October 3, 2006 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Dislocated Worker Program State Adjustment Grant funding totaling $155,000 for the Northeast Michigan Consortium Michigan Works! Agency.  The agency, headquartered in Onaway, serves workers in Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda and Alcona counties. 

The funds will be used to support continuing, comprehensive, and timely re-employment services tailored to workers' individual needs.  Services will include ongoing, long-term job preparation for displaced workers who have been laid off, or who have received notice of layoff and are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation.

"This funding is an important piece of our plan to help workers hurting during our economic transition to receive the training they need to find new jobs to support themselves and their families," Granholm said.

"Over the last several months, Northeast Michigan has experienced a considerable increase in business and plant closures, which has resulted in hundreds of dislocated workers throughout the region.  The closures include Carter's grocery chain, Georgia-Pacific and Cooper Standard," Northeast Michigan Consortium Director Kurt B. Reis said in requesting additional funding from the State of Michigan.  He continued, "Workers who are not trade-certified may need the dislocated worker services that this requested funding will support."

The federal Workforce Investment Act, administered through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, makes the grant funds available from the Governor's Discretionary Reserve, a set-aside percentage of the state's total award to be used as needed in high-impact areas requiring additional funding to meet local needs.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases