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2024 Impact Report

50 Years of Change

From Our Leadership

This past year, we proudly celebrated our 50th anniversary with the theme of “50 Years of Change in Northwest Michigan.” At Networks Northwest, we have been shepherding people, businesses, and communities through the difficulties of change since our inception. Adapting to a rapidly changing economy is inherent in our work, and we have aligned our 40+ programs on a single purpose: helping our customers through the process of change – honoring what was while courageously stepping into an unknown but better future.

To ease the fears and alleviate the challenges faced by our customers, we have focused on helping them to reduce barriers and anticipate advancements that will inevitably occur. Because of our support, the Talent of our region is more prepared than ever before – they have better foundational skills and recognize career pathways in their own back yard. Businesses have resources and customized guidance for stability and growth. And Communities are responding to the evolving preferences of their residents while building resilience and prosperity. 

We are deeply grateful for the collaboration of many partners, without whom we could not have achieved this significant milestone. We also recognize the infinite ways in which our entire team makes our success possible – their work changes lives every day. 


       Janie McNabb
      Cheif Executive Officer


     Nicole Sulak
     Board Chair


    Chris Christensen
    Chief Elected Official

Learn More About Our Impact

Networks Northwest serves as headquarters to more than 40 different programs that help the Talent, Businesses, and Communities of our region. By pooling administrative costs across so many programs, we enable more resources to flow to direct services. This focus on customer service ensures effective use of funding and amplifies our impact.

Talent:

0+ Served
0+ Trained
0+ Military Veterans served

Business:

0+ Served
0 Apprentices
$0.5million+ Leveraged
$0million+ Economic Impact

Community:

0+ Projects
$0+ in grants for economic development

Talent

Local employers tell us their number one challenge is finding and keeping talent. Our programs are geared toward meeting those needs. Through a comprehensive suite of services, we provide critical support to our region’s workforce, preparing them for current and future jobs. We are committed to reducing barriers, improving foundational skills, and offering earn-and-learn opportunities that benefit job seekers and employers alike.

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General Services: 0+
Specialized Services: 0+
Training: 0+

Northwest Michigan Works

OS Reentry Services MI Career Quest Jobs for Michigan's Granduates

Empowering Job Seekers

In the era of web-based job search and mountains of conflicting advice, where can a job seeker go for help from a real person? The answer is Northwest Michigan Works! 

In our offices, you’ll find a team of approachable, supportive professionals. Last year, we helped more than 8,000 people look for jobs by navigating AI-based job applications, researching the latest job postings, and finding opportunities for retraining. We cultivated relationships through Career Connection, a bi-weekly networking event. And we provided customized, in-depth services for those who are collecting Unemployment Insurance, reducing the amount of time they spent on unemployment. 

Contact Us

I used Career Connection for help finding a job and used the service center computers to apply for jobs. The staff at Manistee Michigan Works! were very helpful and friendly. I am so glad to be back to work again." - Robert K., 2024 Customer

Exploring Local Careers

Introducing the region’s youth to local, in-demand careers is the primary goal of MiCareerQuest. This isn’t your average career fair – it’s hands-on, interactive, and packed with energy. 2,000 ninth graders toured exhibits hosted by 40 companies, giving them a try-out experience in healthcare, construction trades, transportation, manufacturing, and much much more.

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Reducing Barriers

Helping our local workforce to overcome barriers is an investment that pays long-term dividends – our talent gets and keeps good jobs; employers gain access to a reliable, skilled workforce; and use of government programs is reduced. We coordinate with partners to leverage community resources like transportation and childcare. We work one-on-one with customers to improve their employability skills. This ‘hand-up’ support results in long-term, sustainable employment. 

Services

My PATH worker has been a great support to me and my family. I appreciate her so much! Our community is so lucky to have great support from Michigan Works to help those in need.”
Emily Vorhies
PATH participant

Developing Future Talent

Our Youth Services team spends quality time with the youth of our region, focusing on lifelong career skills. We provide intensive mentoring, resources, and pathways to in-demand, local occupations. 

The Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program integrates education with employer connections and work experiences, preparing youth for a successful future. Through JMG, we’re helping youth stay in school, graduate, and move on to a job, education, or military careers. 

