NEWS
Grand Traverse, Crawford, and Roscommon County businesses, employees celebrated at Michigan Capitol for the Michigan Works! Impact Awards
LANSING- State leaders this week recognized the economic achievements of Michigan businesses and their employees 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Awards at the Michigan Capitol. The Northern Michigan honorees included Roscommon County Road Commission headquartered in Prudenville, River House, Inc. in Grayling, and TentCraft in Traverse City.
“The Impact Awards showcase the impressive workforce development achievements that take place in partnership with the Michigan Works!’ network each year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of Michigan Works! Association. “These successes reinforce the role our network plays in transforming our workforce and the lives of Michiganders. Congratulations to all the honorees!”
Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium nominated the Roscommon County Road Commission for their Summer Apprentice Program that made it possible for apprentices to work on road projects throughout the area.
Lou Tomma became an apprentice at the Roscommon County Road Commission, and it was life-changing for him. Michigan Works! Region 7B’s Roscommon County Service Center assisted him in getting his CDL-A. He was honored for persevering through roadblocks and received his certificate in January 2023.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium nominated River House, Inc., a nonprofit agency that serves victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, for continuously helping employees achieve their goals. River House Thrift Store employee Aubrey Zawacky was facing many barriers when she began working with the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium team. With guidance and encouragement from her Michigan Works! Career Advisors, Aubrey made steady, continual strides in accomplishing her goals. She was honored for her hard work and focus as she accomplished all her goals.
Northwest Michigan Works! nominated TentCraft, a veteran-owned small business with a tradition of high-quality, innovative American manufacturing based in Traverse City.
After arriving in the U.S. Qayum Qayumi and his spouse, Habiba, sought support from Northwest Michigan Works!. They received essential support, including transportation assistance, during their transition to living in the United States which led to a position as a sewing operator at TentCraft.
Even though he’s happily employed at TentCraft, Qayum remains determined to leverage his technical expertise and eventually start his own business. He even presented his future business, Quick Quality Alterations, at a local small business pitch event, inspiring the audience with his entrepreneurial spirit.
West Central Michigan Works! nominated Foreway Transportation employee Brandon Nowak who overcame obstacles after incarceration. Michigan Works! supported Nowak in obtaining his GED and enrolling in a truck driving training program. He earned his CDL and reached his goal of obtaining a job as a full-time over-the-road driver in July 2023 at Foreway Transportation.
The Impact Awards, held April 17th, celebrated the economic impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development within our communities. Honorees from across the state received awards highlighted by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).
About Michigan Works!: 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 workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
Southeast Michigan businesses, employees celebrated at Michigan Capitol for the Michigan Works! Impact Awards
LANSING- State leaders this week recognized the economic achievements of Southeast Michigan businesses and their employees at the 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Awards at the Michigan Capitol. The honorees included Henry Ford Health headquartered in Detroit, Ultraform Industries in Romeo, Three M Tool & Machine in Commerce Charter Township, and Taco John’s in Monroe.
“The Impact Awards showcase the impressive workforce development achievements that take place in partnership with the Michigan Works!’ network each year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of Michigan Works! Association. “These successes reinforce the role our network plays in transforming our workforce and the lives of Michiganders. Congratulations to all the honorees!”
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) nominated Henry Ford Health for developing initiatives and programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of Detroit’s residents. DESC assisted Charles Simpson in finding a job most suitable for him, as a patient transporter at the hospital. Charles was nominated due to his motivation and drive, which he attributes to Henry Ford Health.
Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works! nominated Ultraform Industries for its growth to over 100 employees and expanding its training incentives to include a Registered Apprenticeship program. Ultraform employee Jacob Cross was approached about the Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program after displaying a talent for understanding the setups and troubleshooting steps for Ultraform’s vertical forming machines. He was honored for his hard work and dedication to a career opportunity which led him to success.
Oakland County Michigan Works! nominated Three M Tool & Machine for its collaboration in bringing in young talent that has contributed to the growth of the company. Their partnership with Michigan Works! has resulted in thousands of dollars in skilled trades training, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Three M Tool & Machine employee Alex Van Den Bremer joined the company as a full-time bench hand upon completing the youth work experience program and was honored for his strong work ethic and willingness to learn right away.
SEMCA Michigan Works! nominated Taco John’s for creating over 30 local jobs and continuously training new team members throughout their partnership with SEMCA. The location in Monroe worked with SEMCA MW Monroe American Job Center to provide job search assistance and internship opportunities for local residents.
Production Team Member Angelica Pittman was a Partnership, Accountability, Training, Hope (PATH) participant at the SEMCA Michigan Works! Monroe American Job Center when she entered the program. She was honored for her display of hard work as she worked directly with a PATH coach to find a job.
The Impact Awards, held April 17th, celebrated the economic impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development within our communities. Honorees from across the state received awards highlighted by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).
About Michigan Works!: 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 workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
Michigan Works! Association chosen for first-of-its-kind workplace culture training program
LANSING (March 22, 2024) - The Michigan Works! Association (MWA) will soon be able to offer an innovative new training program for employers specializing in creating a caring workplace culture.
MWA was chosen to pilot the Caring Workforce program, developed by the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, focused on improving workplaces by creating a culture focused on caring and communication, in addition to performance. The program partners with organizations to impact collective impact by building leaders with the skills and courage to care in order to transform families, workplaces and communities.
“The Caring Workplace program is about listening and leading to transform workplace culture,” said Michigan Works! Association Director of Strategic Initiatives Natasha Allen. “Our Association is proud to be chosen for to pilot this innovative program and is excited to bring its transformative strategies to our partners across the state.”
The training equips people with the tools for listening, empathy, leadership, care and service, allowing care to permeate every aspect of the organization’s culture and community. The three-phase program builds on individual leadership skill sets by creating an opportunity for new learning. It includes various on-demand courses and learning through different forms such as workshops, podcasts, and videos.
After the success of the pilot, Michigan Works! Association will be able to provide the innovative training to Michigan Works agency staff and employers, transforming Michigan workplaces into more caring settings.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with forward thinking organizations like the Michigan Works! Association,” said Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities. “Their dedication to creating a caring workplace and prioritizing employee well-being aligns with our vision for this program. We believe this partnership presents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth while positively impacting the organization and its community.”
In Michigan, Upper Peninsula Michigan! Works and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County were also chosen for the pilot program. For more information on the program, visit https://chapmancommunities.org/partner/.
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.
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Michigan Works! Association concerned with details of workforce development legislation approved by U.S. House Education & Workforce Committee
Following approval of the ‘A Stronger Workforce for America Act’ by the U.S. House Education & Workforce Committee today, Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt issued the following statement:
“The Michigan Works! network appreciates the efforts to strengthen and modernize America’s workforce system, but we have concerns regarding provisions within this bill package that could impact the effectiveness and flexibility of our local workforce development efforts in Michigan. The Michigan Works! Association remains committed to advocating for a workforce development system that is flexible, responsive, and attuned to the unique needs of our communities. We hope to continue working with our legislators and stakeholders to address our concerns to ensure our workforce system can effectively serve Michigan’s job seekers and employers.”
The concerns Michigan Works! has with the bill include:
50% Training Requirement: The mandate for local workforce development boards to allocate 50% of their funding for training presents a significant challenge. This federal requirement could limit our ability to remain responsive to the rapidly changing needs of local employers. Moreover, the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes 'training' under this mandate could lead to ambiguity and inconsistency in program implementation. Our priority is to ensure that workforce development strategies are tailored to local economic conditions and employer needs, and this requirement could impede that flexibility.
Increased Governor's Set-aside for "Critical Industries Fund": The proposal to increase the Governor's set-aside fund by 10% to establish a "critical industries fund" raises concerns about the potential reduction of resources available to local workforce development systems. While the intent to focus on critical industries is understandable, this shift in funding risks duplicating services that are already being effectively delivered at the local level. It is essential that funding remains adequate to support the unique workforce needs of local job seekers and employers.
Redesignation of Local Workforce Development Areas: The proposed redesignation of local workforce development areas is another area of concern. This move could diminish local accountability and stifle innovation, which are cornerstones of a demand-driven workforce system. It is crucial that the voice and needs of the business community remain at the forefront of workforce development strategies. Local expertise and engagement are key to creating effective, employer-responsive programs.
