Networks Northwest

06/18/2026

📢 Office Closure Notice

Networks Northwest office will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth, per the State of Michigan.
We will reopen on Monday, June 22nd at 8:00 AM.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
For more information, please visit: 🌐 networksnorthwest.org

06/17/2026

A big thank you to Traverse Connect for hosting this morning’s Economic Strategy Session II: The Future of Work – Remote, Hybrid, or Office? at the Traverse City Country Club.

As workforce trends continue to evolve, Networks Northwest CEO Janie McNabb facilitated a thoughtful discussion alongside an outstanding panel of experts:
🔹 Kelsey Fox, Senior Client Solutions Manager, LinkedIn
🔹 Gretchen Overbeek, VP of Human Resources, Hagerty
🔹 Madison Partak, HR Manager, Ford Insurance Agency

The conversation explored current workforce trends, employer perspectives, employee expectations, and the realities of managing today’s workplace. One thing was clear: hybrid and remote work are no longer temporary responses to the pandemic—they have become a lasting part of the workforce landscape.

For many workers, flexibility plays a significant role in career decisions, housing choices, and work-life balance. For employers, it continues to shape recruitment, retention, communication, and workplace culture strategies.

We appreciated the open dialogue from business leaders and HR professionals who shared their experiences and perspectives on navigating the future of work.

Interested in learning more about hybrid and remote work trends across Northwest Michigan? Explore the Networks Northwest Hybrid & Remote Worker Study here:
https://www.networksnorthwest.org/userfiles/filemanager/xum7zrnclz5xiu1a8b4k/

06/17/2026

🔗 Connections & Collaborations: Talent

Talent is the foundation of a strong regional economy. Through collaboration with employers, educators, community partners, and job seekers, Networks Northwest is helping build the workforce Northwest Michigan needs today and for the future.

In 2025, our talent-focused programs made a meaningful impact:

✅ 10,000+ adults served
✅ 1,500+ youth served
✅ 1,300+ individuals trained

Through initiatives including Northwest Michigan Works!, Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG), Offender Success Reentry, and MiCareerQuest Northwest, we are creating pathways to employment, skill development, and career advancement.

Local employers consistently tell us that attracting and retaining talent is their greatest challenge. Our programs help bridge that gap by connecting motivated individuals with in-demand careers, providing earn-and-learn opportunities, and helping people overcome barriers to employment.

Together, we're creating a direct line between talent and opportunity—strengthening businesses, supporting individuals, and building a more resilient Northwest Michigan.

Learn more about our impact and explore the full 2025 Impact Report: https://www.networksnorthwest.org/about-us/2025-annual-report.html

06/17/2026

📣 Webinar 2 | June 24, 2026
⭐ THE MICHIGAN EMPLOYER ROADMAP TO CHILD CARE SOLUTIONS ⭐

What workplace policies and benefits actually support working families? Join us for Webinar 2 in this statewide employer-focused series exploring actionable child care solutions.

🗓 June 24, 2026
⏰ 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET

🔹 Webinar 2: Policies and Benefits That Work
“Getting to Yes” — practical approaches employers can use to better support employees and strengthen retention.

Featuring experts from:
• Bipartisan Policy Center
• Pulse
• MI Child Care Champions

Each session features national experts, Michigan employer voices, and actionable takeaways.

Designed for:
✔ Michigan Employers
✔ HR Leaders
✔ Chambers of Commerce
✔ Economic Developers
✔ Regional Child Care Coalitions
✔ Business Associations
✔ Michigan Child Care Champions

🎟 Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/pulsewebinar

Powered By Pulse, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and supported through Michigan’s business and economic development network. MiLEAP works to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning programs, helping more Michiganders participate in the workforce and strengthening businesses across the state.

This project was made possible by grant number 90TP0138. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

06/16/2026

👏👏👏

06/15/2026

We are so PROUD of our 2026 Adult Education Graduates! 🎓

06/10/2026

🔗 Connections & Collaborations: 2025 Impact Report

At Networks Northwest, we know that meaningful impact happens when people, organizations, and communities work together.

Our 2025 Impact Report highlights a year of strengthening connections and expanding collaborations across our ten-county region. By bringing together our workforce, business, and community development programs—and partnering with organizations throughout Northwest Michigan—we helped create opportunities, reduce barriers, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

This collective effort reflects our commitment to guiding people, businesses, and communities through a changing economy while enhancing quality of life for all.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a closer look at each of our organizational wings and the unique role they play in creating lasting impact throughout the region.

Read the full 2025 Impact Report and learn more about our work in Northwest Michigan: https://www.networksnorthwest.org/about-us/2025-annual-report.html

06/08/2026

05/28/2026

Congratulations to our Community Planner, Stephanie Marchbanks on her recent graduation from Leadership Little Traverse! 👩‍🎓👏

05/28/2026