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2025 Impact Report

Connections & Collaboration

From Our Leadership

At Networks Northwest, our core mission has always been to guide people, businesses, and communities through the complexities of a changing economy. In 2025, we deepened this commitment by focusing on shared value that results from internal and external collaboration.

By integrating our 40+ programs more closely than ever, we ensure that workforce, business, and community development work as a synchronized force. This year, our departments didn't just operate alongside one another, they leaned into our long-standing culture of collaboration to solve regional challenges—linking talent readiness directly to business stability and community resilience. This collective impact was amplified by our work with outside partners, whose shared expertise allowed us to leverage resources and expand our reach across the ten-county region. Together, we have ensured that every program contributes toward our mission of building stronger communities and enhancing quality of life.

We are deeply grateful to our partners and our entire team. By working together across disciplines and organizations, we continue to reduce barriers and turn the challenges of change into opportunities for all of Northwest Michigan.


       Janie McNabb
      Chief 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 sharing administrative costs across multiple programs, we direct more resources to frontline services. This customer-centered approach maximizes funding efficiency and strengthens our overall impact.

Talent:

0+ Adults Served
0+ Youth Served
0+ Trained

Business:

0+ Jobs Filled
0 Apprentices
$1.0 million+ in Grants to Businesses
$0 million+ Economic Impact

Community:

0+ Projects
$0 million in Transportation Funding
$0+ in grants for Economic Development

Talent

Local employers consistently report that attracting and retaining top talent is their primary hurdle. Our initiatives are designed specifically to bridge that gap. By supporting people from all walks of life, we equip the regional workforce with the technical and adaptive skills required for today’s market—and tomorrow’s innovations.

We are committed to clearing the path to employment by helping people navigate challenges and by providing "earn-and-learn" opportunities. Our goal is simple: create a direct line between motivated job seekers and the businesses that need them.

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

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

Empowering Job Seekers

Where can a job seeker turn for genuine, expert guidance in a world dominated by algorithms? The answer is Northwest Michigan Works!

We pride ourselves on being a team of real people helping real people. In the last year alone, we walked alongside more than 10,000 neighbors as they navigated the complexities of modern job applications and pursued new career paths through retraining. With our Reemployment Services (RESEA) program, we turned job searching into a collaborative experience rather than a solitary task. By providing intensive, one-on-one services for those on unemployment, we didn't just offer a safety net—we built a bridge back to meaningful employment, helping residents get back on their feet faster.

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Mark P. visited the Petoskey Service center nearly every day for his two months of unemployment, searching for new opportunities. Staff helped him target his resume to different employers and use online job search sites. This hard work paid off when Mark accepted a position as an admissions coordinator for a local health clinic. “I am happy that there is a resource like this today.”
Portrait of Mark

Exploring Local Careers

MiCareerQuest Northwest is redefining how the next generation discovers their future. Far from a traditional career fair, this high-energy, hands-on experience invites students to step out of the classroom and into the workforce. This year, 1400 ninth graders engaged with interactive exhibits from 40 regional employers. From performing mock dental cleanings to operating heavy machinery, students received a "test drive" of the region's most vital industries, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

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Reducing Barriers

Sustainable employment starts with solving the challenges that happen outside the workplace. At Northwest Michigan Works!, we collaborate across the region to align community resources—such as transportation and childcare—with the needs of our workforce. By working one-on-one with individuals to sharpen their professional skills, we transform potential barriers into stepping stones. The result is a more resilient economy where workers thrive and local businesses have the reliable, skilled teams they need to grow. 

Services

Thor, a single father of a 5-year-old, found himself unemployed for weeks and without any other income. The PATH program gave him a chance at successful job hunting with support for life circumstances along the way. Thor was hired at the Cadillac Walmart on the spot at his first interview. However, his vehicle was unreliable and needed insurance and plates. Northwest Michigan Works! stepped in to resolve these issues so he never missed a day of work. “Michigan Works was honestly a lifesaver at just the right time. The program went far beyond my expectations and helped me with multiple issues. This allowed me to focus on setting a sturdy foundation for my family’s future.”

Developing Future Talent

Building a reliable local workforce starts with early engagement. Our Youth Services division provides intensive, one-on-one pathways to the region's most in-demand occupations. A cornerstone of this effort is the JMG program, which focuses on the "human" side of the job—teaching essential traits like accountability and collaborative problem-solving. With an impressive 96.6% graduation rate this year, JMG continues to be a proven catalyst for success, helping young people stay in school while preparing them to meet the high standards of Northwest Michigan’s employer community.

