Detroit Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Detroit area 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 Stellantis, Detroit At Work, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation for their commitment to Detroiters through hiring initiatives to fill in-demand jobs and build a strong talent pipeline within the City of Detroit.  

The partnership between Detroit At Work, powered by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and Stellantis started two years ago when the automotive company approached the City of Detroit with a plan to build the first new assembly plant in the city in 30 years and make a substantial investment in their existing Detroit facility. 

Stellantis’ long-standing commitment to the city and its residents was highly prevalent in the plan as the company prioritized Detroiters during the application and interview processes for the nearly 5,000 jobs that would become available. 

The partnership grew as Detroit At Work created the infrastructure for recruiting, vetting, and connecting candidates to Stellantis.  Additionally, Detroit At Work developed an entire suite of support services to address any barriers to employment that a job seeker could face including access to technology, high school completion, access to childcare, additional coaching to prepare for the application and interview process and transportation assistance.  As a result, more than 4,100 Detroiters received job offers, with interviews continuing to take place. 

“Congratulations to Stellantis, Detroit At Work, and DESC on winning the Impact Award,” said state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit).  “So many of our families are struggling right now and putting more Detroiters to work or in better paying jobs is a positive step for our communities.  I am hopeful to see continued efforts to prioritize the hiring of Detroiters and enhance and improve efforts to support and protect residents of nearby neighborhoods.” 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state. 

“I commend Stellantis for working closely with the City of Detroit and Detroit At Work to improve the lives of our residents,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “The extra effort Detroit At Work put into developing support services to address the specific barriers Detroit residents are facing was key to making this effort such a great success.” 

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

“We are honored to receive this award as it recognizes our efforts to keep the commitment we made to the city and its residents to put Detroiters first,” said Ron Stallworth, senior manager, State and Local Government Relations, Stellantis.  “In fact, we are pleased that 2,100 Detroit residents have been hired to join the team at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant to build the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L.  As a result of our strong partnerships with area residents, this project will have lasting benefits for the entire community.” 

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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NE Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Northeastern 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 Lear Corporation – Farwell Plant and the Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium for adapting to meet the professional and personal needs of employees.  

In March 2019, Business Solutions Professional Pam O’Laughlin met with the entire management team at Lear Corporation – Farwell to address a 98 percent turnover rate of production employees.  At this meeting, the team identified areas of concern.  To address the issues identified, Lear Corporation implemented new practices and procedures.  As a result, the hiring process was revised to include additional screening and testing criteria, a more intensive week-long orientation was developed, and the company made leadership training for floor leads a priority.   

Additionally, Lear Corporation – Farwell was the first employer in the Michigan Works! Region 7B area to implement The Network -- a business resource program.  This program brought a Success Coach into the plant each week to assist employees.  The Success Coach was able to assist Lear Corporation employees by identifying barriers, providing resources, coordinating with HR staff to offer training solutions and mitigation, and, overall, reducing turnover. 

 “Working with Pam O’Laughlin and her knowledgeable team has been a great experience that has helped to make our plant a better place to work,” said Lear Corporation – Farwell Human Resources Manager Lisa Fredrickson. “Working with Vicky Stickler in the Business Resource Network program is an excellent tool that has made our ability to meet the needs of our workforce more comprehensive than ever before.  That is why it has been an easy choice for us to utilize MIchigan Works! Region 7B.  We look forward to continuing to work with Pam and Vicky through Michigan Works! Region 7B and the Middle Michigan Development Corporation far into the future.” 

In October 2019, a primary customer of Lear Corporation went on strike, causing a massive lay off at the Lear Corporation – Farwell plant.  Management carefully and thoughtfully structured a layoff plan to enable employees to keep their health insurance coverage active by reporting to work for four hours each week.  This also made it possible for employees to continue to be eligible for unemployment insurance while on the reduced work schedule.  As a result of these actions, Lear did not lose a single employee. 

Lear Corporation has continued to tackle any challenges that arise.  When the pandemic brough on another layoff for Lear, management worked remotely to provide support for their employees and assistance with help from Michigan Works! Region 7B and the Network. 

When all three shifts were able to return to work, safety protocols were significantly enhanced at the plant and management staff worked to find solutions for any challenges that arose, including changes to attendance to improve the work/life balance of their employees.  These changes have made a significant difference in employee morale and the employee turnover. 

