Michigan Works! continues to help Upper Peninsula businesses and job seekers return to work through innovative events.
SILVER CITY, Mich.—On May 5, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! facilitated a multi-business job fair in Silver City to help the AmericInn, Lake Shore Systems, and White Pine Copper Refinery recruit talented job seekers from around the western UP.
Upper Peninsula businesses have been struggling to fill their staffing needs. U.P. Michigan Works! stepped in at the request of one such business to offer their assistance and expertise. Through a joint effort, we helped them get ready to win.
“Ontonagon County has seen high unemployment rates in the last few decades with the loss of the White Pine Mine and Smurfit Stone Paper Mill,” said Steve Lehto, Business Services Specialist with UPMW. “We wanted to work our hardest to help out the communities and bring family-sustaining jobs back to the area. These employers possess that same dream, so it was the perfect situation for everyone involved.”
The job fair was a success with 38 job seekers attending. Some of the attendees came from outlying communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield to explore opportunities with the participating businesses. Of the 38, six applied to work for the host business, the AmericInn.
The AmericInn attributes the success of the event to the comprehensive marketing efforts undertaken by U.P. Michigan Works! in the weeks leading up to the event. Through social media posts, flyer distribution, and a radio interview, UPMW helped raise awareness for the event. Prior to the event, the AmericInn received 10 applications from those interested in working at their hotel. Due to the success each employer saw, all three are interested in taking part in future events with U.P. Michigan Works!
Every employer involved in this event helped to make it the achievement that it was. That success, and that of future events like it, will help get the Upper Peninsula back to work. For more information about Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!, its services, and how it can help job seekers and businesses, please call 1-800-285-WORK (9675).