0+ Youth served 

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I was able to learn that leadership isn't always about being in charge; it's about being able to inspire and positively impact those around you.”
Holly Riley-Lampinen
JMG participant

Improving
Foundational Skills

We believe that education is the cornerstone of lifelong success, so we have delivered Adult Education programming for more than three decades. Using a unique model, we offer flexible, individualized learning options. People of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences can earn their High School Diploma or GED, or improve basic math, reading, and writing skills. 

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Program Partner: Northwest Education Services
0+ Served
0+ Digital Literacy Certificates awarded

This program, all my hard work and receiving my diploma, finally answered who I am. I’m not just a mom of 4 with no education. I’m Tiffany, a mom of 4 with an education and a dream of success that is now within arm’s reach!" – Tiffany Splawn, 2024 Graduate
John Adair

Supporting Our Neighbors

In partnership with law enforcement, our OS Reentry team works one-on-one with parolees returning to our region. Stable housing and a steady job are the best ways to keep our communities safe, so we partner with local landlords and housing programs, as well as Northwest Michigan Works. We make sure returning citizens have the tools and support to stay crime-free and successfully reenter society. 

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0+ Served

After struggling with sobriety, John showed dedication, diligence, and grit to complete his recovery program and become a Peer Recovery Coach. He is now attending college and works full time. “It’s time to make the world a better place.” – John Adair, 2024 Participant

Business

Local companies drive our economy, enabling our communities to be resilient and our talent to thrive. We support small businesses with hiring and training resources, as well as opportunities to grow, adapt, and succeed. 

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Businesses Served: 0+

Apprentices: 0+

Grants to Businesses: $0 million+

Northwest Michigan Works Business Atlas of Northwest Michigan Going Pro In Michigan Apex Accelerators

Filling Jobs & Reducing Turnover

Local employers are looking for any way to promote their open positions and attract quality talent. They are also focused on retaining their current employees. Our services help companies to find and keep a skilled workforce. 

We partner with Pure Michigan Talent Connect to post jobs, promoting open positions to job seekers across the state. Last year, we helped to fill almost 2,000 jobs in the region. 

The Business Resource Network (BRN) is a membership-based program where companies share a Success Coach to support their employees. The Success Coach spends time on-site and is available virtually to help with any issue that gets in the way of an employee’s productivity and success. 

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Partnering with the BRN has been a game-changer for our company and our employees. Thanks to the BRN, we've seen a measurable reduction in turnover, which not only saves us money but also builds trust with our employees that we care about them and their success both at work and in their personal lives.” – Jennie Wideman, Director of Human Resources, East Jordan Plastics
East Jordan Plastics, Inc. The Sustainable Choice

Customized Training

Apprenticeships offer a framework that allows each company to grow their own talent, and offers an industry-recognized credential to each worker. Our team works hand-in-hand with employers to create a customized training plan and helps apprentices through the program. This earn-and-learn approach is a win for everyone, and can fit for almost every occupation – examples include Early Childhood Educator, Application Developer, Medical Assistant, and Paramedic.

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Apprentices: 0;
Employers: 0+;
Total Occupations: 0

Whistle Stop Early Learning Center is providing an essential community resource and valuable employment opportunities. Their participation in the program has led to a model that offers flexibility and stackable credentials for the childcare workforce, helping to meet huge demand for this difficult to fill position.” – Whistle Stop Early Learning Center

Demand-driven Training

Our primary workforce training strategy is to partner with local employers – they are the experts in their own needs. But small businesses are working with small profit margins, and don’t always have the resources to pay for training. So we bring grants that offset the high cost of upskilling, making it possible to leverage millions more in company expansion.

GoingPro Talent Fund:  
Awards: $0 million, Trainees: 0+, Leveraged Funds: $0.5 million+

Industry 4.0 Grants:  
Awards: $0, Increased Business Revenue: $0+

"We are thrilled to continue our Industry 4.0 journey with the support of a grant that helped offset the cost of robotics technology. It significantly increased our efficiency and positioned us to pursue new contracts and expand our operations. We are deeply grateful to Northwest Michigan Works and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation."

Ryan Schultz
President, MR Products

Investing in New Markets

APEX Accelerator makes it possible for our region’s small businesses to sell to any level of government: local, state, and federal. This includes the defense industrial base, putting our region in a prime spot to support our military and the country’s security. Companies in the Northwest region and the Upper Peninsula worked with our team to acquire 2,000+ contracts worth $127 million. 

