Michigan Works! Southwest Annual Report 2025

Annual Report

Note from the Director

The past year has been one of growth, connection, and innovation for Michigan Works! Southwest.

Guided by our mission to prepare a skilled workforce and support local businesses, we focused our efforts on four key priorities: outreach , integration , impact , and innovation . We expanded outreach efforts to ensure more employers, job seekers, and community partners know about and benefit from our services. Through events, partnerships, and communication efforts, we’ve strengthened our presence across Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. Our work in integration has resulted in a more connected system, aligning programs and resources to provide better access and outcomes for those we serve. The impact of our services can be seen in every success story, highlighting how Michigan Works! Southwest has assisted job seekers in finding meaningful work, supported businesses with skilled talent, and strengthened our regional economy. Finally, innovation drives us forward. By embracing change, we’ve refined our services and developed creative solutions to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce. Thank you to our dedicated staff, Workforce Development Board, community partners, and supporters for helping us create meaningful transformation for the people, businesses, and communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Jakki Bungart-Bibb Director, Michigan Works! Southwest

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NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

2025 IMPACT

OUTREACH

EMPLOYERS SERVED VISITORS AT MICHIGAN WORKS! SOUTHWEST SERVICE CENTERS INTEGRATION

EMPLOYER SERVICES PROVIDED

IN EV JOBS ACADEMY FUNDING

INDIVIDUALS TRAINED IN EV OCCUPATIONS

INCREASE

IN PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN TRAINING

INNOVATION

AWARDED TO SUPPORT APPRENTICESHIP EXPANSION

EMPLOYERS ENGAGED IN EMPLOYER-LED COLLABORATIVES

EMPLOYER-LED COLLABORATIVES IN MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES

IMPACT

INCREASE

PROVIDED IN TRANSPORTATION BARRIER REMOVAL SUPPORT

INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTED IN TRANSPORTATION EFFORTS

IN MICHIGAN WORKS! SOUTHWEST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

* From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 † ASC and MiROAR policy funding along with SAE 2023 grant funding

MICHIGAN WORKS! SOUTHWEST 2025 IMPACT

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Michigan Works! Southwest is part of the first statewide, unified workforce development system in the country.

VALUES

Customer Centered. Integrity Driven. Dedicated to Excellence. Collaborators. Innovative Problem Solvers.

MISSION

Prepare a qualified workforce to meet the current and emerging needs of business and industry, through data-driven decision making.

WHY

To create meaningful transformation in the people, businesses, and communities we serve.

HOW

Fostering collaborative partnerships and empowering a compassionate, respectful, and knowledgeable team dedicated to continuous improvement.

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INTRODUCTION

Brian O’Donnell Workforce Development Board Chair, Michigan Works! Southwest

“On behalf of the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board, I’m proud of the progress achieved this year and am grateful to the dedicated staff and community partners who make this work possible. By aligning strategy with employer needs and job seeker opportunities, the Board advanced key initiatives that expanded access, strengthened talent pipelines, and delivered measurable results for our regional economy. As we look ahead, the Board remains committed to responsible governance, data-driven decision-making, and innovative solutions that create opportunity for every business and job seeker across our four-county region.”

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BOARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board was honored with the 2025 Board of Excellence Award at the Annual Michigan Works! Conference in September. Awarded annually, this recognition honors one Michigan Works! board in the state for demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing workforce development in alignment with state initiatives.

Board priorities include supporting Employer-Led Collaboratives in multiple industries, Career and Technical Education for youth and young adults, and initiatives that remove barriers to employment. Members champion grant opportunities, apprenticeships, and innovative community-based services and programs. The Board also celebrates staff excellence through its monthly Shining Star Award, reinforcing its commitment to recognizing and supporting those dedicated to workforce development. The Board of Excellence Award highlights the Board’s leadership and vision, reflecting its ongoing commitment to building stronger communities, empowering job seekers, and connecting employers with the talent they need to thrive.

Serving Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties, the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board is driven by innovation, integration of services, outreach, and measurable impact. Guided by Board Chair Brian O’Donnell and Michigan Works! Southwest Director Jakki Bungart-Bibb, the Board fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration between staff and board members.

BOARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARD 6

Ariel Martinez Ochoa moved from Cuba in pursuit of a better quality of life and additional career prospects. After settling in the United States, Ariel obtained employment but still aspired for a career in healthcare. To help overcome the obstacles Ariel faced in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), he was referred to Michigan Works! Southwest’s Neighborhood Employment HUBs. Michigan Works! Southwest was able to identify and utilize a variety of fund sources to assist Ariel in obtaining his CNA certification and accessing additional supportive services. Through a partnership between Michigan Works! Southwest’s HUBs and Kellogg Community College’s (KCC) iAct, Ariel successfully

completed a seven-week CNA and life skills training. While in training, Ariel met regularly with Michigan Works! Southwest’s Business Solutions Career Coach, Julie Klein, to receive coaching and address barrier removal. This included gas and food cards and a weekly training stipend through the financial support of Michigan’s Barrier Removal and Employment Success (BRES) program and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. At the end of the CNA training, Michigan Works! Southwest partnered with local employers to host a meet and greet. Through this opportunity, Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center interviewed and hired Ariel in December 2023 as a patient care assistant at $16.50 an hour. After meeting the State of Michigan’s requirements to obtain his CNA license, Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center promoted Ariel to his desired occupation as a CNA, and he received a wage increase to $19.50 an hour.

