NEWSPAPERS Special Edition
WERENSKI SHINES IN 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final between Canada and the United States of America Feb. 20 was one of the most-watched hockey games ever, and in the thick of it all was Grosse Pointe North High School alumnus Zach Werenski.
Werenski has made a name for himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets over his nine-year NHL career. He’s not only been one of the better defensemen in the league, but he’s also an alternate captain for the playoff-contending Blue Jackets and was chosen to be a part of Team USA in this year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
“I’ve been fortunate in my hockey career and it’s taken me to this point,” Werenski said. “You can never really imagine that you’re actually going to play for Team USA and play in an event like this. … It was an incredible experience for me.”
See WERENSKI on page 5A
STERLING HEIGHTS GROUP HELPS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A form of modern-day slavery, human trafficking ensnares people from all walks of life. Sadly, their hardships aren’t over once they’re free.
That’s where groups like True North to Freedom make a difference. The Sterling Heights nonprofit helps survivors rebuild their lives.
This can mean overcoming trauma, finding work and shelter, and staying sober — drugs being one way that traffickers control their victims. TNTF helps survivors turn things around by offering counseling and other services, as well as limited financial support.
Officials say the odds are stacked against survivors.
“There’s a lack of understanding of human trafficking. Not knowing what to look for allows this crime
See GROUP on page 6A
Heidi Wilt, the executive director of True North to Freedom, assists survivors of human trafficking with resources like counseling, applying for government assistance, searching for jobs, limited financial and physical support with accountability; and more.
Photo provided by True North to Freedom
Zach Werenski warms up in Montreal for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off
Photo provided by USA Hockey
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Roundtable addresses Michigan’s first Statewide Workforce Plan
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 18, one week before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity held a roundtable discussion in Macomb County to discuss the first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan.
Held at the University Center on the Macomb Community College Center Campus, attendees discussed the plan designed to expand career opportunities, strengthen Michigan’s workforce and support employers. There are three components of the plan: registered apprenticeships, pre-employment transition services, and removing barriers to work.
The roundtable panel included presentations from LEO Director Susan Corbin; Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director, LEO’s Office of Employment and Training; and Heidi Devroy, CEO/founder, Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool, located in Richmond.
According to LEO, Whitmer’s proposed 202627 fiscal-year budget includes $19 million to expand access to registered apprenticeships; $40.4 million — including a $8.4 million general fund investment to secure $32 million in matching federal funds — for pre-employment transition support and other vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities; and $7.5 million for the Barrier Removal Employment Success program.
“We know that registered apprenticeships strength-
en our talent pool and help Michiganders earn while they learn. One year after successfully completing their training program, registered apprentices in Michigan have median annual earnings of over $80,700,” Corbin said. “That can put a household into the middle class. One of the strong, clear priorities and goals of our Statewide Workforce Plan is to bring 75,000 additional households into the middle class. We also know that 94% of apprentices are retained in employment one year after completing their apprenticeship program.”
The $19 million is expected to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities in traditional and nontraditional industries. According to the panel, that will strengthen Michigan’s talent pool of students and job seekers by helping them to gain in-demand skills and provide employers with the workers they need.
An apprenticeship program trains future employees to become skilled in a trade or profession. Apprenticeship training combines classroom learning with hands-on work as students prepare for entry level patient-centered or business-oriented health careers.
“Registered apprenticeships are an opportunity to learn important skills that lead to industry-recognized credentials while getting paid,” Beckhorn said. “You earn and you learn at the same time. They are pathways into good paying jobs. We currently have more than 850 active programs and over 22,000 active registered apprentices in our state.”
The $40.4 million for pre-employment transition support will provide academic remediation, special-
LAKESIDE MALL DEMOLITION LAWSUIT DISMISSED
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Plans to demolish Lakeside Mall remain set to continue as a lawsuit from a property owner was dismissed in mid-February.
Lakeside Circle Holdings, owner of the former Sears at Lakeside Mall, reached an agreement with mall owners Out of the Box Ventures and the city of Sterling Heights on Feb. 12 to dismiss its lawsuit alleging plans to demolish the mall deterred tenants from doing business in the ex-Sears building.
