Local Talent Development Leader Don Palmer Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Don Palmer of Michigan Works! West Central was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties.  Palmer recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Don is a very upbeat person, with a great personality, willing to go the extra mile to help anyone,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “His co-workers say they have yet to see him in a bad mood and he is always willing to help them with anything they need.” 

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

“Don maintains a cool and calm demeanor when handling even the toughest clients,” said Shelly Keene, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central.  “The way Don has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, and stepped up to assist the Unemployment Insurance Agency, has been amazing!  He has empathy and patience and can deescalate situations to help calm clients who are extremely irate or upset.  His attitude has remained positive through all of the turmoil and he managed to lift everyone up through some of the roughest days with his humor, compassion, and support when needed.” 

Palmer said he is honored to receive this award. 

“I wish to thank those who nominated me for this special honor,” said Palmer.  “With the fine colleagues I work with, we will continue to make a difference by providing job seekers and employers with the tools and training they need to help meet workforce development needs.”  

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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 Dawn Millar Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Dawn Millar of Michigan Works! Southwest was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.  Millar recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Dawn’s personality and communications skills allow for her to put others at ease, while her expertise over a broad range of services and her flexibility in delivering those services have proven her to be an invaluable source of support and guidance for staff and customers alike,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “As a result of her commitment to providing excellent customer service, and her status as a leader among her peers, Dawn has become a critical resource for her team members, providing guidance and training to any staff member who requests it.” 

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

“As service delivery transitioned in response to COVID-19, Dawn continued providing this support by hosting open virtual meetings with Michigan Works! Southwest staff to assist in training and answering questions,” said Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest.  “While Dawn has become a leader and advocate for her team over the past year, she remains focused on the job at hand – helping the individuals in our community prosper.  Whether through her support, compassion, or leadership, countless individuals have been touched by Dawn’s dedication to enhancing local prosperity one person at a time.” 

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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 Brenda Lake Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Brenda Lake of Northwest Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.  Lake recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Brenda is the first face clients see, as well as the first voice they hear, so she sets the tone for the Cadillac Service Center,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Interacting with thousands of customers in her four years of service, Brenda represents the agency with a unique sort of compassionate professionalism that makes all the difference in improving the lives of those around her.” 

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

“During one of the most difficult times that many of us have ever experienced, Brenda has stepped up with a positive attitude day after day, working diligently to help others,” said Matt McCauley, CEO of Northwest Michigan Works!.  “Even though we haven’t seen customers face-to-face in our centers for months, she finds way to virtually stand by their sides.  As we phase back into re-engaging our center with the public, Brenda is at the forefront of maintaining a safe work environment for our team and customers alike.” 

Lake said she is honored to receive this award. 

“Thank you for this, it really surprised me very much,” said Lake.  “I just enjoy working in an environment where I get to help my community whether it is a job or unemployment navigation.  And, I get to work with a fantastic team every day and so miss the fact we are working apart these days.”  

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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 Alicia Wallace Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Alicia Wallace of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.  Wallace recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

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

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

“Alicia has put our agency on the map,” said Marisue Moreau, director of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.  “Her ability to execute the agency’s vision and make it a reality is unrivaled.  She is our leader on all things related to MiCareerQuest, communications, outreach and public relations.  She challenges the status quo and constantly develops new ideas.” 

Wallace said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I love that my work has meaning and that the things we do here at Michigan Works! change lives,” said Wallace, marketing manager for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.  “When asked ‘what do you do for a living?’, I am proud to say that I market Michigan Works! programs and services – and one of my goals when I am promoting Michigan Works! is to help more people be able to answer that same question with pride.  I am extremely fortunate to work with a terrific team, a supportive director, and a collaborative communications peer group.  They make my job so much easier!” 

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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! Recognizes Janet Bloomfield as Champion of Workforce Development

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 16, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Janet Bloomfield for her service, dedication to and long-time support of, the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named a Michigan Works! Association 2020 Champion of Workforce Development, Bloomfield received the award at the association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership and who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Janet is a perfect choice as she has dedicated her career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

Starting her career as a youth counselor with the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program, Bloomfield has amassed a deep background in workforce development. Her first stint with the Michigan Works! Association included positions as training coordinator, training director, and legislative/research analyst. She left the Association for a while to serve as vice president at Central Area Michigan Works! Consortium, only to later return to the Association as the director of policy.

“Janet possesses a wealth of institutional knowledge and has served as the policy guru for the Association for many years,” said Dunsford. “The depth and breadth of workforce development knowledge that Janet possesses is rare and has been an invaluable asset to both the Association and the Michigan Works! system.”

Bloomfield retired in July 2020 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 38 years.

