With regional unemployment rates hovering at historically low rates just north of 5-percent, the attraction of new workers and the retention of existing workers becomes an increasing challenge on a daily basis. One team that never gives up on the search for qualified talent is the team of change agents at Kinexus of Benton Harbor and this week they were honored for that work, especially their recent work with Lyons Industries of Dowagiac and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
State leadership and lawmakers came together this week to honor all three for their workforce and economic development efforts in the region.
Legislators and talent development officials recognized Lyons Industries, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Kinexus at the 2018 Impact Awards on Wednesday.
In light of low regional unemployment rates, worker retention and recruitment has become a concern of critical importance for area employers. Kinexus understood those local challenges and acted in partnership with MDHHS and Lyons Industries to address the issue through a newly established Business Resource Network (BRN), The LINK.
The LINK is a regional partnership where member employers establish the strategic direction and Kinexus facilitates solutions to remove employment barriers and sustain retention. The program provides services to over 1,400 employees at nine businesses, with a goal of serving 20 businesses and their employees. Within the last year, The LINK’s Success Coach has already assisted nearly 450 individuals.
State Senator John Proos led the praise, saying, “Kinexus connects employers, resources, and people to jobs in our communities.” He added, “My sincere appreciation goes out to all those who are working to support our local economy and I offer my congratulations to Lyons Industries, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Kinexus on an outstanding partnership.”
Lyons Industries, Inc. was honored at the Impact Awards for being a community champion focused on building and retaining staff. Lance Lyons, President of Lyons Industries, has been a foundational member of the program with a focus on removing barriers for his staff and being a voice for area employers.
The Impact Awards, hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, honor the finest achievements in workforce development statewide, from the creation of new jobs to the accomplishments of hardworking citizens.
During the annual event, lawmakers present tributes to award winners, employers, workers, Michigan Works! Agencies, and partners, who share their stories and the role Michigan Works! played in their success.
State Rep Dave Pagel says, “The Business Resource Network offered through Kinexus is helping advance our community – for both employers and workers.” He adds, “Kinexus clearly understands local challenges and opportunities for business and we’re lucky to have them as a resource in our community.”
State Rep Kim LaSata cited the successful partnership between Kinexus, Lyons Industries, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as, “A fantastic example of what collaborative regional partnerships can do to remove employment barriers and maintain retention. Their collective effort is essential to keeping businesses in Southwest Michigan thriving and making it the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Anyone interested in becoming a strategic partner of The Link or employers that are interested in becoming a member to support and build their team should contact Alex Grumbine, Director of Strategic Partnerships at (269) 927-1064, ext. 1183 or grumbinea@kinexus.org.
Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the association has been a go-to resource in federal, state and local workforce initiatives. The association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, you can visit michiganworks.org.
Kinexus is an organization that invests its time and resources into creating integrated solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality in the Southwest Michigan region. For more information, visit www.Kinexus.org, follow along on Twitter @KinexusGroup or “like” them on Facebook @KinexusGroup.
Pictured in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com are (from left to right):
- Todd Gustafson, CEO of Kinexus
- State Representative Dave Pagel
- Angela Brock-Carter, Success Coach for The Link
- Lance Lyons, President of Lyons Industries, Inc.
- State Senator John Proos
- Duane Berger, Senior Director of Business and Innovation
