"Every Michigander deserves a path to a good-paying, in-demand job so they can provide for themselves and their families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our Statewide Workforce Plan sets clear goals for how we can grow our economy by supporting workers and ensuring business have the talent they need to expand in Michigan. To implement the plan, LEO is launching a statewide campaign with regional workforce boards and agencies, bringing input from partners in every region of the state together to get it done right. With the Workforce Plan and a cohesive statewide engagement strategy, we can deliver the resources and support Michiganders need to ‘make it’ in Michigan."  

LEO Director Susan Corbin will meet with all of Michigan’s 16 regional workforce boards and a diverse array of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, labor leaders, business owners, young people, and community leaders, to share the plan and discuss how they can work with LEO to ensure more Michiganders have access to the skills they need to land good paying jobs and opportunities. Through these sessions, LEO aims to gain insights into the specific challenges and opportunities facing each community and work collaboratively to address them.  

"The launch of our statewide workforce meetings demonstrate a commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. "By actively engaging with local stakeholders, we want to ensure that our Statewide Workforce Plan is not just a document, but a framework that reflects the needs of communities across Michigan. By engaging directly with local stakeholders, we can ensure our workforce development efforts are tailored to meet the diverse needs of every corner of the state." 

The statewide workforce meetings align with LEO's All-Access Michigan approach, which focuses on addressing structural challenges and removing barriers to economic success. By fostering partnerships and implementing innovative programs, LEO aims to drive individual economic success and growth for the state as a whole. These meetings, strategically scheduled across various regions of the state, are designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and accountability among stakeholders.  

The recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics serve as a testament to the work spearheaded by LEO in Michigan. These figures highlight Michigan's achievements under LEO's leadership, with the state ranking No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 in the Midwest for the percentage of workers integrated into the workforce, demonstrating a remarkable 2.5% growth over the last six months. Additionally, Michigan claims the No. 4 spot nationwide and No. 1 in the Midwest for the total number of workers entering the labor force, with over 124,000 individuals joining during the same period. These outcomes show the effectiveness of LEO's comprehensive workforce development initiatives in fostering economic growth and opportunity statewide, positioning Michigan for a brighter future with a more resilient workforce. 

“One of the keys to strengthening our state’s workforce and becoming a more competitive state for job growth is understanding employer needs and regional opportunities and challenges,” said Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan and Chair of the Workforce Development Board. 

As the plan comes to fruition, LEO reaffirms its commitment to empowering Michiganders to enter high-demand, high-skill careers while ensuring businesses have access to the talented workforce they need to thrive. Whether individuals are currently in the workforce, seeking to join it, or exploring new opportunities, LEO stands ready to provide support and resources every step of the way. Michigan's innovative approach to workforce development has positioned the state as a national leader, introducing creative and effective programs that facilitate success for both Michiganders and employers.  

“Our Michigan Works! system is dedicated to fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that every Michigander has the skills, opportunities, and support necessary for success in our state,” said Michigan Works! CEO Ryan Hundt. “These roadshows are invaluable opportunities for us to engage with our partners across the state, share best practices, and collectively work towards building a stronger workforce and economy for Michigan's future."  

These meetings will serve as opportunities for communities statewide to shape Michigan's economic future, talking with Michiganders across the state from Ann Arbor to Detroit and Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula. Through collaboration, we are confident that together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Michigan for generations to come. By engaging directly with stakeholders on the ground, LEO aims to ensure that the Statewide Workforce Plan comes to life, becoming a blueprint for concrete action and positive outcomes for all Michiganders. 

For more information about LEO’s statewide workforce resources available to workers and businesses, visit www.michigan.gov/AllAccess.