Michigan Works! Southwest Annual Report 2025

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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