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Guest User 3/29/22 Guest User 3/29/22

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

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

Local Lawmakers Celebrate Leadership in Talent Development
Through Community Partnerships

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Capital Area leadership in talent development through community partnerships were among the successes celebrated by state leaders at the annual Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week.

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize KTM Industries and Capital Area Michigan Works! for customizing recruiting strategies and expanding their reach into the job seeker market.

Established in 2002, KTM Industries is a producer of Green Cell Foam, a unique, natural, environmentally friendly packaging. Thermal insulating and shock absorbing, Green Cell Foam has replaced polystyrene packaging in industries ranging from pharmaceutical to automotive. It is compostable, water soluble and made of annually renewable, non-GMO, U.S.-grown cornstarch, proving it is possible to be “green” and make money. In addition to being an environmental steward and an industry leader, KTM Industries is an Employer of Excellence in greater Lansing.

KTM Industries has worked with the Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) Business Services Team for many years to customize recruiting strategies and expand their reach into the job seeker market. Through postings on Pure Michigan Talent Connect, social media, and job fairs held onsite virtually, KTM Industries grew from 20 employees to 75 between 2017 and 2018. KTM then more than doubled the size of their Lansing-based workforce to 160 in 2019-20.

Many of these new employees have been New Americans and young workers. The increasingly diverse and growing workforce brought with it a change in the mechanics of training, supporting their growing workforce and business.

In 2019, KTM Industries became one of the founding members of the CAMW! Business Resource Network. Through this partnership, KTM provides concrete support to assist with barriers such as reliable transportation, locating affordable housing, strategies to get caught up on bill payment, teaching debt management, and even offering help navigating health and retirement benefits. This has led to increased retention for KTM and job stability for the employees.

"KTM has been working with CAMW! for over 20 years, from when we only had a dozen employees,” said president and CEO of KTM Industries Tim Colonnese. “Originally, we looked to CAMW! to help us fill open positions and for information on the local employment market. Since then, we have expanded our reliance on CAMW! for advice on best employment practices, assistance with training grants, and, most recently, entering into their Business Resource Network (BRN) program as a valuable additional tool in helping and retaining employees. Throughout the years, our interactions with CAMW! -- from the account manager to the CEO – have been consistently professional, cordial, and facilitative. Now, with over 200 local employees, we consider CAMW! an important, strategic partner to KTM’s current and future success.”

Through three Going PRO Talent Fund independent applications, 47 KTM employees are now better prepared to assist with both solving the problems of an exponentially growing business and providing the effective leadership required to support a growing workforce. As KTM Industries has expanded and grown in market share, they have shared that success with employees, reinvesting in the workforce by raising wages twice in the past year.

“Capital Area Michigan Works! is a key partner for local businesses, and their collaboration helps ensure that talent needs are met in the best way possible,” said state Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing). “The work they have done, and continue to do, with KTM is key to providing great career opportunities in this region.”

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

“Congratulations to KTM Industries on winning this prestigious award,” said state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Lansing). “Your work has made you a valuable partner in Michigan’s continued economic success.”

Award winners included Michigan businesses, partners, employees, and Michigan Works! organizations.

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent ecosystem. 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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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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Michigan Works! Association | mwassociation@michiganworks.org