"Leanne and the APEX Accelerator program have been amazing. They are knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions when I need them. I’ve been extremely impressed and have already won a large award after a few weeks.”

Diane Arnold
Owner, Neuco

Community

Our Community Development work supports local governments and economic development organizations with planning, grants, and regional alignment. We provide technical assistance and education related to all  aspects of planning  — economic development, land use, transportation, broadband, energy, environment, and housing. We collect and report on data that reflects the unique character of our region. Our goal is to be a resource, enabling and enhancing the region’s ability to preserve high quality of life. 

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0+ projects

impacting all 0 counties

and 0 units of government

Community Development Traverse Transportation Coordinating Initiative

Recognizing Impact

This study, conducted by Networks Northwest in partnership with Fourth Economy, explored the impact of the outdoor economy, well beyond traditional tourism. The types of businesses included in the study ranged from ski equipment manufacturers to marinas to ebike retailers. This report provides a wealth of data and recommendations for local economic development opportunities. The report was commissioned by a collaborative group of local and regional economic development agencies, and supported with funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

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Key Takeaways:

• Outdoor recreation contributed $1.15 Billion to the local economy

• Outdoor economy businesses are growing – 0% have increased sales and are planning to hire

• Opportunities for growth include eboats, ebikes, and ORV rentals

Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Study for Northwest Michigan
Networks Northwest Coalition Regional Child Care Plan 2024

Activating Childcare

Most parents of young children will recount their difficulties in finding affordable childcare in the region. This critical need, which enables parents to work, has been recognized as a crisis-level issue by businesses, workers, schools, and organizations. In 2024, Networks Northwest conducted a thorough review of this issue, and presented a host of recommendations for addressing it. 

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Key Takeaways:

• The region’s unmet need is approximately 0 slots, with the biggest gap in infant and toddler care

• Employers report losing workers or lost productivity because of lack of childcare

• Recommendations include public investment, policy and regulations changes, and career pathways development for the childcare workforce

Planning for Safety

Preventing large-scale disasters is the best strategy for protecting a community, but hazardous conditions are often out of our control. However, we can certainly do our best to prepare and mitigate the damage. Hazard Mitigation planning gathers community members and local governments to prepare for disasters caused by weather, accidents, and non-military attacks. We assist each county with creating a plan, which identifies vulnerable areas and essential infrastructure, and creates mitigation strategies. 

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Creating a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan opens up funding for reducing the impact of a disaster.

Coordinating Active Transportation

Active transportation is “human-powered” – like walking or biking – and is primarily non-motorized. This mode of transit is a viable alternative for many residents, including those without vehicles. Networks Northwest and our counterpart, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, worked with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create a comprehensive plan for all of Northern Michigan.   

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The plan contains an inventory of each county’s active transportation routes and trails, along with proposed improvements.

Re-imagining Economic Potential

Lake City, the population center of Missaukee County, has great economic growth potential – it is situated on Lake Missaukee and has a quaint downtown. However, the community wants to shape its future and ensure its character is preserved. Networks Northwest helped the city obtain a grant from the Office of Rural Prosperity to “re-imagine” the M-66 corridor. We facilitated a robust public input process and developed strategies for economic growth. 

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Networks Northwest’s support in developing our Vision 66 strategic plan was so helpful. They helped secure the ORP grant for the project and coordinated with MSU Planning & Development to organize all the community engagements. We believe this project will give Lake City the future vision for making our community a better, safer place and will greatly impact our economic development. Thank you to all who got this to the finish line.” – Craig Ardis, Mayor, Lake City
Mayor Craig Ardis
Map #20 North Focus Area Build-out Implementation

Stimulating Economic Development

The City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township – adjacent communities located between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix – worked together to create a joint plan for their North and West Focus Areas. With the help of Networks Northwest, they created a plan that aligns land use policy and promotes fluid development across jurisdictional lines. 

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The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!" - Mark Heydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix

Financial Summary

Fiscal year 2024 • Ending 9.30.2024 • Total: $0

Expenditures by Function. Administration: 1376753, 11%. Direct services to customers: 11474852, 89%.

Revenue by Source. Counties: less than 1%. Private: 11%. State: 41%. Federal: 48%.

Expenditures by Service Category. Other: 54844, .5%. Community: 2701190, 28%. Business: 3572853, 28%. Talent: 6503871, 51%.

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