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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 honors Edythe Copeland with two awards at Annual Conference

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 17, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Edythe Copeland, for her service, dedication to and long-time support of, the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Copeland received a 2020 Champion of Workforce Development Award, as well as the inaugural Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award, at the association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership and who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “The Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes individuals who exhibit exemplary leadership skills as well as promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This award was created this year to commemorate Christine Quinn after her untimely passing in August 2020. Edythe is a perfect choice for both of these awards as she has dedicated her career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

Copeland began her career operating employment and training programs for at-risk youth in the Flint Community Schools in Flint, MI before retiring from the district in August 1996. She joined Capital Area Michigan Works! in October 1997 as a planning specialist. In June 2000, she was promoted to chief operating officer where she provided oversight for all workforce programs. In July 2012, she was promoted to president and chief operating officer, and in November 2013 she became chief executive officer, making her the first African American and female to lead the organization.

“Edythe is a tireless advocate for Michigan’s workforce system and has held numerous state and regional leadership positions,” Dunsford said. “Her dedication to achieving diversity and inclusion has helped make the Michigan Works! system a model for others across the nation. Our Michigan Works! network is stronger for having Edythe as part of it and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize her with both of these important awards.”

Copeland retired in July 2020 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 40 years.

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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.

DHT Group and International Building Products Recognized as Employers of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 17, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored DHT Group and International Building Products for their commitment to training and developing a pipeline of skilled and competent talent in Michigan. Named Michigan Works! Association Employers of the Year, DHT Group and International Products both received awards during the association’s annual conference.

“The Michigan Works! Association is proud to honor two companies this year with the Employer of the Year Award,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This award recognizes private sector companies that, in partnership with Michigan Works!, goes beyond the call of duty, continuously contributes to local job placement and promotes education to maintain a skilled workforce. Congratulations to DHT Group and International Building Products on winning the award this year!”

Founded in 1983, Dave Hausbeck Trucking (DHT) is a trucking company based in Reese, Michigan that has over 30 years of transportation experience. The company began with one truck moving freight around the United States. Today, DHT has over 300 employees and has grown into many different divisions, including several related companies. DHT has expanded to other cities in Michigan including Port Huron, Newport, and Sault Ste. Marie as well as out-of-state to their newest location in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

In January 2020, DHT received the Bronze Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Status, the first award made this year by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). Since receiving the status, they have attended veteran recruitment strategy seminars to engage in conversation and exchange different strategies that have been effective for other veteran-friendly employers. Their goal is to become a Silver Level Veteran-Friendly Employer by 2021.

“DHT has engaged in multiple community events and sponsorships throughout the years,” said Chris Rishko, director, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!. “DHT helped build their talent pipeline by participating and sponsoring MiCareerQuest hosted by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! for area high school students. DHT utilizes Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! services by hosting single company job fairs along with attending industry-specific fairs to expose their brand and find new talent within the community.”

Additionally, DHT is involved with diesel mechanic programs on both high school and collegiate levels. In the fall of 2019, DHT bean a co-op program for high school students interested in gaining real-world experience in a diesel mechanic role.

“The co-op program is a great starting point for students and has the potential to turn into a part-time, or even full-time, role once they graduate,” Risko said. “Students have the opportunity to train with DHT’s in-house paid technician training program. On the collegiate level, DHT donated a truck to the Delta College Diesel Technician Program for students to participate in a hands-on learning environment where students can perform minor and major repairs on a diesel truck.”

Josh Zimmerman, sales manager at DHT Group, said the company is honored to receive this award.

“At DHT our employees are our number one asset,” said Zimmerman. “Without our drivers, mechanics, office staff, and everyone else within DHT Group, we would not be able to operate and serve our customers as well as we do.”

International Building Products (IBP), based in Livonia, Michigan, has been a vital part of Michigan since it opened its doors in 1946. IBP has been a strong asset to the commercial construction industry and its iconic buildings and structures.

“IBP has a very strong commitment to community involvement,” Greg Pitoniak, director, SEMCA, said. “The company has participated in many SEMCA Michigan Works! initiatives such as Going PRO Talent Fund, apprenticeships, Incumbent Worker Training, on-the-job training, and the Summer Youth Professionals Program. IBP has been in constant contact with their Michigan Works! partners and have had over five placements this past fiscal year, including multiple on-the-job training efforts to help their new hires become efficiently trained. The company also attended multiple job fairs at their local SEMCA Michigan Works! American Job Center.”

IBP is a proud member of the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) and participates in weekly CAM initiatives. This includes participating in professional development opportunities for IBP staff, including construction field events intended to stay updated on in-field changes and networking event participation to connect with businesses in the construction field. They have also supported K-12 students in learning more about construction as a career.

Chrissy Brown, president and CEO of International Building Products, said the company is honored to receive this award.

“The collaboration with the SEMCA Michigan Works! Livonia American Job Center and Justin Skibin has been outstanding,” said Brown. “Communication is key and rare to find. Communicating with their team has helped us find some of our key personnel.”

