many rewarding jobs Bronson has to offer. We are truly honored to be engaged in this work and to be recognized as the Michigan Works! Association Employer of the Year.”