NEWS

Guest User 1/27/22 Guest User 1/27/22

Statement from the Michigan Works! Association on Governor Whitmer’s 2022 State of the State Address

LANSING, MI (Jan 27, 2022) – Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address:

“All of the key priorities laid out in Governor Whitmer’s State of the State have one common thread: an engaged, well-trained workforce. The Michigan Works! Association looks forward to partnering with stakeholders across the state to advance our collective workforce development objectives and help Michigan win the future.”

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Guest User 10/15/21 Guest User 10/15/21

Deadline approaching to apply for training grants through Going PRO Talent Fund Michigan employers need to apply by Thursday, October 28

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021
Media Contact: Steph Willis, 517-420-5137 or communications@michiganworks.org

LANSING, Mich. – The deadline for Michigan employers to apply for a share of at least $40 million in competitive training funds from the Going PRO Talent Fund program is fast approaching. The application period is in effect now and the deadline to submit applications is Oct. 28 at 5:00 p.m. Selected applicants will be announced in Dec. 2021.

Going PRO Talent Fund provides grants to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must be short-term in nature and fill a demonstrated talent need as well as lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. Training programs are customized to the needs of each employer, allowing them to either promote from within or to train and develop skilled workers.

"Employers increasingly seek out Michigan Works! services and see the workforce system as a partner to better support their business goals and the goals of their employees," said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is essential to helping Michigan businesses meet the growing demand for skilled workers and provides individuals with industry-recognized credentials that lead to higher wages.”

Employers interested in applying for Going PRO Talent Fund grants are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center where they can work with a member of the Business Solutions team to conduct fact-finding sessions to assess talent skill gaps, suitable training providers, and availability of federal funding sources. Contact information for local Michigan Works! Service Centers can be found at michiganworks.org.

“Our Business Solutions teams across the state are working hard to meet with employers and get these applications finalized,” said Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works!. “Businesses interested in learning more should not delay! Reach out to your local Michigan Works! Agency and start building the training plan to meet your goals today.”

During the application period, Michigan Works! Agencies submit Talent Fund applications to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) on behalf of their partnering employer. New this year is a priority on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on providing grants for minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, Individual With A Disability (IWD) owned or a Geographically-Disadvantaged Business.

"Since the program's launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for more than 121,000 Michigan workers, supporting the needs of over 40,000 business, upskilling the workforce and contributing to the increase in post-secondary credentials supporting the Governor's Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “The increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion ensures underrepresented populations stay competitive and are provided opportunities to succeed. Diversification of our workforce brings new and innovative ideas to businesses which helps promote a stronger Michigan economy.”

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

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Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Edith Suttles Recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 14, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Edith Suttles, owner of Diversified Environmental Services, for her dedication to the growth and promotion of Michigan Works!. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Suttles received the award during the association’s annual conference.

“Edith’s passion and dedication to serving her local Michigan Works! workforce development board coupled with her tireless assistance and encouragement of young people in her community make her the perfect choice for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association.

Raised in Akron, Ohio where she earned a degree in education at the University of Akron, Suttles moved to the Lansing area in 1973. She had a passion for teaching and was a substitute teacher prior to becoming a stay-at-home parent. Recognizing the importance of being involved as a parent, Suttles’ commitment to education shifted from being in the classroom to serving on the Waverly School Board.

Suttles was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!).

“Edith served on the Waverly School Board for 20 years, as well as on the board of the Junior League of Lansing, the CAMW! Workforce Development Board and in various iterations of the CAMW! Career Advisory Council (CEAC),” said Carrie Rosingana, chief executive officer of CAMW!. “Edith is one of our longest-standing board and CEAC members. Her passion to serve as a voice for youth and education has been at the forefront of her efforts. Edith has been a tireless supporter of CAMW!, the T3 Council, and the Michigan Works! agencies as a whole throughout her service. She is one of the first members to volunteer to help with a new project, she consistently gives of her time to provide input and feedback, and she continually supports the agency and her board peers through her direction and guidance. Edith’s voice, input, and leadership have made CAMW! a stronger agency, and we are fortunate to be able to nominate her for this recognition.”

Suttles said she is honored to receive this award.

“As a high school student, on January 21, 1961, I heard President John F. Kennedy challenge the youth of America in his inauguration speech,” said Suttles. “He said, ‘ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ Those words have echoed in my heart throughout my life as I have tried to be of service to my family, church, community, and organizations like the Michigan Works! Association. I am honored and grateful to be recognized as the Association’s 2021 Michigan Works! Association Volunteer of the Year. Thank you!”

Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Representative Beth Griffin Recognized as Legislator of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 13, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Representative Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) for her work promoting skilled trades, training, career-technical education, and the Michigan Works! network. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2021 Legislator of the Year, Griffin received the award during the association’s annual conference.

“I am honored to receive this award from the Michigan Works! Association,” said Rep. Griffin. “During this past year I have held several hearings on how to build a successful ecosystem for talent development. I believe the state needs to provide more opportunities for mentoring, internships, and apprenticeship programs.”

Rep. Griffin is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives and is the Chairwoman of the House Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee and serves on the Transportation, Community, Communications, and Technology Committee, and as a member of the Financial Services Committee.

A former middle school teacher, Rep. Griffin has made training and education the centerpiece of her service in the House of Representatives. During the budget battle of 2020, Rep. Griffin led the successful fight to restore $3.75 million for the Jobs for Michigan Graduates program and was a leader in the restoration of funding for Going PRO Talent Fund.

“Rep. Griffin has been a strong voice in additional funding for career-technical training,” said director of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works! Lily Brewer. “She is spearheading a three-bill package called the 21st Century Skills Plan which would give students greater flexibility toward career readiness. Rep. Griffin also sponsored legislation which prorates licensing fees for businesses in the skilled trades that were shut down due to government order. She is a great partner with Michigan Works! and we were proud to nominate her as the 2021 Legislator of the Year.”

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, Rep. Griffin served two terms as a Van Buren County Commissioner. She also chaired the Area Agency on Aging and served on boards for the Van Buren County Mental Health Court and the Van Buren County Drug Treatment Court.

“Congratulations to Rep. Griffin on being chosen as this year’s Legislator of the Year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “We wholeheartedly thank Rep. Griffin for her continued support of workforce development efforts and initiatives.”

Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Bronson Healthcare Recognized as Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, MI (Sep 15, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Bronson Healthcare for their commitment to training and developing a pipeline of skilled and competent talent in Michigan. Named Michigan Works! Association Employer of the Year, Bronson Healthcare received an award during the Association’s annual conference.

“The Michigan Works! Association is proud to honor Bronson Healthcare with the 2021 Employer of the Year Award,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This award recognizes a private sector company 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 Bronson Healthcare on winning the award this year!”

Bronson Healthcare based in Kalamazoo, Michigan is a not-for-profit, community-governed health system serving nine counties in southwest and south central Michigan. With 8,400 employees and more than 1,500 medical staff members, Bronson is the largest employer and leading healthcare system in the region. It offers a full range of services from primary care to critical care across more than 100 locations. Key member organizations include: Bronson Methodist Hospital, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, Bronson LakeView Hospital, Bronson South Haven Hospital, Bronson Medical Group, Bronson at Home, Bronson Commons, Bronson Athletic Club, Bronson Wellness Center and the Bronson Health Foundation.

The year 2020 will forever be synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough year for all industries/employers across not only our local communities, but the State of Michigan and the nation. Perhaps none had a more difficult time than those in the healthcare industry. When “essential work” and “essential workers” are considered, we must first and foremost think of the individuals and employers comprising the healthcare sector who worked tirelessly on the front line of this pandemic to provide care and healing to so many.

“Bronson has been a very active partner with Michigan Works! Southwest as not only a member of the Employer Resource Network, but also through talent development and retention efforts with the Business Services Team, and as a Going PRO Talent Fund recipient in 2020,” said Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “While Bronson’s slogan ‘Bronson Positivity’ was truly put to the test this past year, they have continued to be a true leader and supporter of not just our community, but also workforce development in general.”

Bronson is an industry leader and regularly participates in MiCareerQuestTM Southwest, a career exploratory event for local eighth graders, and, during the last several months, has been working with Michigan Works! Southwest to establish several Registered Apprenticeships.

“It is very important to us to bring healthcare to the forefront for students as they consider their talents, interests and future careers, and to create career pathways and growth opportunities for our current workforce,” says Cheryl Johnson, chief people officer for the Bronson Healthcare system. “Partnering with Michigan Works! has helped us build school and community

relationships that connect more people with the many rewarding jobs Bronson has to offer. We are truly honored to be engaged in this work and to be recognized as the Michigan Works! Association Employer of the Year.”

Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Michigan Works! Recognizes Luann Dunsford as Champion of Workforce Development

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 17, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Luann Dunsford for her service, dedication to and long-time support of the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named a Michigan Works! Association 2021 Champion of Workforce Development, Dunsford received the award at the association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership, while recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “John is a perfect choice as he has dedicated his career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

During her over 20-year career with the Michigan Works! Association, Dunsford worked closely with the Association’s Board of Directors to support its members and workforce partners by providing top-notch leadership resources, making valuable connections, and delivering high-impact events and training. She acted as a liaison between Association membership, key stakeholders, and partners as well as oversaw all day-to-day operations of the Association.

“Luann took particular pride in, and had great respect for, the coordination, cooperation and commitment that is exemplified within Michigan’s workforce system, working toward one goal to break down barriers so that all have the opportunity to prosper,” said Mark Berdan, executive director, Michigan Works! Region 7B. “Her belief that much more can be accomplished when working together is the bedrock of the relationships she developed, and the foundation for leading coordinated workforce advocacy and education efforts nationally and within the state.”

Dunsford retired in July 2021 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 22 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.

Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Michigan Works! Recognizes John Bierbusse as Champion of Workforce Development

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 16, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored John Bierbusse for his service, dedication to and long-time support of the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named a Michigan Works! Association 2021 Champion of Workforce Development, Bierbusse received the award at the Association’s annual conference.

Bierbusse served as the executive director of the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board since the creation of the organization in 1983. He led the organization through three major legislative initiatives – the Job Training Partnership Act, the Workforce Investment Act and the present Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. As executive director, Bierbusse led the local implementation of numerous workforce programs designed to address the workforce needs of public assistance recipients, dislocated workers, offenders, aging, and youth as well as the public.

“John dedicated his professional life to Macomb and St. Clair counties and his election as a Champion of Workforce Development is well deserved,” said Justin Al-Igoe, executive director of Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!. “He has left an incredible, positive impression on those who had the opportunity to work with him. Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! will carry on his dedication and spirit of service to the residents and businesses of our counties.”

Bierbusse retired in June 2021 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 38 years.

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Guest User 9/15/21 Guest User 9/15/21

Michigan Works! Recognizes Bill Sleight as Champion of Workforce Development

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 15, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Bill Sleight for his service, dedication to and long-time support of the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named a Michigan Works! Association 2021 Champion of Workforce Development, Sleight received the award at the Association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership, while recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Bill is a perfect choice as he has dedicated his career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

When Sleight graduated from Michigan State University in 1977 with his master’s degree in Public Administration, he noticed an advertisement in the local newspaper for a Manpower Specialist and applied not knowing what he was applying for. Little did he know that the job he would eventually get would lead to a fulfilling career.

Over the course of his career, Sleight helped lead the merger of three different organizations – Livingston County Michigan Works!, South Central Michigan Works!, and Washtenaw County Michigan Works! – into Michigan Works! Southeast.

Receiving numerous awards from a variety of local, regional, and statewide agencies for his dedication to workforce development, Sleight committed his career to improving the lives of others.

“Bill, with 43 years of experience, was able to see the highs and lows of workforce development and this level of institutional knowledge allowed him to serve at a high capacity,” said. Shamar Herron, executive director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “Bill was a thoughtful leader in legislative affairs and helped creatively solve many programmatic issues. Bill’s knowledge will be missed and the Michigan Works! network is better because of his involvement.”

Sleight retired in June 2021 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 43 years.

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Guest User 7/26/21 Guest User 7/26/21

Michigan Works! Association Announces Ryan Hundt as Chief Executive Officer

The Michigan Works! Association, the state’s primary workforce development association, recently named Ryan Hundt as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 9, 2021.

Contact: Steph Willis
Director of Communications
cell: 517.420.5137
communications@michiganworks.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANSING, MI (July 26, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association, the state’s primary workforce development association, recently named Ryan Hundt as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 9, 2021.

Hundt brings a wealth of experience to this role, as he has served in several capacities at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) over the past eight years, most recently as Regional Director of Growth and Development. Prior to that, Hundt served as Business Development Manager, Senior Program Manager and Project Coordinator.

“Ryan is the right person to lead the Michigan Works! Association into the future, given his strong command of economic and workforce development as well as his proven ability to drive results,” Michigan Works! Association Board Chair Charlie Mahoney said. “I look forward to working with Ryan – along with our entire leadership team – to ensure a seamless transition as we continue to grow as the premier workforce association serving Michigan’s talent growth.”

The appointment of Hundt follows a thorough recruitment process overseen by a special Michigan Work! Association Board CEO Search Committee who partnered with recruitment firm EctoHR.