0+ Youth served 

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"JMG has had a big impact on my life, and it has been nothing but positive! I have discovered that I want to help and lead the youth as my JMG Specialists and mentors have done for me. JMG has helped in every aspect of my life, especially in the professional aspect as well as, opening numerous doors for me! Without JMG, their guidance and opportunities, I would not be as successful as I am today!"

— Riley Brown, JMG Participant and Michigan Youth Advisory Council President

Improving
Foundational Skills

Education should never have an expiration date. That’s why we’ve spent more than 30 years refining a unique, person-centered approach to Adult Education. Our program welcomes individuals from all walks of life, offering the flexibility needed to balance learning with work and family. Whether a student is pursuing a GED, finishing their High School Diploma, or strengthening foundational math and writing skills, our tailored support ensures that every learner has the tools to succeed in the modern workforce.

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Program Partner: Northwest Education Services
0+ Served with 47 graduates
0+ Digital Literacy Certificates awarded, including Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, and Email

The Adult Ed program helped me realize I am capable of doing great things! Days when I didn’t think I could do it, I had great people behind me, encouraging me to continue! In a few short months I got my GED and made my way into college!” – Tina Spivey, 2025 Graduate

Supporting Our Neighbors

Successful reintegration requires a united front. Our OS Reentry program works in tandem with regional law enforcement to support parolees as they navigate their return to society. Recognizing that a steady paycheck and a place to call home are the strongest deterrents to crime, we leverage a robust network of housing programs and employment services. From coordinating with landlords to providing personalized career coaching through Northwest Michigan Works!, we equip returning citizens with the essential tools they need to stay on track and contribute positively to the local economy.

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0+ Served

Gary R. obtained full-time employment shortly after engaging with OS Reentry, but needed a long-term, sustainable career. He was eligible for training support from Northwest Michigan Works!, and completed a CDL program, including a HAZMAT certification, a high-demand credential. Gary is deeply grateful for the support and encouragement he received from our programs. His journey is a powerful example of how access to opportunity, combined with determination, can lead to lasting success.

Business

In a rapidly shifting economy, local small businesses are the economic engine of our region. Our mission is to ensure they have every advantage to succeed. We act as a strategic partner to small businesses, offering a suite of resources—from talent recruitment and customized training to support in procuring government contracts. By empowering employers to adapt to new challenges, we create a more stable and prosperous environment for everyone who calls Northwest Michigan home.

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0+ Jobs Filled

$1.0 million+ Grants to Businesses
$0 million+ Economic Impact

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

Filling Jobs & Reducing Turnover

Our Employer Services are designed to solve the two biggest challenges facing local companies: recruitment and retention. In 2025, our collaborative efforts resulted in almost 2,000 successful job placements, utilizing platforms like Pure Michigan Talent Connect to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers and more than 30 in-person hiring events. To ensure those new hires stay and thrive, the Business Resource Network (BRN) provides an essential safety net. By providing employees with direct access to a Success Coach, we help mitigate the external stressors—such as childcare or transportation issues—that often lead to turnover. This "on-demand" support system allows businesses to focus on growth while we focus on the stability of their greatest asset: their people.

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In partnering with the Business Resource Network since 2018 we have strengthened our workforce in meaningful ways. With the BRN's support, our team members have gained access to critical services, from transportation and financial management to housing and utilities assistance, which help remove barriers to consistent attendance and productivity. Our Success Coach, Kate, who is embedded on-site, has become a trusted resource for employees and that stability has translated into stronger retention and a more resilient team at Boyne Mountain. The BRN is not just an employee support program; it’s a strategic investment that enhances workforce engagement and operational continuity.” – Scott Van Huis, Director of Human Resources

Customized Training

The modern apprenticeship is no longer limited to traditional trades; it is a versatile tool for regional economic growth. At Northwest Michigan Works!, we guide employers through the creation of customized "earn-and-learn" programs that address their specific talent gaps. Whether it’s training the next generation of Paramedics and Medical Assistants or developing Application Developers and Early Childhood Educators, our program offers a direct route to professional certification. 

