This October, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is celebrating 50 years of workforce development.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium began providing workforce development services in 1974, evolving to offer employment services, job training, and related economic development activities and services in 8 counties, including Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle.
The organization had a different name back then, but its mission was the same – to continually improve a workforce development system that produces a workforce with the required skills to attract, retain and expand business and enhance our regional economy.
Jessica Topp, Chief Executive Officer at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium as of May of this year, says the anniversary highlights the efforts the organization has made to help Michiganders get employed.
“Over the past 50 years, our mission has been clear: to empower individuals, strengthen our communities, and fuel local economies through workforce development,” Topp said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the thousands of lives transformed, the businesses we've helped thrive, and the partnerships that have shaped our journey. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication, passion, and hard work of our staff – both past and present. Their unwavering commitment to our mission has driven our success and ensured that we continue to make a lasting impact in our communities.”
The public is encouraged to visit a Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium service center in October to learn more about the free services and programs available throughout our region and network with staff. Community members, employer partners and individuals who have benefited from any of the Consortium’s programs and services are invited to stop by and share their stories as well.
“When I share one of our many success stories, my first thought is ‘Wow, we did that. We helped make a huge difference in a person’s life!’” shares Northeast Consortium’s Marketing Manager, Alicia Wallace. “Our team is amazing and they get to change people’s lives every day! It’s really motivating to see the impact we are making in our region and to get to be a part of it is really special.”
Workforce development is the process of identifying and addressing the needs of a local labor force to improve productivity and competitiveness. This includes planning, training, and developing policies and educational programs to enhance the region’s economic stability and prosperity.
“Workforce development is the foundation of a strong and resilient economy. By equipping individuals with the skills they need and aligning talent with business needs, we create pathways to opportunity that drive long-term growth and prosperity for our region,” said Topp.
A majority of the organization’s first 50 years of service was led by Kurt Ries, who served as executive director for 38 years, from 1974 to 2012. Marisue Moreau served as executive director from 2012 to 2024.
"As we celebrate 50 years of empowering our communities, I reflect on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs,” shares Moreau. “From our evolving programs to bringing services back in-house, every change has strengthened our commitment to connecting employers and job seekers. I'm proud of the impact we've made together and excited for the future ahead."
As the organization celebrates its first 50 years of workforce development, the team at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is preparing for the future. They continue to apply for a variety of workforce development and training grant funding, partner with other community service organizations, engage in public outreach events, and continuing making a local impact in additional ways, including having recently adopted-a-highway in Cheboygan County.
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