Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Regional Employers Recognized with 2022 Impact Awards

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Regional Employers Recognized with 2022 Impact Awards 

LANSING, MI – Local lawmaker and statewide talent development officials gathered in-person and virtually on Thursday, March 24 to recognize Isabella Bank and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! for their dedication to the community. 

Isabella Bank’s over 118 years of service to the community began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  The bank has expanded its operations to seven counties, which include Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm and Saginaw.   With a demand-driven philosophy, Isabella Bank has been able to diagnose and deliver financial products and services to meet the needs in the communities they serve. 

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! worked with Isabella Bank with their Going PRO Talent Fund grant application process and submitted their application on their behalf.  The banking and financial industry is extremely competitive and requires continuous attention to stay relevant.  The Going PRO Talent Fund has helped support Isabella Bank’s mission of maintaining  high quality, personalized service to their customers, enhancing shareholder value through strategic growth and being an employer of choice. 

“Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Business Services Team members know Isabella Bank and its recruitment and training needs” said Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! CEO, Chris Rishko.   

“The Business Services Team does a great job of helping us with valuable resources,” said Patrick Mease, Sr. Vice President with Isabella Bank.  “Their assistance with the Going PRO Talent Fund grant award has helped us strengthen relationships with our customers.  The Going Pro Talent Fund has been vital for our bank to continue our growth through employee development.  We look forward to continuing this relations with Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works.” 

The Impact Awards, Hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic 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 Isabella Bank!” said Rick Outman (R. Six Lakes).  “I am happy to see them working closely with Michigan Works! to continue growing Michigan’s talent pipeline.  Michigan Works! is dedicated to educating Michiganders and providing opportunities for personal growth and advancement.  These initiatives are key to supporting Michigan businesses, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring the success of Michigan residents.” 

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

“Congratulations to Isabella Bank and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Roger Hauck (R. Union Township).  “The wide variety of services Michigan Works! provides to businesses throughout the state makes them one of the state’s most valuable assets in ensuring the state’s economic prosperity.” 

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! is a consortium of Saginaw, Midland, Bay, Gratiot, and Isabella counties, established to operate workforce development programs for this region.  It is one of 16 separate and independent Michigan Works! agencies and one of about 550 similar agencies nationwide. 

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! operates a total of five sites throughout the region. Michigan Works! strengthens the local economy 1) by assisting regional employers in finding and retaining qualified employees; and; 2) by assuring that the labor force meets the needs of regional employers.    

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