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Brower Development and Construction Receives Statewide Recognition for Talent Development

Brower Development and Construction in Petoskey and one of their employees have received  Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards. The awards recognize significant economic accomplishments within our communities and showcase the impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development.

Networks Northwest and Northwest Michigan Works! nominated Brower and employee Tim Busyn for the awards after Busyn went through a welding training program paid for by a Skilled Trades Training Fund grant. Northwest Michigan Works! helped the company apply for the grant. The training was provided by the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway.

“Tim’s training has opened up doors for us to be more competitive in bidding jobs and to offer new services for clients wanting to use red iron and steel components in their home building,” said Brower Development and Construction President, Ben Brower. “It’s also allowed us to reduce our insurance costs. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved that’s helped us.”

“Michigan Works helped me get the needed Level 1 welding certifications,” said Busyn. “Even if you can’t see my work on a project, whether it’s in a stronger cabinet bracket or steel beam support structure, our customers sure appreciate it.”

”Brower was a “first adopter” of our workforce based, intensive welder qualification program,” said Georgia Abbott, Executive Director, Industrial Arts Institute. “They were willing to pilot this education with us and we learned together just how fast we can teach welding skills and get that talent and skill back into the job at hand."

The award was presented during a special recognition event April 27 in Lansing which was attended by several of the region’s state legislators.

“Michigan Works! is actively helping employers like Brower train the workers they need to stay here and grow here,” said State Senator Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City). “Michigan is focused on helping meet the needs of our employers, and that focus is producing results, as reflected through this award.”

“Brower and workers like Timothy Busyn are big reasons why our region’s economy is growing,” said State Representative Lee Chatfield (R-Levering). “Michigan Works! uses a time-tested, demand-driven approach and it’s really making a difference.”

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Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10 county region. These programs include Northwest Michigan Works, Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, various business services, and many different regional planning initiatives in response to our communities’ requests and needs. You will see the broad spectrum of workforce, business and community services Networks Northwest offers if you visit our web site, networksnorthwest.org

Networks Northwest's member counties are: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford.

The professionals at Networks Northwest help our City Council, Planning Commission, and staff make thoughtful decisions to ensure our community is sustainable and resilient for many years to come.
- Mark Heydlauff, Charlevoix City Manager