Per the dismissal order issued by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Richard Caretti, Lakeside Circle and Out of the Box Ventures are to agree on a final site plan and form an agreement “defining their respective rights, which is expected to include an agreed upon construction schedule … an agreement related to demolition, access, utility, drainage, and parking assurances and easements, and common area obligations, all with a desire to create an attractive mixed-use community … or unless a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise directs or allows.”
In light of the agreement, representatives for Out of the Box Ventures have been positive about the future of the Lakeside Town Center project. Lakeside Town Center aims to be a mixed-use development featuring 2,359 multifamily residential units, over 700,000 square feet of retail space, 70,000 square feet of offices, a 20,000-square-foot community center and a hotel with 80-100 rooms.
“We believe our client is able to move forward with the project just as it was before the lawsuit was filed,” Bernard Fuhs, director of law firm Butzel Attorneys and Counselors and counsel for Out of the Box Ventures, said via email. “To the extent there are any future issues or disputes that touch upon Lakeside Circle’s specific property rights, the parties can either work it out themselves or our client still retains the right to go to Court to
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin, left; Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director, LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, center; and Heidi Devroy, CEO/founder, Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool, located in Richmond, discuss Michigan’s Statewide Workforce Plan Feb. 18 at the University Center on the Macomb Community College Center Campus in Clinton Township.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Lacking the Sears branding it was once known for, the segment of Lakeside Mall owned by Lakeside Circle Holdings sits empty. Lakeside Circle Holdings reached an agreement with the mall’s owners to end a lawsuit that alleged plans to demolish the mall deterred potential tenants from renting the former Sears space.
Governor approves bills for sick time, minimum wage
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills into law that headed off automatic changes to the state’s paid sick time and minimum wage on Feb. 21.
“Michigan workers deserve fair wages and benefits so they can pay the bills and take care of their family, and small businesses (need) our support to keep creating good jobs in Michigan,” Whitmer said in a press release. “I’m proud to sign these two bipartisan bills into law that will raise wages, ensure workers can take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones, and continue growing our economy. This commonsense compromise was made possible by the Republicans and Democrats who worked together to forge a fair, bipartisan deal. I hope we can build on this momentum to keep passing commonsense, bipartisan legislation that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’ll keep working with anyone to protect working families and make sure our economy is competitive.”
Whitmer’s action closes the door on an issue that dates back to 2018. Two petitions for increased wages and paid sick time received the necessary number of signatures to appear on the ballot in Michigan. Republican legislators, in a move to keep them off the ballot, adopted the two petitions. Once adopted, the measures were significantly altered.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined on July 19, 2022, that the adopted and altered acts were unconstitutional. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals but was ultimately upheld by a 4-3 Michigan Supreme Court ruling July 31, 2024.
The Supreme Court outlined changes that would have been true to the petitioners’ original intent. This included changes to paid sick time and the state’s minimum wage for tipped and nontipped workers.
Legislators in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate scrambled to pass legislation that would alter the changes set to take effect Feb. 21. House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay
Township, and Senate Bill 8, introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, were the bills ultimately signed by the governor.
What the adopted bills do
SB 8, which became Public Act 1 of 2025, raised the minimum wage to $12.48 from $10.56, which mirrors the automatic changes due to take effect after the Supreme Court’s ruling. Each year on Jan. 1, the wage will rise until it hits $15 in 2027. After 2027, the state’s treasurer will determine the wage.
PA 1 gives tipped workers 38% of the $12.48 minimum wage. This will raise the wage from $4.01 to $4.74. The wage will rise in 2% increments each Jan. 1 until hitting 50% in 2031.
HB 4002, which became Public Act 2 of 2025, deals with paid sick time. Employees at small businesses, those with 10 or fewer employees, earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. This is capped at 40 hours a year. For larger businesses, employees also earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked with a cap at 72 hours.
Those working for small businesses can carry over up to 40 hours of unused sick time. At larger companies, employees can carry over up to 72 hours of unused sick time.
The changes for small businesses go into effect Oct. 1. For larger companies, the changes took effect Feb. 21. For both large and small businesses, employees hired after the acts go into effect can start accruing time immediately. However, an employer can require an employee to wait 120 days before taking any time.
Reasons to take paid sick time in Michigan for employees or an employee’s family member include mental or physical illness; injury or medical treatment; and domestic or sexual violence. For employees, meetings regarding a child’s health or abuse, and closure of a business due to a public health emergency, also qualify.
Reactions
Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, praised the legislation.
