Oakland County Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Oakland County 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 former Oak Park resident Darius May, as well as Witzenmann USA, and Oakland County Michigan Works!.  

Darius May was described by many as a hard worker.  May joined Witzenmann USA, a leading manufacturer of flexible metal parts for a variety of industries, in 2013 as a general operator.  Later, he rose to the position of setter where he was responsible for changing over tools, minor troubleshooting and training other employees. 

To travel to and from work, May relied upon a vehicle that needed repairs and was not safe to drive.  During this time, May connected with the Business Resource Network (BRN) provided to Witzenmann USA by Oakland County Michigan Works! and the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLSHA).  Through the BRN, the success coach assigned to the program was able to assist May in applying for vehicle repair assistance through a local foundation that focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families in times of crisis.  May’s application was approved, and the foundation paid for the requested car repairs on his behalf. 

The partnership between Oakland County Michigan Works! And OLHSA has allowed businesses like Witzenmann USA to benefit from services offered by the BRN.  This contracted service allows for organizations to maintain their workforce and assist employees with overcoming personal and professional barriers that may hinder them from being successful, such as May and his lack of steady transportation to work. 

“I am honored to work with a business that values their employees and actively seeks out innovative ways to support them,” said OLHSA BRN Success Coach Nykol Baker.  “As a member of the Oakland County BRN, Witzenmann USA embraces the holistic approach of viewing employees as not only respected team members, but also as treasured members of their family and our community.  When something has negatively impacted an employee, Witzenmann USA cares and puts great effort into assisting their employees.  Witzenmann USA shines as an employer who is committed to the well-being, safety, and happiness of their employees.” 

Today, the services offered through Oakland County Michigan Works! and OLHSA’s Business Resource Network continue to have a positive impact on the individuals they serve such as May. 

Sadly, May passed away unexpectedly in 2020.  May is survived by his fiancé Laurinda Jefferson and his three daughters, Logan, Laycie and Lillie, as well as his parents, siblings and other family members. 

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. 

“The Business Resource Network was central to supporting Darius and I was very saddened to learn of his passing,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park).  “The assistance the Business Resource Network offers to jobseekers in our community is key to helping them overcome extremely difficult barriers to succeed in their career goals and aspirations.” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

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. 

“I am pleased to see community partners collaborating to bring talent and economic prosperity to our region,” said state Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy). “The daily effort Oakland County Michigan Works! puts into coordinating with local employers and other partners makes all the difference in talent development in this area.”  

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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