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

Northwest Michigan Works has been essential to building and sustaining our apprenticeship programs and workforce in Northern Michigan. Their team has helped expand training, strengthen retention, and create clear career pathways for apprentices across our three registered programs. In a region with a limited skilled labor pool, this partnership has allowed us to develop a highly capable, dependable pipeline of electrical workers that supports both our company’s growth and the communities we serve. Their responsiveness, problem-solving mindset, and genuine commitment have elevated the quality, reach, and long-term impact of our workforce development efforts.” – Wolfline Construction

Demand-driven Training

Our primary workforce strategy is built on a simple truth: local employers are the best experts on their own talent needs. However, in an era of tight margins, the cost of specialized upskilling can be a barrier to growth. The Northwest Michigan Works! Business Services team acts as a bridge, securing vital grants that offset training expenses and empower small businesses to scale. In 2025, we helped regional employers leverage these funds into significant expansions, turning modest awards into millions of dollars in economic activity.

GoingPro Talent Fund:  
Secured $1.0 million in awards, upskilling 0+ 

Industry 4.0 Grants:  
Provided $0 in technology integration support, resulting in a revenue increase of over $0 million for local manufacturers.

Electric Vehicle Grant Program: 
Provided $0 in grants to local companies and $0 to NMC to support their electric vehicle training program.

"The Networks Northwest Electric Vehicle (EV) Grant Program has proven to be a catalyst for us to expand within the rapidly growing EV manufacturing market. By offering reimbursement of up to $5,000 per employee for training directly related to EV parts manufacturing, the grant has successfully equipped FIAMM Technologies with specialized, highly-skilled workforce needed to launch new products. Northwest Michigan Works! employees were always there to help with the implementation and provided excellent customer service for our company.”

Brent Neverth
FIAMM Technologies

Investing in New Markets

APEX Accelerator empowers Northwest Michigan and Upper Peninsula businesses to compete on a global stage by securing contracts at every level of government—local, state, and federal. By specializing in the defense industrial base, our team positions regional companies as vital contributors to national security. 

In 2025, our team provided the technical expertise and counseling necessary for businesses in these two regions to land 2,500+ contracts. With $182 million in total awards, we are proving that our region's small businesses have the quality and capability to serve as a cornerstone of the American supply chain.

“APEX Accelerator helped me become a federal government contractor. This was only made possible through the excellent services offered and delivered by APEX – would not have achieved this without them so it’s a big thank you from Woolston’s Property Services. Our business now operates our pure water window cleaning on various sites throughout the UP including the large 7 story VA Hospital and the Army Corps of Engineers at the Sault Locks location.”

Paul Woolsten
Woolston’s Property Services

Community

Thriving communities require intentional planning and collaborative vision. 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. By serving as a central resource, we empower communities to protect their unique character while planning for the changes they want to see. 

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0+ projects

$0 million+ Transportation funding

$0+ in grants for economic development

Community Development Traverse Transportation Coordinating Initiative

Capturing Regional Change

The covid pandemic brought many changes to the workforce across all industries and localities. But how did it shape Northwest Michigan? The Northwest Michigan Hybrid and Remote Worker Study captures those changes and more, diving into the presence and potential of remote and hybrid workers in the region.

Key Takeaways:

• An estimated 23% of the regional workforce is remote or hybrid.
• More people are working hybrid (part-time remote) than fully remote.
• Hybrid work is the dominant remote work model.
• 79% of those surveyed worked remotely prior to the pandemic, indicating a confidence in their ability to move to the region and continue working remotely.
• ​23% fly out of Cherry Capital Airport when traveling to other locations for work .

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"My family wouldn’t be able to live in Petoskey without remote work.” — Survey Respondent

Activating Childcare

Networks Northwest is a proud partner in addressing the child care crisis in our region. We serve as the lead for the ten-county Regional Child Care Coalition. Through the coalition and various departments at Networks Northwest, we have numerous programs that contribute to the solution.

The Regional Child Care Coalition brings together child care providers, support organizations, local employers, advocates, local governments, and more. The coalition's purpose is to increase the availability of affordable, quality child care.

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During 2025, the coalition:

• Hosted three opportunities for stakeholders to learn about engagement with public officials, increasing confidence in speaking to policymakers about their experiences and challenges. 
• Began implementation of the region's Early Education Wage Initiative, enabling providers to better support their workforce. 
• Supported sharing across numerous planning professionals in the region with sample language for child care-friendly local policies 

Evaluating Road Conditions

Asset Management helps keep roads in good shape by using data to guide repairs and upgrades. In 2025, staff rated the pavement condition of every Federal-Aid eligible road in our 10 counties—covering more than 2,770 lane miles, plus non-Federal Aid eligible roads in Manistee and Traverse City. This information makes it easier to plan maintenance and invest where it’s needed most.