See BILLS on page 7A
Werenski
from page 1A
Going into the tournament, which consisted of four national teams — Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States — there was speculation on if the event would be successful. The tournament was replacing the NHL All-Star Game, which had become an unattractive game in the opinions of many due to its lack of intensity, defense and checking.
“I knew hockey fans would watch it, but I guess I didn’t realize how many other people it would reach,” Werenski said. “We were all just taken aback by how much this tournament traveled worldwide. … The media tripled.”
According to ESPN, the tournament finale between Canada and the U.S. was watched by more than 10 million viewers, which was the most for a non-Stanley Cup hockey game in more than a decade. And in the middle of it all was Werenski, who not only made a name for himself on the national stage, but ended up leading the entire tournament in points with 6. He had more points than players including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, who have all won the NHL’s Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in their careers.
“There’s no denying that I noticed it,” Werenski said. “I’m on social media. … The follows and the likes and the direct messages and just seeing your name from prominent sports writers … I really don’t care about it. That’s not why I do it, but it is cool.”
Someone who undeniably noticed the attention Werenski and Team USA received was Zach’s father, Ken Werenski.
“As a parent, to see your kid grow and achieve his goals … I’m fortunate I get to experience it with him,” Ken Werenski said. “It’s nice to see him go down the list of his bucket list and knock things off that he wants to achieve. … It gives me strength.”
Ken Werenski is the director of the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department and has worked in the community for more than 30 years. Seeing the impact of someone from the area thrive on the biggest stage is not lost on him or his family.
“It is pretty special. I work in the community too, and I see it,” Ken Werenski said. “I could be at the gas station or the bank and somebody will stop me (and talk about Zach). ... It’s really nice that everyone in the community follows (him).”
Zach Werenski graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School and played at the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first
round of the 2015 NHL Draft. And he’s always keeping an eye on the hockey landscape back home.
“I’m a Grosse Pointer through and through,” Zach Werenski said. “Me and my fiancee love it there. It’s always fun going back there and seeing the young hockey players. … It’s all kind of coming full circle now.”
His family was able to be at the entire tournament to support him in games at Montreal and Boston. Having his family there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“They’re the main reason I was even on that stage,” Zach Werenski said. “To have them enjoy the experience with me, that’s what it’s all about.”
Next for him is a playoff push for the Columbus Blue Jackets, which included a Stadium Series outdoor game at Ohio Stadium against the Detroit Red Wings on March 1, a 5-3 victory for the Blue Jackets. That is another game with plenty of ‘full circle moments’ for Werenski.
“I’m fortunate to be a part of it. It couldn’t have worked out better that it’s against the Red Wings,” Werenski said days prior to the game. “They’re playoff games essentially.”
And soon, all eyes will shift to the Winter Olympics that will be held in 2026. Werenski showed he was one of the best players on the ice this year, and he will be eyeing a roster spot on the Olympic team next winter.
“I don’t know what in my hockey career will ever top (the 4 Nations Face-Off),” Werenski said. “Maybe the Olympics or maybe a Stanley Cup one day … but I’m just very grateful for it.”
Zach Werenski and his father, Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski, smile during a Columbus Blue Jackets dads trip in 2023.
Photo provided by Kenneth Werenski
to exist all around us, right under our noses. Awareness training is paramount,” said Heidi Wilt, TNTF’s executive director. “Our criminal justice systems are overwhelmed. Their hands are often tied when it comes to prosecuting and keeping perpetrators in jail.”
She explained that the trauma felt by survivors makes it difficult to testify.
“Victims still carry the brunt of the criminal consequences,” Wilt said.
‘The survivors face many challenges’
There are nearly 27.6 million human trafficking victims globally, according to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of State. Of those, an estimated 6.3 million are in forced sexual exploitation.
“Human trafficking is one of the most profitable crimes, so we have involvement from the top of governments all the way down in societies around the world,” Wilt said.
The U.S. is no exception, with an estimated 1.1 million survivors and counting. In Michigan, some traffickers use the Great Lakes as clandestine channels for transporting victims between locations in the U.S. and Canada.
As for how victims end up in this predicament, traffickers often groom them on social media and employ tactics ranging from blackmail and drugs to verbal and physical abuse.
Traffickers will limit the victim’s access to communication devices, cutting them off from family and friends. They also tightly
control their finances and schedules. Some victims are especially vulnerable due to mental or physical disabilities.
