NEWS
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.
# # #
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.
###
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.
# # #
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.
# # #
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.
###
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.
# # #
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 Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous 2023 Volunteer of the Year
LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 25, 2023) – The Michigan Works! Association honored Wayne County Commissioner Abdul “Al” Haidous as its 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
“Commissioner Haidous has been a long-time, outstanding advocate for Michigan Works! and its resources,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “His leadership has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and public awareness of the Michigan Works! network. We are grateful for his commitment to improving the lives of others and are honored to name him our Volunteer of the Year.”
Lebanon-native Abdul Haidous came to the City of Wayne 49 years ago, and quickly became a staple of the community, owning and operating Al’s Friendly Market with the help of his wife, Mary, for 35 years. In 1993, he became the city's first Arab-American elected official and in 2001, the city’s only voter-elected mayor. In 2014, he was elected to the Wayne County Commission for District 11 and is the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, serves on the Committee of Public Services and Wayne County Airport Authority, and the Special Committee for Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs. As a former business owner, he understands the needs of the private sector and continues to obtain knowledge through his substantial network. His leadership has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and public awareness of SEMCA Michigan Works! and its Southeast Governmental Alliance Board.
He supports and participates in events offered by the Michigan Works Association! and National Association of Workforce Boards, attending annual conferences and special events honoring those we serve. He has been a regular, very effective participant with legislative visits in Lansing and Washington, D.C. His deep commitment to public service includes serving on the boards of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), previously on the Governors Workforce Development Board under both Governor Snyder and Governor Whitmer. In all these roles he has been an outstanding ambassador and advocate for Michigan Works!
The Volunteer of the Year award pays tribute to an individual from the private sector who is dedicated to the growth and promotion of 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 talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.
Northwest Michigan Works! director appointed to Michigan Works! Association board
LANSING, Mich. (June 21, 2023) – The Michigan Works! Association today announced the appointment of Northwest Michigan Works Director Jessica Willis to its board of directors.
“Jessica Willis’ tremendous workforce experience will be an asset to the Michigan Works! Association board,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “Our board provides critical insight to ensure positive outcomes for job seekers and employers and we are honored to have her join us.”
Before serving as the director of Northwest Michigan Works!, Willis was the
chief program officer for Networks Northwest, and also oversaw the Northwest OS Reentry Services program as the Regional Director of Offender Success. She has worked in nonprofit administration and community development since 2007, and also volunteers with a variety of community-based agencies and nonprofit boards. Willis holds a BA in Sociology from the State University of New York in Buffalo and her Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University.
"I am honored to join the Michigan Works! Association board and represent the workforce needs of communities in Northwest Lower Michigan,” said Willis. “Our network is uniquely positioned to change the lives of Michiganders every day and I look forward to collaborating with the board to continue strengthening the Michigan Works! system.”
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 and Key Business Leaders Outline Workforce Development Priorities Ahead of Budget Discussions
With lawmakers in Lansing poised to re-engage in discussions on a supplemental budget alongside fiscal year 2024 priorities, a coalition of statewide business leaders led by the Michigan Works! Association have signed onto a memo in support of crucial workforce development investments to help Michigan maintain its competitive edge and address both immediate and long-term labor market needs.
The memo, shared with lawmakers and the Governor’s office, outlines three strategic workforce development areas that will foster a skilled workforce and strengthen the state’s economy:
$100 million over 3 years for a Michigan Skills Fund: Of the 500,000 annual projected job openings through 2028, 72% will require a high school diploma, post-secondary training, or skills certificate. This program will allow businesses, education and training providers, and Michigan Works! agencies to partner to provide short-term training opportunities to more than 20,000 Michiganders in high-demand occupations.
$80 million over 3 years for Youth Work Experience: This program will provide high-quality youth work experience to students, exposing them to new career paths in high-demand fields, scaling successful programs like Grow Detroit’s Young Talent and launching similar ventures statewide.
$30 million one-time investment for Michigan Works! infrastructure: Investing one-time dollars in physical and digital infrastructure needs across the Michigan Works! network will extend the reach of workforce services to more individuals and businesses.
“Governor Whitmer outlined a bold strategy to keep Michigan competitive on a global scale in her historic State of the State address last week,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “A skilled workforce is the beating heart of economic opportunity, and we are confident these investments are a great next step in meeting the needs of businesses and job seekers in all corners of the state.”
As demand for talent remains high across many occupations and industries in Michigan, employers continue to indicate a lack of applicants with the necessary skills is a major barrier that needs to be addressed. These priorities are the among the latest requests from business leaders across the state to lead efforts that will narrow the skills gap and grow career opportunities in high-demand fields.
“Michigan businesses of every size, location and industry continue to face immense talent shortages and challenges,” said Jim Holcomb, president & CEO of the Michigan Chamber. “While there’s no one silver bullet solution, these workforce program investments are instrumental and can make a meaningful difference both now and down the road for employers and employees alike to grow and thrive.”
Click here to view the Workforce Investment Letter of Support.
For more information on these workforce development priorities, please visit www.michiganworks.org
$47 Million in Going PRO Talent Fund Grants Awarded
Earlier today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced $47 million in Going PRO Talent Fund training grants to nearly 750 business across the state to support approximately 27,000 workers obtain industry-recognized credentials and higher wages.
“A well-trained and skilled workforce is a key driver of economic opportunity and business growth,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “Alongside Governor Whitmer and elected officials in Lansing, the Michigan Works! system is proud to continue supporting the Going PRO Talent Fund, which provides vital support to businesses and residents of the state.”
Since the program’s launch in 2014, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received funding to support the training of roughly 170,000 workers in a range of occupations across many key industries. Each year, employers work closely with local Michigan Works! Agencies to submit application materials for the grant, while looking at other ways in which the state’s workforce development system can support the ongoing talent needs of the private sector.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund has been a powerful tool to help Michigan businesses meet their growing demand for skilled talent, and it benefits the state’s workers by helping them earn industry-recognized credentials that lead to higher wages and financial security,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training.
A complete list of grant recipients is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
Businesses who wish to apply for the second round of Going PRO Talent Funds this spring should remain in contact with their local Michigan Works! Agency. Applications for Industry-Led Collaboratives will open in March 2023.
For more information and to find your local Michigan Works! Agency, please visit www.michiganworks.org.