Workshops
Conference Onsite Event Guide now available!
Sunday, September 11
Featured Session - 12:30-2:00pm
The View from Washington
Presenter: David Bradley
This special bonus session will provide an extended presentation to learn sought after details about budget projections, legislation and of course the latest political dialogue from the Hill.
Workshop I - 1:15-2:30pm
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) One-Stop Management Information System (OSMIS) Training
Presenters: Joe Billig, Manager, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan; Tammy Flynn, MIS Specialist, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
This session will provide an overview of the One-Stop Management Information System (OSMIS) and specifically, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) section.
Driving Change through Career Navigation
Presenters: Joel Westmaas, Program Supervisor, Ottawa County Michigan Works! Agency
This session provides an overview of Ottawa County Michigan Works! (OCMWA) Career Navigation stations that serve both walk-in and program clients.
Transitioning Into Success: Work Readiness for Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative Clients
Presenters: Derrick Jones, Executive Director, Capital Area Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative; Ajaunta Turner, Program Coordinator, Peckham Inc.; David Bates, Training Specialist, Peckham Inc.
Learn about collaborative case management in action in the Capital area as evidenced by the success of the Peckham Work Readiness Program.
Would Your Region Benefit from a Regional Business Fellowship?
Presenter: Robert Tebo, Regional Business Fellowship Director, South Central Michigan Works!
Learn more about the Regional Business Fellowship Program – an opportunity for area educators observe and experience what employee skills are necessary and demanded by business and industry today.
Super Sessions: 3:00-5:00pm
LEGO Serious Play
Presenter: Renee Shull
This hands on super session offers one of the most unique adult conference learning experiences to date. Learn how LEGOs can deliver a more meaningful understanding of the world of work and all of its possibilities.
Procurement Innovations
Presenters: Strader Taylor, President, Northcoast Administrative Consultants, Inc.; Mike Wurmlinger, Director, Office of Audit & Financial Compliance, Workforce Development Agency
This session will explore positive aspects and solutions to improving procurement practices, reducing costs and clarifying age old questions regarding procurement.
Workshop II - 3:15-4:30pm
Workforce Perspectives Panel
Presenters: David Bradley, Chief Executive Officer, USA Works!; John Twomey, Executive Director, New York Association of Training and Employment Professional (NYATEP); Byron Zuidema, Regional Administrator, USDOL Region V
Facilitator: Orrin Bailey, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Works! The Job Force Board/Six County Employment Alliance
Michigan Talent Bank – What’s New
Presenter: Henry Christian, Jr., Manager, Online Services, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
This session features recent enhancements to the Michigan Talent Bank that benefit both employers and job seekers.
Thumb Area Workforce Development: Unique Impact/High Efficiency
Presenters: Matt Hahn, NETWORK Coordinator, ThumbWorks!, Kathleen Alessandro, President, Energized Solutions, LLC, Casey Turner, Owner, Turner Arts/Thumb Magazine
Learn more about the Thumb Area Michigan Works! Agency’s approach to workforce development. Through unique opportunities for job seekers, such as the Transferable Skills Initiative (TSI) and live webcast intro-interviews.
Veterans Priority of Service
Presenters: Robert W. Smith, III, Director, Veterans' Service Division, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan; John P. Savage, Director, USDOL Veterans' Employment and Training Services; Ingrid Gagnon, Disabled Veterans Outreach Worker; Ron Ross, Disabled Veterans Outreach Worker; Allen Nash, Local Veteran Employment Representative, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Find out what Priority of Service is, who is entitled to receive and learn how this important new rule will affect both policy and operations.
Monday, September 12
Workshop III - 10:30-11:45am
WIA Eligibility and Documentation
Presenters: Stephanie Beckhorn, Manager, WIA Section, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan; Janice Cooper, Departmental Specialist, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
State staff will provide an overview of WIA eligibility determination and documentation procedures and practices.
Impacts of TAA Reversion
Presenters: Ryan Doll, Manager, Trade Adjustment Assistance Section, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan, Jimelle Howard, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance Section, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Gain insight on how TAA reversion impacts program administration and service delivery at both the state and local levels.
The Three S’s of Connecting with Clients Online
Presenters: Kate Tykocki, Vice President of Communications, Ciesa Design; Carrie Rosingana, Quality Assurance Officer, Capital Area Michigan Works!
Attendees gain ideas and see demonstrations of how to connect with clients and find out the three S’s of connecting online.
Risk Assessment from an Auditor/Monitor Perspective
Presenters: Larry Allen, Manager, Stewart, Beauvais & Whipple; Jason Zirnis, Senior, Stewart Beauvais & Whipple
This session shares the view from external individuals reviewing Michigan Works! Agency/subcontractor activities how to best be prepared for the next audit or monitoring engagement.
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (Leap, Inc.)