“Ryan brings statewide experience, knowledge, and a passion for both workforce and economic development to his new role as CEO of the Michigan Works! Association,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works! and chair of the Association’s Leadership Committee. “During his time at MEDC Ryan was engaged as an innovative partner and collaborator with the Michigan Works! network so we are excited to welcome him to lead the Association.”

Hundt’s economic development experience and understanding of the challenges Michigan faces regarding workforce development make him a great choice to lead Michigan’s premier workforce association.

“As talent continues to be a top priority for businesses and communities across the entire state, I look forward to working with a dedicated group of professionals and stakeholders to advance our workforce development priorities and ensure companies can continue to grow and be successful here in Michigan,” said Hundt.

Hundt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Oakland University.

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Guest User 5/3/21 Guest User 5/3/21

Michigan Works! Helping Reopen Michigan’s Economy

Get “Back 2 Work Michigan” with assistance from Michigan Works! – your go-to post-pandemic talent partner

Contact: Steph Willis
Director of Communications
Cell: 517.420.5137
Email: communications@michiganworks.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANSING, MI (May 3, 2021) – Over the past year, the Michigan Works! network strengthened its long-standing partnership with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) by assisting with over 1.25 million calls, helping Michigan residents file claims, navigate accounts, and answer questions, producing positive results for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders. These accomplishments represent the work the Michigan Works! network did over and above the career and training services they offer to Michigan residents and the assistance they offer employers with their talent pipelines.

“Michigan Works! agencies across the state have always played an important role assisting the Unemployment Insurance Agency and displaced workers,” said Liza Estlund Olson, UIA Acting Director. “We thank them for going above and beyond throughout the pandemic by providing workers with advanced assistance on their unemployment claims. Our continued partnership during their transition will be essential as the Agency prepares to bring work search reporting requirements for UI claimants back online in the coming weeks.”

With the recent increase in vaccination eligibility and a shift toward economic recovery, the Michigan Works! network recognizes the need to pivot from focusing on unemployment issues back to its core mission of getting Michigan residents trained, educated, and back to work. The network is providing services to Michigan job seekers and employers virtually, by telephone, and by appointment over the course of the pandemic.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, we were in a period of emergency relief,” said Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!. “We are now shifting into economic recovery. Knowing that the workforce environment is still volatile, we will continue to adapt and innovate to support employers as they return to pre-pandemic production and services.”

As Michigan’s economy starts to open back up things are going to look different than they did prior to the pandemic. The pandemic has greatly increased the number of individuals needing assistance with overcoming barriers to employment so they can achieve their career goals. Some of these barriers in include transportation, housing, child care, food, technology, and health care. Michigan Works! helps job seekers find supportive services to remove those barriers and then works with them to help them find employment.

As the unemployment rate continues to drop, we are beginning to see the remnants of the pre-pandemic economy. Michigan Works! is uniquely positioned to help rebuild Michigan’s economy due to the network’s access to apprenticeships and connections to employers across the state. Many employers are experiencing an increased and urgent need for employees in areas such as industrial, skilled trades, and administrative services. These employers have safety protocols in place and great jobs available.

“The lack of workers is the new pandemic,” John Metts, HR Manager, Springs Window Fashions. “We have had almost no response to our advertised positions. I have a stack of resumes the size of a ream of paper on my desk from an employment website. I have offered each of them an interview via the website and have had zero responses. We have raised our wages. We have tried contacting hundreds of employees who have placed their resumes online through the various employment services and have had zero responses. We can’t even get anyone to come in for an interview.”

Reskilling and increased training are going to play an important part in the state, and nation’s, economic recovery. Supply chains and business models have been severely disrupted and employers are now forced to pivot and reallocate their workers into unfamiliar roles. The upside of this situation is that it is revealing different employee skillsets, which allows employers to rethink the manner in which they distribute work. To help employers meet their evolving needs, the Michigan Works! network has increased its training offerings for job seekers in areas such as transportation, retail, robotics technicians, and CNC machine operations, just to name a few.

“Through the demand-driven approach, Michigan Works! partners with local employers, educators, economic developers, and community organizations to identify workforce needs and skills gaps in order to create a qualified workforce that addresses each region’s current and future talent needs, while, at the same time, fueling the state’s economic future,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “As the economy recovers, the Michigan Works! network is here connecting job seekers with employers to fill their talent needs. Michigan Works! is your go-to source for workforce development during the economic recovery.”

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NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michigan Works! Association | mwassociation@michiganworks.org