News and Success Stories

Denise is known for getting things done. Her efforts in scheduling Employer of the Day events, assisting employers as they navigate Pure Michigan Talent Connect, creating the Job Seeker Newsletter, and assisting as customers enter the service center, are integral functions that support the Business Solutions Team’s mission. Your positive attitude, willingness to help everyone,…

This fall, Michigan Works! Southwest staff accompanied nine students on an industry tour hosted by Brick and Brine, a popular local restaurant. Students sampled a three-course meal, viewed an informative video, and participated in discussions focused on culinary hospitality, which provided valuable insights into the industry’s customer service and guest experience elements! The tour included…

Julie consistently goes above and beyond expectations, demonstrating strong leadership, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and willingness to assist colleagues whenever needed, makes her an invaluable asset to Michigan Works! Southwest. Weather facing challenges or opportunities, Julie approaches every task with enthusiasm and professionalism, setting an inspiring example…

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – On Tuesday, September 10, Lynn Page, Business Solutions Coordinator for Michigan Works! Southwest, received the 2024 Shining Star Award for the Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph County service area. The Shining Star Award celebrates Michigan Works! Agency front line staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the…

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – On Tuesday, September 10, Duncan Aviation received the 2024 Employer of the Year Award at the Annual Michigan Works! Conference. The Employer of the Year Award highlights a private sector employer that, in partnership with a Michigan Works! Agency, goes beyond the call of duty, continuously contributing to local job-placement, and promoting…

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – On Tuesday, September 10, Michigan Works! Southwest’s Workforce Development Board received the 2024 Board of Excellence Award at the Annual Michigan Works! Conference. The Board of Excellence Award is awarded to one Michigan Works! board each year that exemplifies workforce development efforts in support of state initiatives. To achieve success and positive…

Mike has an unwavering positive attitude, makes numerous creative contributions to his team, and has a passionate commitment to community engagement. His infectious enthusiasm has made a tremendous impact in Calhoun County, where he has played a pivotal role in increasing enrollments into the MiCITY program. Mike has been described as someone who exudes energy…

Allied Mechanical Services, Inc. (AMS) is one of Michigan’s largest and most experienced full-service mechanical contracting firms. To equip and train the next generation of plumbers and pipefitters, AMS established its Department of Labor-certified apprenticeship program in 2004. The apprenticeship is a paid, four-year program that develops apprentices in both the plumbing and pipefitting trades.…

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – On Thursday, August 15, representatives from Michigan Works! Southwest and the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) gathered for a signing event in which Michigan Works! Southwest officially became an intermediary with the USDOL to hold standards for apprenticeship programs. Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board members, Brian O’Donnell and Frank Tecumseh,…

Emma brings core expertise to the Adult & Dislocated Worker team at Michigan Works! Southwest, which is an inspiration for her coworkers. She continually demonstrates patience, sincerity, and dedication to her teammates and to customers, and has an excellent eye for detail. She is known to be an active listener in any situation and is…

“A-1 Refrigeration is incredibly grateful to the Michigan Works! Southwest Business Solutions team for assisting with securing funding for our apprenticeship training program. While we do have affiliates for the structure and formalization of our program, we are completely self-funded. This expense is sometimes a burden, but we believe so strongly in homegrown talent that…

Meet Cherise Buchanan, Michigan Works! Southwest Shining Star for June 2024! Cherise is a great leader who is always willing to go out of the way to assist participants and staff alike, including helping three of her team members successfully transition into new positions, which has demonstrated she is incredibly encouraging and supportive of her…