“Force, fraud and coercion are always present in human trafficking,” Wilt said. “The survivors face many challenges. Many have felonies on their records for drug use, prostitution and other offenses due to being trafficked. They’re missing documents like birth certificates, Social Security and driver’s licenses. Many have children — some with their traffickers — and that complicates getting free from their control.”
The way forward
TNTF started humbly enough in 2015 as a prayer group that later evolved into an organization called the Alabaster Gift, and from there rebranded to its current name in 2021.
But the foundational beliefs remain the same.
“Every life has value,” Wilt said. “We’re called to love, nurture and care for each other as unique and beautiful individuals. Everyone has the basic right to live a life of freedom.”
She said the name “True North to Freedom” draws upon their Christian faith, as well as America’s sad history of slavery.
“Jesus is our true north,” Wilt said. “The bondage we’re helping these survivors escape is not just physical or financial, but ultimately to discover their worth. We give them the ability to successfully navigate life in society today.
“The problem is that society promotes the exploitation of men, women and children for profit, with no regard for their innate worth as God’s image bearers,” she said. “We’re committed to nurturing those
who were previously involved in sexual or labor exploitation. We’ve become a safe space for those vulnerable people to feel loved, accepted and valued.”
It’s also the beginning of their recovery. TNTF helps survivors apply for governmental aid, find jobs and write résumés, and create household budgets. The group provides emotional support and spiritual guidance, as well as limited financial and physical support with accountability.
There are also life skills classes, survivor-led classes and expressive arts, as well as referrals for counseling through Community Mental Health and others.
“Case management includes all the areas they need to work on, each with their own goals,” Wilt said. “We’re not limited to one area of need. We recognize not everyone fits into the same box.”
Making a difference
Wilt provided testimony by a number of clients, using aliases to protect their identities.
One survivor, Claire, described the despair she once felt.
“The hopelessness is so profound that we think the only way out is to die,” she said. “But there is a glimmer of hope, where someone sees our efforts to survive, (like TNTF), and encourages us to take another step. I can finally live a real life — I am extremely grateful!”
Another survivor, Sara, said TNTF gave her family an opportunity to start over.
“They give me a sense of community and wonderful, spiritual fellowship. I’ve received numerous resources, so that my children and I can meet our basic needs, and we can thrive … (with) things like budgeting,
groceries, exceptional therapy and prayer,” Sara said. “The mentoring and guidance I received led me to accomplishments such as a new home and vehicle.”
Carrie said TNTF helped her after enduring 13 months of sex trafficking.
“The Bible-based therapy, and Heidi (Wilt) being available at honestly any time of day or night, is what saved me on nights filled with anxiety and worry,” Carrie said.
Louise Trombly is one of the volunteers with TNTF. She said she joined after Wilt made a presentation at her church.
“It broke my heart for the many women and men who have been trafficked and all the difficulty they go through trying to get their lives back,” she said. “Many of them feel unloved, of little or no value, and no purpose. But we show them that with God, they’re loved unconditionally, and that we all have great value and purpose. And once they realize that, they no longer loathe themselves.
“It’s satisfying to see their progress,” she added. “And we all need to help. (Trafficking) is not just in the inner city or faraway countries. It’s right in your neighborhood — it’s everywhere.”
How you can help
To donate, visit truenorthtofreedom. org, and go to “Support TNTF” on the left. The group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so all donations are tax deductible. Contributors can also write a check made payable to “True North to Freedom,” sent to 7007 Metro Parkway — Suite 725, Sterling Heights, MI 48311.
Other ways to donate include stocks and mutual funds; qualified charitable
See GROUP on page 7A
Once I
the right
for the
of
distributions through your IRA; choosing TNTF as the recipient of your Kroger Rewards; or if you’re a Thrivent member, directing your Choice Dollars to TNTF. One can buy from the online shop, as well, where all proceeds benefit TNTF.
The website also has a wish list of needed items. Gift cards are especially useful, mailed to the same address as the checks. The group also accepts donations of supplies for its pantry. To learn about current needs and where to deliver items, email director@ truenorthtofreedom.org.
Volunteers are also needed. Only approved applicants are told the TNTF Center’s location, which is separate from the group’s mailing address. This is to protect the survivors there.