Presenter: Pamela C. Jodway, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Talent, Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Learn how a coalition of area leaders committed to building a vibrant region that successfully competes on a national and global scale, by building stronger companies and greater communities.
Actively Engage Your Board Members
Presenter: Kathy Olsen, Marketing and Community Information Coordinator, Michigan Works! Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Counties; Peggy Gagen, Associate Director of Community Investment, Greater Kalamazoo United Way
Learn more about how to engage your Board members through active participation in the workforce development process.
Michigan Works! JET Program: Creative Solutions for Increasing Performance
Presenters: Amy Gifford, Director, Lake Michigan College, Michigan Works! JET, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties; Jennifer Klempnow, Program Manager, Lake Michigan College, Michigan Works! JET Kalamazoo County, Alyssa Reed, Site Supervisor, Lake Michigan College, Michigan Works! JET, Kalamazoo County
The Kalamazoo/St. Joseph JET team has implemented numerous creative approaches to increase program participation and build relationships to better serve JET participants.
Workshop IV - 2:15-3:30pm
WIA Data Validation
Presenters: Stephanie Beckhorn, Manager, WIA Section Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan; Janice Cooper, Departmental Specialist, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Avoid common reporting errors by learning about effective data validation strategies and best practices.
Create a “Virtual One Stop” to Automate Labor Exchange
Presenters: Tom Smith, Chief Information Officer, Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren; Candice Elders, Public Relations Specialist, Bronson Hospital
Learn how one Michigan Works! Agency created a website that automates the labor exchange process and allows customers to access services from any web connection.
Ex-Offender Re-Entry II
Presenter: Wendy Ring, Director, New Way In Program, Advent House Ministries
This workshop is based on 34 years of experience with ex-offender re-entry issues, and successfully administered offender employment programs with 72% case closure to employment.
Impacting Michigan’s Future through Enhanced Employer Services
Presenter: Marcia Black-Watson, Deputy Director – Employer Services, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Learn how the State of Michigan is focusing on serving its business customer and programs currently underway that provide value-added services and directly impact the employer’ bottom line.
Creative Strategies for Job Placement/MRS Referral to Placement
Presenters: Allah Truman, Rehabilitation Counselor, Michigan Works! Battle Creek Office Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Michigan Rehabilitation Services; Rita Wooten, Rehabilitation Counselor, Michigan Works! Coldwater Office, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Michigan Rehabilitation Services; Jennifer Hirst, Rehabilitation Counselor, Michigan Works! Barry County Office, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Learn more about the latest information on services that lead to job placements at Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation - Talent Enhancement
Presenter: Amy Cell, Vice President of Talent Enhancement, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Don't miss this opportunity to hear Amy share sought after insights and updates. During this presentation, attendees learn more about organizational structure, recent initiatives and the important MEDC Talent Enhancement goals for the upcoming year.
Ignite Session 4:00 – 5:00pm
Presenters: Candice Elders, Public Relations Specialist, Bronson Hospital; Kate Tykocki, Vice President of Communications, Ciesa Design; Mike Stock, Marketing Specialist, Ottawa County Michigan Works!; Janie McNabb, Director of Program Development & Community Relations, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments; Sarah Hartzler, Community Relations Officer, South Central Michigan Works!
Join us for a unique session that is sure to be a crowd pleaser: Various 5 minute presentations relatable to all audiences using the 'ignite' format; 20 slides that auto-progress every 15 seconds. Topics include Mixed Messaging, Strength-Based Leadership, Working with Community Partners, Media Relations and more!
Tuesday, September 13
Workshop V - 8:30-9:45am
Administering a Robust Year-Round WIA Youth Program
Presenters: Stephanie Beckhorn, Manager, WIA Section Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan; Chelsea Mates, Departmental Analyst, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Hear from state and local staff regarding key components of a comprehensive year-round youth program.
Innovative Practices with MPRI Panel Presentation
Presenters: Dallas Oberlee, Grant and Subcontract Coordinator, W.E. Upjohn Institute; Jessica Willis, MPRI Community Coordinator, Program Director, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
A panel made up of a variety of MPRI sites will share their own creative strategies for assisting MPRI participants obtains employment.
Impacts of TAA Reversion (repeat)
Presenters: Ryan Doll, Manager, Trade Adjustment Assistance Section, DELEG, Jimelle Howard, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance Session
Gain insight on how TAA reversion impacts program administration and service delivery at both the state and local levels.
National Emergency Grants (NEGs)
Presenters: Maggie Sayles, Acting Manager, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan
Master the art of applying for federal National Emergency Grants
Roundtable – Collaborative Sharing of Technology Resources – a Techie’s View
Presenters: JC Morris, Chief technology Officer, South Central Michigan Works!; Tyler Wysong, Chief Technology Officer , Capital Area Michigan Works!
Michigan Works! Agency staff only - No contractors /vendors please
This round table is an open forum for information technology staff across all MWAs to discuss technical expertise, purchasing and common ground with internal solutions.