Northeast Michigan Economic Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley Joins Area Lawmakers in Celebrating Local Talent, Prosperity Efforts
LANSING, MI — Northeast Michigan economic development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Impact Awards in May 2016.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley joined local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials in recognizing local worker Marc Whitney, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Northern Michigan Consortium Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and Patchwood Products, Inc.
Patchwood was eager to grow after 30 years of business, so they reached out to Michigan Works!. The agency matched them with PTAC services and supports, which resulted in a government contract. With the extra backing of Skilled Trades Training Fund and On-the-Job Training support, five employees were hired—including Marc Whitney.
Michigan Works! connected Whitney to a host of useful services and support to ensure his success.
“I appreciate the opportunity to receive the training I needed to work with Patchwood Products,” Whitney said.
The Impact Awards are an opportunity for state leaders to recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. Dozens of honorees from across the state received awards presented by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
“Michigan Works!’ focus on meeting the needs of local employers like Patchwood Products has delivered great results,” said State Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland). “Regional success stories like these are leading the way for the entire state.”
Other award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! Agencies, and partners from across the state.
“Northeast Michigan employers are helping turn our state’s economy around faster than anyone ever expected,” said State Representative Triston Cole (R-Macnelona). “Businesses like Patchwood Products and workers like Marc are fantastic success stories we can all be proud of.”
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting http://michiganworks.org/agencies/map or by calling (1 800) 285-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.