As a volunteer, one can help stock the pantry, set up clothing racks, run security, offer prayer support, and assist with case management. To apply, visit the website.
Wilt said everyone can help simply by watching for signs of trafficking. She said signs can include personality changes where a person shuts out others, feels extremely uncomfortable talking — as though being watched — or is unable to recall where they live or what they did that day.
“If something seems off, pay attention to details — a good description of the people involved, the location of the business or house, the model and license plate of their vehicle. Contact the police, the FBI, Polaris. You can report anonymously,” Wilt said. “But never put yourself or the victim in harm’s way by taking actions into your own hands.”
To learn more, visit truenorthtofree dom.org.
their books to show the real numbers.”
“With Governor Whitmer’s signature today, thousands of community restaurants and tens of thousands of servers and bartenders can exhale, knowing their voice was heard,” Winslow said in the same press release that included the governor’s comments. “They can now begin the work of planning for their collective future with the knowledge that a tip credit has once again been preserved. We’re especially grateful to all those who took the time to truly understand what was at stake — the servers who showed up in Lansing to share their stories, the legislators who visited countless restaurants to learn firsthand how the tip credit works and the many small business owners who opened
Not everyone was thrilled with the outcome. Progress Michigan Executive Director Sam Inglot criticised legislators for deviating from the original intent of the petitions.
“It is disappointing that the Michigan Legislature caved to a spin campaign pushed by corporate lobbyists and voted to roll back a well-deserved raise and paid sick leave for working families in Michigan,” Inglot said in a press release. “Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders took action to sign petitions and demand that we give workers a raise, eliminate the subminimum tipped wage, and implement paid sick leave in 2018. Advocates fought back against the Republican adopt-and-amend scheme and won, only to face the same betrayal in 2025 — this time in a bipartisan fashion.”
POLAR PLUNGE PARTICIPANTS MAKE SPLASH FOR GOOD CAUSE
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Participants took the plunge for a great cause at the Macomb Polar Plunge.
The event started in 2019. It raises money for the Special Olympics Michigan. This year, the plunge took place at MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township on Feb. 22.
Kayla Kubik, coordinator of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, said they provide year-round training for the Special Olympics athletes.
“When people are fundraising for our polar plunge, all proceeds go directly to our athletes,” Kubik said.
The money covers registration fees, tournaments, uniforms and more.
Kubik said people usually find out about the polar plunge by word of mouth. She said there are some
Honest
participants who take the plunge every year and they bring their friends and family with them. She said a lot of people experience shock when they first hit the water.
“They are coming back year after year, so that minute of freezing cold is, they know what it’s doing for our athletes so it’s a great sacrifice they’re willing to make,” Kubik said.
This year, plungers and others raised $70,700 to meet their goal. Last year, they raised around $88,000.
The Macomb Polar Plunge is hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a campaign to benefit the Special Olympics that hosts plunges across the state.
“This is our largest fundraising series,” Kubik said. “So they put it on and then we have teams that just continue to come back year after year and fundraise.”
Kubik said it’s fun to see these participants, growing relationships with them and watching as their goals rise.
LEFT: Participants plunge into the freezing cold water in MacRay Harbor at the Macomb Polar Plunge.
RIGHT: Some teams wore colorful and creative costumes as they jumped into the water. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
See POLAR PLUNGE on page 9A
Polar Plunge
from page 8A
Kubik said costumes are encouraged but not required.
“We do have awards for the best costume,” Kubik said.
She went on to say they love to see the creativity participants bring.
Plungers donned a wide variety of costumes this year including lions, characters from the “Wizard of Oz” and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” They then jumped into the freezing cold water at MacRay Harbor with safety personnel close by, just in case.
Though there is no age limit for participants, those 18 and younger must have a parent sign a waiver.
Kubik said she loves to see the community come together.
“Everyone is there for the same reason, for our athletes,” Kubik said. “And it’s just such a fun community event to see all different groups of people get together for one reason.”
Chris McClellan, a St. Clair resident, said he’s always raised money for the Special Olympics and thinks it’s a great cause. This was his first time participating in the polar plunge.
“I think that more people should be interested and raising money for the Special Olympics,” McClellan said.
He went on to say it’s amazing they reached their goal that day.
Francis Smith is an Algonac resident and owns the Tombstone Brewery in Chesterfield. He said they’ve been supporting the Special Olympics for years. He thinks more people should participate.
