Local Businesses Receive Statewide Recognition for Talent Development

TRAVERSE CITY, MI—MR Products in Copemish and Sleeping Bear Apiaries in Beulah have  received Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards for their leadership in providing local employment and training opportunities. Networks Northwest and Northwest Michigan Works! nominated the businesses for the awards after each of them used a variety of programs offered through Michigan Works! to hire and train employees.

MR Products is a family-owned manufacturer of plastic chain. Michigan Works! assisted the company with Skilled Trades Training Fund applications, employee wellness development projects, and On-the-Job Training contracts. The training included employee Carol Mathias who was also recognized at the Impact Awards event.

”Since 2009, we have more than doubled the number of employees here in Copemish, and we consider Michigan Works! to be an invaluable partner contributing to our future growth,” said MR Products President, Maree Mulvoy.

Sleeping Bear Apiaries is the parent company of St. Ambrose Cellars and Sleeping Bear Farms. Michigan Works! helped the company develop a Winemaker Apprentice program. The company also received a Skilled Trades Training Fund grant, and training assistance for employees including Susan Kile who was recognized along with the company.

“The support has provided the increased workforce and skill set needed to meet the demand of our continued growth,” said Sleeping Bear owner, Kirk Jones. “We are forever grateful for all of the support we have received from Northwest Michigan Works!.”

The awards were presented during a special recognition event February 22 in Lansing which was attended by several of the region’s state legislators.

“From my perspective, these are the best kinds of economic development stories,” said Michigan Senator Darwin Booher (R-Evart). “I am sincerely proud to honor the achievements of all these individuals.”

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