Business Success Stories

We are deeply grateful to Northwest Michigan Works and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for this opportunity, which not only strengthens our business but also benefits our employees and community by supporting growth and job retention.

Ryan Schultz
CEO & President, M R Products

With the assistance from Northwest Michigan Works!, I was able to continue to keep my job, and continue the apprenticeship program. It allowed me to relax and not stress. My family wouldn't have been able to succeed if it wasn't for Northwest Michigan Works !

Serena Kozora
CDA Apprentice,
Whistle Stop Learning Center, LLC

My APEX Accelerator was an absolute lifesaver when it came to winning a government bid in 2024. I was new to the process, and they walked me through the (very complicated) steps. I am forever grateful to the Northwest Michigan Apex Accelerator Program and will continue to utilize the services going forward.

Diane Arnold
Owner
Neuco Furniture & Upholstery

This award is key for us to be able to train new employees in healthcare careers, and also to be able to allow current employees to up skill and look at retraining them as they continue to grow throughout their time at Munson.

Gina Stein,
Manager, Talent Acquisition Operations
Munson Healthcare

This opportunity not only strengthens our organization but also aligns with our shared mission of fostering a thriving community. We deeply value the collaboration with Northwest Michigan Works! and their commitment to supporting local growth and development. Together, we're building a stronger future for everyone in our region.

Nicole Kaminski,
Program Specialist, Manistee Area Chamber of
Commerce

This collaboration is instrumental in empowering our workforce, equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed (in particular our Electrician Apprentice), and strengthening our community. We look forward to continuing our work together to create more opportunities and foster economic growth in our region. Thank you for your commitment to making a positive impact.

Brenda Byers,
Manthei Wood Products, HR Manager

My success coach helped to break down my barriers and build my confidence. I continue to regularly visit with the Business Success Coach since meeting her. I have overcome obstacles like getting my driver's license, car insurance, a vehicle, educational support, affordable housing and have been able to eliminate financial debts through learned budgeting techniques.

Tyjuana Fowler,
Business Resource Network
(BRN) Participant

Thanks to the Business Resource Network (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. This strengthens our company culture; help build confidence in our employees and give East Jordan Plastics a strong and dedicated workforce.

Jennie Wideman,
SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources
East Jordan Plastics

Northwest Michigan Works! is truly an amazing partner. From the very beginning, they have supported our Amazon hiring efforts with dedication and enthusiasm. Their team is consistently responsive,reliable, and genuinely invested in helping us succeed. Whether it's providing resources or assisting with outreach they always show up with a positive attitude and a solutions focused mindset. We are grateful for their continued partnership and look forward to many more successes together.

Diamond Lopez,
Staffing Manager, GRR
Amazon

Thank you for hosting the MiWorks' Fall into a New Job Hiring Event. It was an excellent and well-organized event with a very positive environment. The event not only provided an opportunity to meet potential team members but also allowed me to network with other HR colleagues regarding hiring, team building, and our apprenticeship program. I met five potential candidates and made a hire later that week. Thanks to the Michigan Works! team for their hard work in making this a successful event.

Merry Hawley
HR Manager
E-Fulfillment Service

The Going PRO Talent Fund catalyzed our business growth by upskilling frontline workers to maximize efficiency, certifying internal auditors to secure elite quality compliance, and expanding our registered apprenticeship program to build a sustainable talent pipeline in Northern Michigan. It also empowered our trainees by providing frontline workers with clear paths for career advancement, equipping our quality team with industry-recognized auditor credentials, and allowing apprentices to master specialized manufacturing trades debt-free through supported classroom instruction and mentorship.

Jennifer Cochran
Director of HR, SMI

After a lot of hard work, we recently received an award from the Department of War under DPA Title III for US$5.22 million of matching funds for the LM Nickel-Copper Exploration Project in the western UP.

This all started with a call I made to Cathy Fairbanks in September 2023. Cathy promptly returned my call and introduced me to you and your Team. With your Team’s help, I ended up submitting a White Paper in late November 2023.

The Department of War (DoW) sent me its first Request For Proposal (RFP) in January 2025. The DoW Award was finalized and announced in mid-September 2026.

You and your APEX Accelerator Team were very helpful, particularly in the early stages, providing advice on registering in SAM.gov and alerting me to the many useful webinars available on Govology.org.

Thanks again for your help. It was a daunting task that I could not have initiated without your Team’s advice.

Michael Carr
CEO, Bitterroot Resources LTD