Michigan Works! West Central Quarterly eNewsletter October 2021

Michigan Works! West Central Quarterly eNewsletter – Vol. 2, Ed. 1

Come Chat With Us!

New Program Now Available Every Tuesday at All Service Centers

Michigan Works! West Central is inviting job seekers and those looking for some career-advancement advice to attend its newest program: Career. Coffee. Chat. This new program provides attendees with career coaching in a relaxed setting, while sharing a cup of coffee and maybe a doughnut, ... or two.

The goal of the program is to provide help to those looking to advance their career no matter what stage they are at in the process. If you are looking for resume building tips, interested in training on a new skill or just want to share struggles you're having at your current job, the Career. Coffee. Chat. program is right for you!

Career. Coffee. Chat. is held from 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday at all six of our service centers. Those interested in attending are asked to start with a new cohort on the first Tuesday of the month.

For more information about the program, click here.

Going PRO Talent Fund Application Period Now Open

Since 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided employers across Michigan a path to seek funding assistance to train their workforce.

The annual program helps employers train, develop and retain current and newly hired employees. Training plans funded through the talent fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must also lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and industry recognized.

Through the Talent Fund, employers can apply for up to $1,500 per individual in training funding assistance. Up to $3,000 per individual is available for each new U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprentice.

The Going PRO Talent Fund application period is open through Oct. 28.

For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund, eligible training and how to apply, contact Michigan Works! West Central’s Business Services team today, or click here.

For businesses in Mason and Oceana counties, contact Julie Sanders at (231) 538-0746 or jsanders@mwwc.org;
For Lake and Osceola counties, contact Mark Buss at (231) 791-7065 or mbuss@mwwc.org; and
For Mecosta and Newaygo counties, contact Chad Marr at (231) 660-0258 or cmarr@mwwc.org.

Pickard Earns Shining Star Award at Annual Conference

Renee Pickard, a Talent Specialist for Michigan Works! West Central in Ludington, was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs. Pickard received the award during the association’s annual conference on Sept. 15.

“Working as a Talent Specialist is more than just a job to Renee,” said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central executive director. “She comes in early, and I have lost count of the many times she stays at work long after the day has ended. She does this because she is passionate about helping her clients. She has a heart of gold and cares deeply about her coworkers and the community.”

To read her full story, click here.

Renee Pickard (right) works with a client at the Ludington MichiganWorks! West Central service center. Pickard was honored for her service and dedication to the job as a Shining Star Award winner during the Michigan Works! Association annual conference in September.

Showcasing Success

Job Seeker & Employer Success Stories From Region 4A

"I am forever grateful."

MECOSTA COUNTY -- Kenneth was almost done with high school when he reached out to Michigan Works! West Central for assistance with his next stage in life. He had plans to become a lineman after graduation, but he needed his CDL first.

“Michigan Works’ program helped me to achieve getting my CDL sooner then I think I would have on my own,” Kenneth said. “Getting it done when school was out or close to it was the best thing for me. It gave me time to take the course while starting to look for a job. I just can’t praise you and your program enough for helping me and supporting me to get my CDL. It has changed and helped my work career path. I am forever grateful.”

Read Kenneth's full Success Story by clicking here.

See other Success Stories from Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties by clicking here.

Kenneth Burke was able to receive financial assistance through Michigan Works! West Central to attend training to earn his commercial driver's license.

Check Out Our New Electronic Sign in Big Rapids!

In late August, Michigan Works! West Central upgraded the sign in front of its Big Rapids service center on Northland Drive. The new sign features the logos of all of the on-site partners that occupy space within the service center, as well as an electronic portion.

The new electronic sign allows us to promote job fairs and other events, as well as some of our programs and services to those driving by.

Be sure to check it out the next time you drive by our Big Rapids service center, located at 14330 Northland Drive.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

"Research Companies"

As you find job listings that interest you, research the hiring companies before applying.

This can provide you with information about their company culture, benefits and salary range, products and services, and work environment. Your research will tell you whether you want to or are qualified to work for that company.

It also gives you valuable information you can reference in your cover letter or interview.

At Michigan Works! West Central, we also can help build your resume and cover letter, conduct mock interviews and more! Ask your Talent Specialist how they can help prepare you to make a great impression when you go through the interview process! Visit mwwc.org/contact-us to find the service center closest to you!

For more monthly Job Search Tips, be sure to check out our social media profiles! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Michigan Works! West Central Meets Lt. Gov. Gilchrist

(ABOVE) Michigan Works! West Central staff, including (from left to right) Communication & Marketing Manager Jonathan Eppley, Local-Elected Official Board Chair Thomas Hogenson and Executive Director Shelly Keene, were able to meet with Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist when he visited Big Rapids on Aug. 16. (BELOW) Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist takes a photo with the owners of Fatty C's Dog House in Downtown Big Rapids.

Lt. Gov. Visits With

Local Business Owners

Michigan's Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist made a stop in Downtown Big Rapids on Aug. 16, to talk with some local small-business owners, including Bernard and Kasey Agee at Fatty C's Dog House, and Brian and Carlleen Rose at The Old Pioneer Store and Emporium.

Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene and Communication & Marketing Manager Jonathan Eppley were able to tag along to promote the organization to Gilchrist. Also in attendance was Big Rapids Mayor Thomas Hogenson, who currently sits on the Local-Elected Officials board for Michigan Works! West Central.

For more information about Gilchrist's visit to Big Rapids, click here.

(ABOVE LEFT) Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (right) talks with Carlleen Rose, owner of the Old Pioneer Store and Emporium. (ABOVE RIGHT) Gilchrist talks with Big Rapids Mayor Thomas Hogenson, who also serves as chair of the Michigan Works! West Central Local-Elected Official Board.