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• Poor Condition: 34%
• Fair Condition: 32%
• Good Condition: 33% 

Preserving Heritage

This year saw strong progress for the Pure Michigan Byways Program along the M-22 corridor. The M-22 Byway committee was revitalized, holding four meetings with increased attendance and engagement from local communities. The committee supported local projects like the Arcadia Wayfinding and Onekama Trail Projects, furthering its mission to promote and highlight the corridor's unique features. Building on these achievements, the M-22 Byway began updating its Corridor Management Plan to guide future coordination and investment.

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This past year marked an important reset for the M-22 Byway. With Networks Northwest’s support, we were able to reinstate the M-22 Byway Committee and begin the long-anticipated update to the Corridor Management Plan—laying the groundwork for coordinated stewardship, community input, and a shared vision for the corridor’s future.” -- Jeffrey K Shaw, DC, Elmwood Township Supervisor, M-22 Byway Committee Chair

Data-Driven Strategy – CEDS

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year plan that helps guide economic growth and investment in Northwest Lower Michigan. Created with input from local leaders, organizations, and the community, CEDS sets regional goals and priorities. The latest CEDS, started in late 2024, builds on past work and uses feedback from surveys and public review. The Digital CEDS is an online roadmap that keeps regional partners focused and makes the area eligible for federal funding. 

Benchmarks Northwest supports CEDS and regional planning by gathering important local data on topics like population, jobs, housing, and quality of life. Updated every year, Benchmarks Northwest helps communities track progress, spot challenges, and plan for the future by making reliable information easy to find.

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Strategies that rose to the top in the CEDS include: 

  • Water / sewer infrastructure expansion 
  • Talent attraction and retention 
  • Work-based and company-based training 
  • Housing

Other transportation funding included $6 million+ for transit-related projects and 25.4 miles of roadway across the region through the three Rural Task Forces staffed by Networks Northwest.

Coordinating Transportation – TTCI

Staff worked together with local, state, and federal partners to finish and approve the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). These plans are required to get transportation funding and guide decisions about regional projects. With approval of these plans, the Traverse City area can now access $4.9 million in federal funds over the next four years. This money will help pay for key road projects like Cherry Bend Road, Cass Road, and 14th Street, and will support transit upgrades for BATA. Completing this effort helps move important transportation improvements forward.

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SUBREGIONAL ALIGNMENT

Networks Northwest worked closely with three neighboring communities in Grand Traverse County—Village of Kingsley, Blair Township, and Mayfield Township—to help each create a master plan that fits their unique needs. While each community has its own character and priorities, there were shared themes that brought alignment. By listening to community input, our Community Development team helped identify plans to increase housing options, support local businesses, expand important infrastructure, improve parks and recreation, and protect farmland and open spaces. Each community had its own planning process, but the team worked together behind the scenes to make sure the policies fit well across borders, creating a coordinated approach that benefits everyone.

 

Mayfield Township

Farmland Conservation

The plan puts special emphasis on protecting farmland by using maps that show where the best soils are and where active farms are currently operating.

Subregional Alignment CONTINUED


Village of Kingsley

Population Growth

The plan focuses on creating community resources and programs to support young adults and families in the area.

"In my recent experiences with Networks Northwest, they have delivered thoughtful, well-organized, and highly collaborative planning services. Their team demonstrated a strong understanding of local context, rural and small-community dynamics, and the importance of balancing growth with preservation. The planning process was inclusive, data-driven, and easy for both elected officials and residents to engage with, which built trust and meaningful community buy-in. The final documents are clear, practical, and actionable, and they will serve as critical guiding tools for years to come."

— Charlie Jetter, Kingsley Village Manager

Blair Township

Housing

The plan identifies areas that could be used for new housing by carefully reviewing vacant land in residential zones, leaving out places that aren't suitable, like wetlands, steep hills, and active farmland.

"Networks Northwest Staff provided exceptional guidance throughout our Master Plan process. Their expertise, clear communication, and collaborative approach ensured that our vision was translated into a practical, forward-thinking plan. We greatly appreciated their responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex planning requirements. Their work along with our Planning Commission has laid a strong foundation for our future growth.”

— Nicole Blonshine, Blair Township Supervisor

Financial Summary

Fiscal year 2025 • Ending 9.30.2025 • 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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