To address the 98 percent turnover rate, management at Lear Corporation – Farwell took the necessary actions needed to improve their company morale while reducing the turnover rate. 

“It’s exciting to see how the Business Resource Network program is supporting the growth of talent in our region,” said state Sen. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes). “Kudos to Lear Corporation for implementing this important program so they could effectively address their turnover rate.” 

The Impact Awards hosted by the 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.   

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

“I am pleased to see community partners collaborating to preserve economic prosperity in our region and excited to have this award in my hometown of Farwell,” said state Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell). “The daily effort Michigan Works! Region 7B puts into coordinating with local employers and other partners makes all the difference in talent development and retention in this area.”  

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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Statement from the Michigan Works! Association on Governor Whitmer’s 2021 State of the State Address

LANSING, MI (Jan 28, 2021) – Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address:

“We applaud the Governor’s continued commitment to the goal of 60 percent of Michigan’s residents earning a post-secondary credential or degree by 2030 and are supportive of the announcement of her new Michigan Back to Work effort to grow both good paying jobs for Michigan residents and the state’s economy.

“Additionally, Michigan Works! supports the Governor’s request of the Michigan legislature to extend the Good Jobs for Michigan program. The Michigan Works! Association is a member of the Good Jobs for Michigan coalition and a strong supporter of its mission of advancing economic development tools and efforts to strengthen Michigan and secure good-paying jobs for our families, community, and future.

“The Michigan Works! network stands ready to support the Governor in both these economic development efforts. The services provided by the Michigan Works! network are key to helping job seekers and employers recover from the damage done to the state’s economy by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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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.

Michigan Works! Applauds Lawmakers and Administration for Including Going PRO Talent Fund Money in FY 2021 State Budget

LANSING, MI (September 23, 2020) – Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to the inclusion of $28.7 million for the Going PRO Talent Fund program in the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget proposal:

“We applaud the Michigan legislature and the administration for their commitment to including money to the FY 2021 state budget in order to continue providing grants to Michigan businesses so they can provide critical training for both current employees and new hires.

“The $28.7 million included in the FY 2021 state budget will be awarded to employers across the state to help them meet the challenges they have with locating, training and retaining the talent needed to remain competitive with other states as well as around the world.

“Since the inception of the Talent Fund program in 2014, nearly $100 million has been awarded to more than 3,000 businesses across the state, resulting in the retention of 72,542 jobs.

“The need for highly-skilled talent has never been greater in our state. The COVID-19 crisis has created an even greater need for reskilling and retraining dollars for Michiganders. Many Michigan residents are now facing situations in which they will need to pursue a completely different career path and this funding will go a long way toward helping with that situation. Going PRO Talent Fund has proven to be one of the most effective resources available to address Michigan’s talent crisis.

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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.

Local Talent Development Leader Vicky Stickler Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Vicky Stickler of Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Arenac, Clare, and Gladwin counties.  Stickler recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Stickler is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines. 

“Vicky is the true definition of going the extra mile,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She believes that anything is possible, and nothing is out of reach.” 

Stickler has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“As a talent specialist working within the business community, Vicky works unconventional hours in order to reach as many workers as possible to assist with their needs,” said Mark Berdan, executive director of Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium.  “Vicky uses her approachable personality and persistence to ensure that workers overcome their barriers and are successful at their jobs.” 

Stickler said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am honored to receive this award as I feel that many in our organization go above and beyond,” said Stickler.  “Michigan’s workforce, and those who employ them, are vital to the success of our local communities, so it is a privilege to assist our area employers, their employees, and thereby, their families.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Thomas Luck Honored by Michigan Works! Associatio

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Thomas Luck of Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties.

Luck recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference. He serves as the IT director for the region.

“Thomas has an unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in everyone,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “He demonstrates a notable passion and dedication for serving jobseekers in his community and his coworkers recognize him as a team player who is committed to success and is always willing to step in and help.”

Luck has proven to be a tremendous asset to the team at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works since joining the team in early 2020.

“His impact on our region was immediate and wide reaching,” said Chris Rishko, CEO of Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!. “Tom was instrumental in providing the IT infrastructure required to meet the unprecedented demands of virtual service delivery. His expertise and dedication were integral to seamless continuation of our essential operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Luck said he is honored to receive this award.

“Our success at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! is the direct result of our entire team coming together and doing what it takes to achieve great things regardless of the challenges put in front of us,” said Luck. “I look forward to continued success working with the team at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!”