“I think this is a fun thing to do where people can get out and support a good cause,” Smith said.
Krista Rybarczyk, a St. Clair resident, said her friend brought up the polar plunge at their church and asked who wanted to join. She said she thinks everyone should do it.
“I think everyone should come out and raise money for the Special Olympics and it’s going to be fun,” Rybarczyk said.
Ronda Lamas, a Harrison Township resident, said she has two sisters who used to participate in the Special Olympics and that it’s near and dear to her heart. She also knows others who are involved. This was her first time taking the plunge.
“This is just an exciting group of people and an awesome charitable event and I recommend anybody (if they) want to volunteer or donate or participate, this is an awesome one to do,” Lamas said.
Workforce
from page 3A
ized tutoring and enrollment into career and technical training courses or college, with the goal of assisting individuals with disabilities on a pathway to in-demand jobs. The $8.4 million general fund investment will allow the state to provide the required match to access federal vocational rehabilitation funding. Michigan’s pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities are provided through the state’s vocational rehab programs, which includes Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.
The $7.5 million for the Barrier Removal Employment Success program is for no- and low-income residents, including those who earn above the poverty level but not enough to adequately sustain a household. This service will address transportation, legal services, childcare, clothing needs, tools for work and other barriers that keep people from participating in the workforce. The goal is to lift 100,000 families out of working poverty during the next five years.
“The governor’s proposed budget will allow us to work closely with over 8,000 students aged 14 and older to help them with their transition from high school to postsecondary education into employment,” Beckhorn said.
Devroy, whose husband is an apprentice, said Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool began 18 years ago. The production machine company staffs 24 employees and began an apprenticeship program in 2017. They have four children, one of whom is a journeyman electrician.
“I’m a big proponent of the skilled trades. We lived off them, my family, our son and now our company has a very thriving apprenticeship program. At Prosper-Tech, we believe it’s important to teach the trade to the next generation. We need younger people to come in and do this type of work,” Devroy said.
Lakeside
from page 3A
address an issue. Importantly, our client is looking forward to continuing the work on this transformative redevelopment project and continuing to work with the city staff, community leaders, state officials and others to make it all happen.”
The optimism toward continuing the project expressed by Fuhs is shared by the city of Sterling Heights.
“That’s why we became a registered apprenticeship employer through the Department of Labor. I’ve seen firsthand how offering opportunity gives career advancement and higher wages,” Devroy said. “They’re more likely to retain employment. Also, they hold a nationwide certificate. We’re on our six apprentices now. An apprenticeship program is four years but takes 10 years to become an expert.”
Beckhorn addressed how the funding will be distributed under the Statewide Workforce Plan.
“We’re held to requirements with the state dollars. We will put out competitive grants or requests for proposals. Sometimes we may start with a request for information. We do want these to be high wage, high demand jobs. We want to invest where there are quality jobs that pay good wages, that have benefits such as health care, retirement benefits,” Beckhorn said. “We’re going to invest it where the data says we need more direct care workers and more advanced manufacturing. We’re working here with Macomb (County) with the Department of Defense, particularly the (maritime) industrial bases.”
Tatjana T. Savich and her brother, Alex Savich, attended the roundtable discussion. Alex Savich is the owner of Angelica’s Place, an assisted living facility in Romeo. Tatijana Savich is the CEO and owner of Quality Care Rehab & Autism Center, with locations in Shelby Township and Clinton Township, and Divinity Homecare in Clinton Township. Between the three companies, there are 32 apprenticeships in five different areas. While there are many associate apprenticeships with manufacturing, Tatjana Savich said the health care field is in need of them, too.
“We’ve already had several people complete their apprenticeship, and it’s really been wonderful,” Tatjana Savich said. “Many of the team members are now looking at getting an associate’s degree, getting a bachelor’s degree because they never thought they could do it. They never had the support, but they do have the support.”
“The City is pleased that the parties were able to reach a swift resolution of this matter,” a spokesperson for Sterling Heights said via email. “The dismissal of the lawsuit allows everyone to work together towards the common goal of developing Lakeside City Center into what promises to be a transformative mixed-use development, as envisioned by the approved Master Development Plan Agreement.”
Lakeside Circle Holdings filed its lawsuit on Jan. 7. Representatives for the company were unable to be reached by press time.
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