Northeast Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Northeast Michigan 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 Albie’s Foods, Inc. and the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for using the Business Resource Network to help workers retain their jobs and overcome barriers.
From recruitment, retention and career exploration, Albie’s Foods, Inc. shares a common vision for workforce success with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.
As a true champion employer, Albie’s Foods has continuously supported Michigan Works! initiatives designed to best support and strengthen not only the workforce at Albie’s Foods, but of the local area as well. Over the past few years, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium has assisted Albie’s Foods in a variety of ways including recruiting, retention, career exploration, and long-term planning.
Albie’s Foods was a key member of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium’s Business Resource Network “Safety Net WORKS!” during its initial year. Their active participation and feedback as a subscribing employer helped clear a path for countless workers across Otsego County to receive the assistance they needed to retain their positions and overcome barriers. As a result of their commitment and dedication to their employees, Albie’s Foods is proud to say, in over 30 years of business, the company has never had a layoff.
Albie’s Foods has been an essential business during this COVID-19 crisis, manufacturing over 9 million sandwiches for Feeding America. The company donated sandwiches to the local schools as well as the hotels that were offering to help feed people in the area. Albie’s Foods also took the initiative to feed the volunteers lunch from local restaurants that were delivering food around the county. To keep up with demand, Albie’s Foods implemented a second shift this year.
While giving back throughout the pandemic, Albie’s Foods has shown their commitment to investing in future talent while giving back to those in need. Because of the actions taken during this nationwide crisis, Albie’s Foods is deemed a valuable community partner.
“The pandemic has been especially difficult for the food service industry,” said state Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord). “Kudos to Albie’s Foods for going above and beyond during the pandemic to help provide food to those in need in their community.”
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes 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.
“Economic development is key to creating growth in our region and throughout the state,” said state Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland). “Albie’s Foods has proven to be a great partner in creating good jobs in northern Michigan and as a leader in the community.”
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 ecosystem. 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).
###