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Economic Developers Earn Impact Award

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The very word "collaboration" gets tossed around a lot, but when you take a look at the efforts put forth on multiple fronts in Michigan's Great Southwest last year to assure the community would get a major industrial expansion project and the company involved would get the key personnel needed to accomplish the job — it was truly an award-winning undertaking.

Thus, the economic development professionals and employment experts in the region have been celebrated by state leaders at the recent Michigan Works! Impact Awards in Lansing. 

In fact, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley joined local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials in recognizing Colson Group USA, local resident Althea Cates, Cornerstone Alliance and Kinexus for their regional development efforts.
 
Kinexus and Cornerstone Alliance joined forces with Colson Group to help ensure proper staffing and support for the company’s recent $1.5 million expansion. From the development of training plans and programs to assist in employee upskill efforts to the hosting of a major regional job fair, the partnership succeeded in supporting economic growth for Southwest Michigan.
 
Kinexus Executive Director Todd Gustason says, “The collaboration between Cornerstone Alliance and Kinexus is crucial for the growth of our region.” He adds, “Our partnership has sparked discussions that allow us to expedite economic growth and fill the gaps in Berrien County.”
 
In total, the expansion resulted in 50 new jobs, one of which was filled by Althea Cates. Working in partnership with Kinexus, Althea upgraded her professional skills to be ready when the right Colson opening became available.
 
As State Senator John Proos of St. Joseph said, “Today’s award shows how forward-thinking leaders can change lives by working collaboratively across an entire region.”  He points out that, “What began with a compelling corporate vision has moved through a sweeping community effort to create and fill jobs with the right talent. It’s truly a winning example.”
 
The Michigan Works! Impact Awards are an opportunity for state leaders to recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. Dozens of honorees from across the state received awards presented by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials. Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! Agencies, and partners from across the state.
 
State Representative Al Pscholka from Stevensville says, "We can be proud of the exceptional leadership shown by our region’s award winners.” As he suggests, “Their shared achievements demonstrate what’s best about Michigan. It’s no wonder they’re being honored by state organizations for their fine work in southwest Michigan.”
 
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting http://michiganworks.org/agencies/map or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.

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