Local Talent Development Leader Elaine Eikenberry Honored by Michigan Works! Association
LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Elaine Eikenberry of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Eikenberry recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.
Eikenberry is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines.
“As a talent specialist, Elaine focuses on developing support systems for participants,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Elaine’s close connections to her community enhance her ability to get job seekers ready to win!”
Eikenberry has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect.
“In late 2019, Elaine suddenly experienced a medical crisis that resulted in a leave from work,” said William Raymond, CEO of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!. “Even before we knew she would fully recover, Elaine made sure her clients had a direct connection to another talent specialist. By early 2020, Elaine was able to return to work on a modified schedule and slowly ramped up to full time. Soon after, COVID-19 began to hit hard, and staff across the Upper Peninsula deployed to work from home, except Elaine. Despite the added stress and health concerns, Elaine continued to work fiercely to assist her clients and those desperately seeking help with unemployment compensation. Elaine was a shining star in our organization before COVID-19. Her resilience in the face of her personal health crisis and the pandemic, her insistence on showing up for clients, and her generous spirit in all things spark inspiration in us all!”
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Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.