LANSING, MI — Southwest Michigan economic development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Impact Awards recently.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley joined local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials in recognizing Eimo Technologies, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Works! Southwest, and local worker Paul Cooley.

As part of the region’s design-based manufacturing sector, Eimo Technologies recently invested $8.8 million in new facilities, jobs and equipment. With the help of Michigan Works!, the company procured Skilled Trades Training Fund money to support on the job training to boost manufacturing efficiency, reduced scrap and improved quality.

The funding supported training for 29 incumbent workers and 47 new hires in FY 2015. One participant, process technician Paul Cooley, gave high marks to the training.

“I thought the training was very good, as it offered a data driven approach to develop the most repeatable process,” Cooley said. “The trainer had a lot of knowledge to pass to the group.”

The Impact Awards are an opportunity for state leaders to recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. Dozens of honorees from across the state received awards presented by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.

“A strong public-private partnership between MEDC, Michigan Works! And Eimo Technologies has resulted in local job growth, a properly-trained workforce and increased local investment,” said Senator Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage. “This partnership is a model of how job creators and government can work together.”

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! Agencies, and partners from across the state.

“With employers like Eimo Technologies, Michigan’s future couldn’t be brighter,” said State Representative Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Twp). “Michigan Works! is doing a fantastic job answering the call to meet the demands of employers and train our friends and neighbors for 21st century jobs.”

Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting http://michiganworks.org/agencies/map or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan’s workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.