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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.

Representative Sarah Anthony Recognized as Legislator of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 14, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Representative Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) for her extraordinary leadership in advancing Michigan’s talent and economic development efforts. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2020 Legislator of the Year, Anthony received the award during the association’s annual conference.

Prior to being elected to represent Michigan’s 68th District, Anthony served as a legislative assistant to Rep. Joan Bauer where she worked closely with Lansing residents to streamline government services and with neighborhoods to connect them to vital improvement services and funds. In 2010, Anthony began an eight-year service as Deputy Director with the Michigan College Access Network. In 2012, Lansing residents elected her to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, making her the youngest African American woman to serve in this capacity in the United States.

“I am honored to receive this award from the Michigan Works! Association,” said Rep. Anthony. “Michigan Works! serves a critical role in helping with the challenges that Michigan job seekers and employers face every day. I was recently appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. I am proud to be serving in this capacity and look forward to working with my fellow board members from across the state to better invest, educate and develop our workforce. This work is key to overcoming the obstacles that COVID-19 has created for our state’s economy.”

During her time on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, Anthony was selected to serve on the Capital Area Michigan Works! Administrative Board.

“In this role, she supported workforce development program efforts and initiatives within the tri-county region and was a valued member of the Board from 2013 to 2018,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. “During her time on the Board, Rep. Anthony helped ensure that community partners and residents accessed services available to support their employment-related needs.”

Rep. Anthony has been a fearless leader for health care access, social justice, services for senior citizens and working families.

“Though Rep. Anthony is no longer a member of the CAMW! Administrative Board, she has continued to support, and fiercely advocate for, workforce development and educational programs on a broader statewide stage while continuing to be a friend to the CAMW! System and a valuable partner in workforce development efforts,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association.

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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 posthumously honors Christine Quinn with Ralph Loeschner Outstanding Service Award

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 17, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Christine Quinn for her many years of service to the workforce development system with the Ralph Loeschner Outstanding Service Award.  Quinn passed away unexpectedly in August, so the award was given posthumously during the association’s annual conference on September 15, 2020.

The Ralph Loeschner Award is named in honor of Ralph Loeschner, an inspiring, widely respected advocate and promoter of Michigan Works! programming who passed away in 2004, leaving a legacy of excellence.  This peer-nominated award recognizes an individual who is/was an outstanding promoter of Michigan Works!.

“Christine devoted her career to the workforce development system,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Federal staff and state stakeholders alike truly valued her insights on workforce development, her dedication to inclusion and moving policies forward that help everyone, her professionalism and her strong sense of engagement.”

Quinn served as the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration Region 5 since 2016.  She came to federal service in the Chicago Regional Office after a long career with local and state workforce agencies in Michigan.  In her federal role, Quinn provided leadership in workforce development in the 10 Midwestern states which comprise Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin).

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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.

Charlie Mahoney Recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 14, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Charlie Mahoney, owner of Four-M Associates Communications Group and chair of the Michigan Works! Association Board of Directors, for her dedication to the growth and promotion of Michigan Works!. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2020 Volunteer of the Year, Mahoney received the award during the association’s annual conference.

“Charlie’s passion and knowledge of the system has been extremely beneficial to SEMCA and the Michigan Works! system,” said Luann Dunsford, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Her commitment to bridge the gap between education and employers has been her priority well before it became a national goal.”

Mahoney has served on the SEMCA Workforce Development Board since 1997, serving as its Vice Chair until 2008 when she was elected Chair, a position she still holds today. She also served as SEMCA’s first Educational Advisory Group (EAG) Board Chair until her appointment to Workforce Development Board Chair.

Mahoney was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by SEMCA Michigan Works!.

“Charlie’s leadership and dedication has been of extraordinary benefit to SEMCA Michigan Works! over several decades,” said Greg Pitoniak, chief executive officer of SEMCA Michigan Works!. “She has been committed to connecting K-12 and our community colleges to align with developing the talent needs of businesses. Charlie has had a positive impact at the state and national levels with ensuring that the workforce development system is constantly improving in our service to employers and job seekers.”

Because of her reputation among her peers, Mahoney was appointed to the Michigan Works! Association Board in 2007. She was elected Chairperson in 2010, a position she still holds today. In 2016 she was elected to the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) as a general board member and continues to serve in this capacity. Both positions require meeting with legislators, lobbyists, policymakers, and peers around the state and nation promoting, educating, and sometimes defending the workforce development system.

Mahoney said she is honored to receive this award.

“It is such an honor to receive this award from the Michigan Works! Association,” said Mahoney. “The true award, however, is being able to give my time and energy and be part of such a great team working on behalf of such an important cause. To give people their livelihoods is to give them back their value and self-worth. I am gratified to play a part in helping people change their lives for the better.”

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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.