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Michigan Works! Association Secures Continued Flexibility in Workforce Development Through Wagner-Peyser Act Final Rule
LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 30, 2023) – The Michigan Works! Association recently announced that Michigan will maintain its ability to deliver workforce development services under the Wagner-Peyser Act.
This pivotal decision, recently affirmed by the U.S. Department of Labor, permits Michigan to continue implementing innovative and flexible staffing models via local workforce development boards, a key element in delivering specialized workforce development services across the state.
The Wagner-Peyser Act, a cornerstone of the nation's labor market since 1933, mandates that states uphold Employment Service programs delivering essential services to job seekers and employers. The final USDOL rule, reinstates the requirement for states to employ state merit staff for program services. Additionally, Michigan, along with Colorado and Massachusetts, has been granted the unique opportunity to persist with alternative staffing models, a longstanding precedent that has been previously approved by USDOL.
"This rule is a testament to the effectiveness and innovation of Michigan's workforce service delivery," said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. "Our ability to retain the delivery mechanism for locally-responsive workforce development underlines our commitment to evolving and adapting our services to meet the diverse needs of Michigan's labor market."
The Michigan Works! system’s sustained status means continued flexibility in staffing, enabling a more tailored approach to workforce development. This adaptability is crucial for addressing specific local employment challenges and opportunities, ensuring that services are not only consistent and high-quality but also nuanced and community-specific.
"We are excited to continue our work with innovative staffing models that have proven successful in connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities and supporting employers in finding the talent they need," added Marisue Moreau, director with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. "This ruling allows us to further our mission in delivering effective and responsive workforce solutions across Michigan."
In April 2022, the USDOL proposed a rule that would remove Michigan’s longstanding workforce delivery model, with the potential to drastically reduce services to job seekers and employers throughout the state. As a result of the proposed rule, the Michigan Works! Association engaged with the state’s congressional delegation to maintain a successful model of integration and positive impact. A statement of support issued in June 2022 received support from more than 1,600 individuals across Michigan.
“I am pleased that the finalized Wagner-Peyser rule continues to allow Michigan to partner with a network of Michigan Works! centers to administer employment services that meet specific local and regional workforce needs,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I advocated for this flexibility to ensure that the regional and integrated workforce development system can continue to use innovative approaches to benefit both job seekers and employers.”
As part of the final rule, Michigan must participate in a rigorous evaluation of these staffing models, contributing valuable insights into the efficacy of various approaches to labor exchange services. This initiative aligns with the system’s ongoing efforts to advance workforce development strategies and uphold the highest service delivery standards. The rule is effective 60 days post-publication in the Federal Register.
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.
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Michigan Works! Association names Rep. Will Snyder 2023 Legislator of the Year
LANSING (Oct. 2, 2023) — State Representative Will Snyder was honored recently as the Michigan Works! Association’s (MWA) 2023 Legislator of the Year.
“Having strong leaders like Rep. Snyder advocating for the Michigan Works! system continues to help our agencies improve and grow,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “His leadership has been invaluable, and we are proud to name him as our 2023 Legislator of the Year.”
Snyder was honored for advocating for investments in workforce training development programs to grow Michigan’s labor force. He is focused on giving people access to high-paying, quality jobs to attract businesses by having a well-trained workforce.
Rep. Snyder is currently serving his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the Greater Muskegon area where he is a lifelong resident. Snyder serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee where he chairs the subcommittee on Labor & Economic Opportunity.
The award was presented at the 2023 Michigan Works! conference in Detroit last month.
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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 workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren Honored with State Board of Excellence award
LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 2, 2023) – The Michigan Works! Association recently recognized the Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren board for its innovative and creative approaches on behalf of Michigan job seekers and employers.
“The board at Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren continues to serve as an amazing ambassador for the Michigan Works system,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “They always strive to provide the best approaches for success and go above and beyond to ensure they fulfill unmet needs. They continue to bring innovative and creative approaches to the table, and they are very deserving of the Board of Excellence award.”
Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren Area is a model ambassador for the Michigan Works! System due to its innovative and crucial approach to community impact. Their long-term objective and plan have been a source of continuous innovation. The board is recognized not only as an invaluable community partner and stakeholder, but also as an indispensable community change agent, thanks to their unique business strategy, aggressive diversified fund creation, and consistent monitoring of impact.
The organization has created three subsidiary organizations to fulfill unmet needs in Southwest Michigan, as well as around the state. These organizations were created using the organization's expanding and diverse resources that come from both the public and private sectors. Together with Michigan Works!, Youth Solutions, Market Van Buren, and the Manufacturing Growth Alliance are tackling the most pressing workforce, economic, and community concerns.
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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.
Southwest Michigan workforce leader receives statewide leadership award from Michigan Works! Association
Lansing, Mich. (Sep. 29, 2023) – Michigan Works! Southwest Executive Director Jakki Bungart-Bibb last week was honored with the Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award by the Michigan Works! Association.
“Jakki embodies the spirit and collaboration required for effective partnership, following along the path of many successful workforce development leaders, like Christine Quinn who this award is named after,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “She goes above and beyond for our workforce network, and we are extremely proud to honor her with this award.”
In her role as executive director of Michigan Works! Southwest, Jakki leads and oversees workforce development programs and services across four counties. Using her over 25 years of workforce development experience, she has continued to scale the success of her organization and the Michigan Works! system as a whole. Her tenure has included the growth of the successful Neighborhood Employment Hubs that have provided employment and training support for job seekers in Battle Creek. During the first award cycle of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded program, the Hubs served over 1,400 community members.
The award was presented at the association’s annual conference in Detroit.
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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! Association names Senator Mary Cavanagh 2023 Legislator of the Year
LANSING (Sept. 27, 2023)— State Senator Mary Cavanagh was honored this week as the Michigan Works! Association’s (MWA) 2023 Legislator of the Year.
Sen. Cavanagh (second from left) accepts her award at the Michigan Works! conference on Sept. 11. She is pictured (L to R) with SEMCA Michigan Works! CEO Greg Pitoniak, Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn and Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt.
“Having strong leaders like Senator Cavanagh advocating for the Michigan Works! system continues to help our agencies improve and grow,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “Senator Cavanagh’s leadership has been invaluable and we are proud to name her as our 2023 Legislator of the Year.”
Cavanagh was honored for being a vocal champion for workforce development with a focus on building relationships and bringing about positive change. She advocates for Michigan Works! in her role as vice chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee and chair of the Labor & Economic Opportunity Appropriations Subcommittee, and as a member of the Senator Labor Committee.
“As Chair of the Senate LEO/MEDC Appropriations Subcommittee, investing in programs and resources to ensure our workers have the education and skills needed to succeed in Michigan’s future economy is one of my top priorities,” said Sen. Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp). “Michigan Works! is a critical tool in that effort, supporting the development of our workforce and empowering Michigan workers. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as a Michigan Works! Legislator of the Year, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this incredible organization to create a more thriving and competitive state of Michigan.”
Senator Cavanagh is currently serving her first term in the Michigan Senate, representing parts of Detroit, Farmington Hills, Livonia and all of Farmington and Redford Township. She was previously elected in 2020 to serve as a state representative.
The award was presented at the 2023 Michigan Works! conference in Detroit earlier this month.
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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 workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
State workforce leader honored as Champion of Workforce Development by Michigan Works! Association
Lansing, Mich. (Sept. 26, 2023) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored 30-year workforce development leader Joseph Billig as its 2023 Champion of Workforce Development.
Joseph Billig began his career with Michigan Works! and recently retired from the State of Michigan as a Division Director at the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity. His career in workforce development is all-encompassing, with experience in nearly all workforce programs.
“Joe Billig is a highly respected leader in the Michigan Works! system, who was committed to continuous improvement and data-driven solutions,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “His 30-year commitment to improving workforce development made a huge impact in Michigan and we were proud to honor him as this year’s Champion of Workforce Development.”
The Champion of Workforce Development award is presented annually to a workforce champion who exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and who has made significant contributions to the public workforce system in Michigan.
The award was presented at the Michigan Works! annual conference in Detroit this month.
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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.