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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.

Local Talent Development Leader Tania Diaz Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Tania Diaz of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in the city of Detroit. 

Diaz recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference. She serves as an employment services coordinator for DESC. 

Diaz is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines. 

“Tania is well respected by her peers, management team, partner agents, vendors, and customers from all backgrounds,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She played a big role in onboarding, and training, volunteer staff across the Detroit At Work system to work on the Unemployment Assistance project.” 

Diaz has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“Tania has shown she will go the extra mile to both serve our customers and support her team of staff and managers,” said Terri Weems, interim president and CEO of DESC.  “She has demonstrated an excellent work ethic, a willingness to assist customers with not only employment needs but also looks for additional resources that would assist them in other areas of their lives.  Tania has consistently provided professional and exemplary customer services to a wide range of very difficult customers but has done so with both kindness and grace.” 

Diaz said she is honored to receive this award. 

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too,” said Diaz.  

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Sunshine Plato Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Sunshine Plato of Michigan Works! Southeast was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties.  Plato recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Plato is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines. 

“Sunshine has consistently exhibited shining star attributes throughout her employment with Michigan Works! Southeast; however, most recently, she has shined even brighter,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “With the onset of the pandemic, Sunshine sprang into action to help the organization continue to promote their mission and purpose by moving forward the design and implementation of virtual job seeker workshops.” 

Plato has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“As the pandemic started to hit hard, Sunshine spent many hours working with her teammates learning how to use the Zoom platform and transition their facilitation practices to a virtual world,” said Bill Sleight, director of Michigan Works! Southeast.  “Along with moving our workshops forward virtually, Sunshine volunteered to assist with unemployment calls and was one of the first to be trained to use the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s system.  She is committed to helping not only those who reside in the Michigan Works! Southeast region, but all Michiganders that are facing financial troubles during the unprecedented time.” 

Plato said she is honored to receive this award. 

 It is an honor to accept this award,” said Plato.  “When the global pandemic hit, I knew that I had to learn as much as I could to offer people in our community hope.  Just being able to do what I love – to help people overcome adversity and to learn new skills – is truly what is the reward.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Shanell Shelby Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Shanell Shelby of Oakland County Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Oakland county.  Shelby recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Shelby is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines. 

“Shanell is passionate about her work, the Pontiac community, and creating equal opportunities for all,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She is a rising star in Oakland County and inspires her staff and community.” 

Shelby has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“Shanell is truly a Shining Star for us, managing our office in Pontiac with the most diverse and concentrated population of job seekers in Oakland County,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!.  “Under her leadership, her team has helped thousands of people gain employment, as well as supported the workforce development needs of a broad range of employers across the area.  Shanell does this with professionalism and enthusiasm, with a smile on her face each day.” 

Shelby said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am honored and humbled to be a Shining Star award recipient; however, I can only shine as bright as my team,” said Shelby.  “Nelson Mandela said it is better to lead from behind and to put other in front, especially when you celebrate victory.  My goal is to continue the journey to help move forward workforce development services in the community and the City of Pontiac.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Scott Beattie Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Scott Beattie of GST Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in the GST Michigan Works! region which includes Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola counties.  Beattie recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Beattie is a tremendous asset to the industry of workforce development both locally and across county lines. 

“Scott is the epitome of great customer service,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “He never takes the easy way out when it comes to helping others. 

Beattie has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist his clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“While Scott is a rock star every single day, he has really risen to the occasion during the pandemic,” said Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works!.  “When the American Job Center offices were creating remote service strategies and determining how to serve our communities in virtual environments, Scott refused to leave the office.  Early on, when people were having great difficulty filing their unemployment claims, the best luck those filing were having was attempting the process in the middle of the night or very early in the morning when the system wasn’t as busy.  In an effort to help as many people as he could, he arranged with our partner in security at Mott Community College to alter their workday and commence working at 3:00 a.m. and seeing people by appointment.  Scott also goes above and beyond to help his coworkers and make their jobs easier if he can.  He has a heart of gold and a work ethic that is unparalleled.” 

Beattie said he is honored to receive this award. 

“For 26 years I have been suspicious of this agency, and when this mess hit our community, my suspicions were confirmed,” said Beattie.  “Our management and service teams are made up of the most amazing people our six counties have to offer.  And what is really cool is that I get to pretend to be one of them every day and see how they shine!”  

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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.