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IMPACT AWARD

Although Ariel had completed his CNA certification, he still had bigger dreams. Due to the location of Evergreen, Ariel was eligible for support through the Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) grant through Michigan Works! Southwest, which provided him with the opportunity to receive additional paid healthcare training to become a Medical Assistant. In December 2024, Ariel completed his Medical Assistant training with a 4.0 GPA. Ariel’s success is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships, community support, and personal dedication can lead to meaningful change. His journey from a determined job seeker to a successful healthcare professional is one of resilience, thanks to the workforce development programs that empowered him to make his dream career become a reality.

Ariel Martinez Ochoa Impact Award 2025 Awardee

“I am extremely grateful for the educational assistance, career

coaching, and guidance I’ve received through Michigan Works! Southwest.”

IMPACT AWARD

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The Shining Star Awards celebrate Michigan Works! Southwest staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! mission.

THIS YEAR’S SHINING STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

OCTOBER 2024 Denise Mott NOVEMBER 2024 Sebastian Rodriguez DECEMBER 2024 Tamara Angle JANUARY 2025 Kelli Adams

FEBRUARY 2025 Jim Walters MARCH 2025 Kaela Wunderlich

JUNE 2025 Jennifer Markos JULY 2025 Christine Trevino AUGUST 2025 Irene Williams SEPTEMBER 2025 Debbie Horn

APRIL 2025 Kathy Olsen MAY 2025 Brian Poynter

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SHINING STAR AWARDS

Kathy’s influence extended beyond Michigan Works! Southwest’s internal teams. She was a respected advocate for workforce development, representing Michigan Works! Southwest with professionalism and integrity. Her joyful spirit and unwavering positivity made her a culture carrier and role model, inspiring those around her while helping advance the Michigan Works! Southwest mission to prepare, empower, and transform the workforce. Through her dedication, exceptional service, and lasting contributions, Kathy leaves behind a legacy that embodies the spirit of the Shining Star Award. She is a truly deserving recipient, celebrated not only for her achievements but also for the meaningful impact she made throughout her career.

KATHY OLSEN Kathy Olsen received the Michigan Works! Association’s 2025 Annual Shining Star Award for the Michigan Works! Southwest service area. Kathy’s career with Michigan Works! Southwest spanned decades, culminating in her retirement in August 2025 and capping a remarkable legacy of service to her colleagues, community partners, and the workforce system of Southwest Michigan. Known for her wisdom, patience, and dedication, Kathy played an integral role in shaping the organization’s success. Ensuring quality and consistency across programs in her role as Quality Assurance Coordinator/Project Coordinator, she also strengthened partnerships through her work as a Workforce Development Board Liaison and involvement in the community. A natural mentor and teacher, Kathy empowered colleagues and community partners alike, offering tailored support, historical knowledge, and valuable context to guide decisions and overcome challenges. Her leadership and encouragement helped others thrive, making her a trusted voice during times of transition or uncertainty.

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ANNUAL SHINING STAR

Career Exploration Events FY 2025 (October 2024 - May 2025)

BRANCH COUNTY

STUDENTS

EMPLOYERS

KALAMAZOO & CALHOUN COUNTIES

STUDENTS

EMPLOYERS

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

STUDENTS

EMPLOYERS

VIRTUAL REALITY CAREER EXPLORATION

EXPLORERS

EVENTS

CAREER EXPLORATION EVENTS 12

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GOING PRO TALENT FUND

AWARDED TO COMPANIES

AWARDS RECEIVED

INDIVIDUALS TO BE TRAINED

PLANNED APPRENTICES

ANTICIPATED NEW HIRES

“The investment in training through the Going PRO Talent Fund has yielded substantial benefits for Duncan Aviation, enhancing our operational efficiency and strengthening our competitive edge in the aviation industry. Training has facilitated the development of internal talent, allowing us to promote from within and build a strong leadership pipeline.” Stephen Gunn Senior Professional Development Specialist, Duncan Aviation

GOING PRO TALENT FUND

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AT THE MICHIGAN WORKS! ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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RACE TO TALENT™ HIGHLIGHT

