Macomb/St. Clair Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Macomb/St. Clair Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts  

Local Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Macomb and St. Clair Counties 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Macomb and St. Clair Counties 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, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize Macomb County resident Melissa Etu and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!.  

Melissa Etue had been working in the makeup industry for 20 years when she decided to pursue opportunities in a different industry. Due to the pandemic, the beauty industry, and retail in which Etue worked, was heavily impacted. In the fall of 2020, Etue officially parted ways with her employer when she was laid off. Etue wanted to find a career that reignited her passion for service, building a brilliant team, and a strong foundational base for a business to thrive. 

Etue strived to work for a company that aligned with her values and desired a mission statement she could support. One day, she saw a posting for a District Manager at Achatz Handmade Pie Company. She fit many of the skills at this position but did not have experience in the food industry. Although Etue did not have experience in the industry, skills could be taught, and she knew she had the passion to bring to Achatz Pies. 

“I am grateful that Achatz Pies took a chance on me because together we are innovating and building a stronger business, and I am becoming a great baker in the process,” said Etue. “I am not developing a new training program for the next group hiring into the company. I am taking my experience, and making it teachable for an overall stronger, and an even more passionate team driven by skills and knowledge.”  

She interviewed for the District Manager position and clicked with leadership and the founder of the company. She felt like she had found her place until they asked about her knowledge of the food industry. Etue admitted she did not know food safety, quality assessment, and how to bake. 

In partnership with Michigan Works!, Achatz Pies decided to hire Etue into the leadership role for their retail operations. They saw her passion for service and willingness to learn something new. She received 480 hours of on-the-job training as a District Manager for Achatz Pies with training funds provided by COVID-19 Recovery Project Funds. 

“The USDOL awarded funds to the State of Michigan in May 2020 to provide disaster relief employment and included additional dislocated worker funding to accommodate the expected rise in unemployment during the pandemic,” said executive director of Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Justin Al-Igoe. “Our nominee is an example of the thousands of local workers who lost their job due to the impact of the pandemic. With the support of this employment and training assistance, our nominee became reemployed in a new industry in a high-demand occupation.” 

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 Melissa and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “I am grateful for the services Michigan Works! provides job seekers and employers all over the state. The work you do changes people’s lives for the better every single day!” 

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

“Success stories like this one provide hope for other people who may be facing similar barriers in their own job search,” said Rep. Richard Steenland (D-Roseville). “I commend Melissa for her perseverance and willingness to learn a new skill in order to find her dream job!” 

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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