LANSING- State leaders this week recognized the economic achievements of West and Southwest Michigan businesses and their employees 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Awards at the Michigan Capitol. The honorees included Hi-Tech Electric Company, headquartered in Portage, C5 Electric LLC in Paw Paw, and Walters Gardens in Zeeland.
“The Impact Awards showcase the impressive workforce development achievements that take place in partnership with the Michigan Works!’ network each year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of Michigan Works! Association. “These successes reinforce the role our network plays in transforming our workforce and the lives of Michiganders. Congratulations to all the honorees!”
Michigan Works! Southwest nominated Hi-Tech Electric Company for implementing apprenticeship training programs that foster continuous learning, promoting innovation and knowledge within the organization. Hi-Tech employee Austin Edwards joined Hi-Tech Electric through an apprenticeship training program to further advance his career. He was honored for the tremendous strides made in all aspects of his development since starting at the company.
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren nominated C5 Electric LLC for their profound influence in shaping the landscape of electrical services, setting a benchmark for excellence, and inspiring others to aspire for greatness. Their proactive initiation of apprenticeships demonstrates their commitment to nurturing talent and meeting market needs. Brian Dudasko became an apprentice at C5 Electric in looking for a more fulfilling and successful future for his family. He was nominated for hard work, dedication, and success.
West Michigan Works! nominated Walters Gardens in Zeeland for being a leader in employing refugees through the agency’s Work Experience Program. The company has been instrumental in developing a sustainable agribusiness talent pipeline in West Michigan. Walters Gardens employee Kira Malinina came to Michigan after fleeing the war in Ukraine and West Michigan Works! helped her integrate and begin a new life in Michigan. The agency connected her with Walters Gardens and she quickly earned a permanent position due to her strong work ethic.
The Impact Awards, held April 17th, celebrated the economic impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development within our communities. Honorees from across the state received awards highlighted by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).
About Michigan Works!: Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.