Michigan Works! Southwest, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, successfully hosted its second Race to Talent™ event during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference in Kalamazoo on Monday, September 8, 2025. The event brought together workforce development leaders, industry representatives, and local organizations, including Bronson Healthcare Group, Better World Builders, and Ripple Effects, to celebrate the region’s skilled workforce and showcase registered apprenticeship programs. Attendees listened to a panel discussion by employers who are championing apprenticeship work followed by two apprentices officially signing up to participate in an LPN Apprenticeship Program hosted by Bronson Healthcare Group. Then, the employers were honored with a “Race to Talent” award for their efforts. Michigan Works! Southwest’s Director of Business Solutions, Ashley Iovieno, shared, “We were excited to recognize these employers for their commitment to registered apprenticeships. They are building a strong workforce by investing in their talent using the ‘grow your own’ model represented in an apprenticeship. Attendees got to hear what it’s like to host a program from some strong businesses that are leading the way in this work.”

The Race to Talent™ event highlighted the critical role of collaboration in advancing Michigan’s workforce and economic development goals. By recognizing employers that champion apprenticeships and by highlighting the success of participants entering these programs, Michigan Works! Southwest and its partners demonstrated their ongoing commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline that supports both regional businesses and the state’s long-term competitiveness.

RACE TO TALENT™ HIGHLIGHT

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Workforce Development Board Members REPRESENTING THE PRIVATE SECTOR • Mr. Ross Daniels, Vice President, R&R Trailers (St. Joseph) • Ms. Jessica Eyster, HR Manager, IAC Group (St. Joseph) • Mr. Randall Hazelbaker (Vice Chair), Owner, Hazelbaker Antiques (Branch BOC) • Mr. Jeff Heppler, Police Chief, Village of Augusta; Owner, Hit-Em Here (Kalamazoo BOC) • Mr. Jared Hoffmaster, Assistant Vice President and Investment Officer, Century Bank and Trust (St. Joseph BOC) • Mr. Alan Ives, Vice President of Operations, Kadant Johnson LLC (St. Joseph) • Mr. Derek King, Owner, King Jewelers (Calhoun BOC) • Mr. David Maurer, President, Humphrey Products, Inc. (Kalamazoo) • Mr. Brian O’Donnell (Chair), Project Executive, Hi-Tech Electric Company (Kalamazoo) • Ms. Sabrina Radenovic, HR Business Partner, Stryker (Kalamazoo) • Mr. David Stafford, Talent Marketing and Operations Manager, W.K. Kellogg Company (Calhoun)

• Mr. Frank Tecumseh, CEO, FireKeepers Casino Hotel (Calhoun) • Ms. Elizabeth Van Dussen, HR Manager, Duncan Aviation (Calhoun) • Mr. Ken Willcutt, Piping Superintendent, Egan Company (Kalamazoo) REPRESENTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Ms. Jill Bland, CEeD, Managing Partner, Southwest Michigan First (Region)

REPRESENTING ORGANIZED LABOR • Ms. Kathi Cain-Babbitt, Chief Steward, AFSCME Local 1668; President, AFL-CIO Labor Council (Kalamazoo) • Mr. Jonathan Current, Business Manager, IBEW Local 131 (Kalamazoo) • Mr. David Pawloski, AFL-CIO Community Services Labor Liaison, United Way S. Central MI; Financial Secretary-Treasurer, S. Central MI AFL-CIO Labor Council; Member, UAW Local 2093 (Calhoun)

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBERS

REPRESENTING COMMUNITY-BASED AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS • Mr. Jose Luis Orozco, Jr., Executive Director, Voces (Calhoun) • Mr. Charles Rose (Alternate for Orozco), Capacity Builder, Voces (Calhoun) • Ms. Windy Rea, Outreach and Admissions Counselor, Michigan Job Corps, Human Learning Systems (Region) REPRESENTING EDUCATION • Mr. Darrin Adair, Superintendent, Branch Intermediate School District (Branch) • Mr. Bobby Beauchamp (Alternate for Watson), Dean of Workforce Development, Kellogg Community College (Calhoun) • Mr. Dustin Scharer (Alternate for Adair), Assistant Superintendent of CTE, Branch Intermediate School District (Branch) • Dr. Paul Watson II, President, Kellogg Community College (Calhoun) REPRESENTING REHABILITATION AGENCIES • Mr. John Fiore, Southwest District Manager, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Region) • Ms. Rebecca Hill (Alternate for Fiore), Kalamazoo Site Manager, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Region) REPRESENTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGENCIES • Ms. Karen Marcath, County Director, MI Department of Health & Human Services, Cass/St. Joseph Counties (St. Joseph) REPRESENTING MI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS/OTHER • Ms. Lisa Johansen, Parole/Probation Supervisor, Michigan Department of Corrections, Kalamazoo Office (At Large)

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBERS 18

Michigan Works! Southwest is an equal opportunity employer/program supported by the State of Michigan. 1-800-285-WORK (9675). Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. Dial 711 for Relay Center and TTY. Supported in part with state and/or federal funds.

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