TalentFirst

Rethink Engagement & Retention
2024-11-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | The Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Dr, Hudsonville, MI, 49426, United States
Join us to reimagine the future of your workforce, an environment where employees are fully supported by every part of your organization.
Retaining and engaging your workforce is essential for business success. According to recent Gallup data, organizations with an engaged workforce experience:

78% decrease in absenteeism
63% decrease in safety incidents
23% increase in profitability
68% increase in employee wellbeing

Unfortunately, only 33% of the US workforce is engaged.
This session addresses that gap by bringing together HR and operations leaders to explore a collaborative approach to engagement and retention. Traditionally seen as separate functions, HR and operations must work together to create a cohesive strategy across the entire employee life cycle.
Don’t miss this interactive session facilitated by John Keuning and Jimmy Nelson of Frontline Training Solutions as they share insights and practical steps to build a unified effort that supports employees at every stage — from hiring and onboarding to performance, career development, and transition.

Who Should Attend?
This session is designed for human resources leaders and practitioners, operations leaders, and all people leaders who play a key role in employee engagement and retention.
There is a benefit to these diverse leaders attending together: Register two or more team members and you receive a $25 discount per ticket by using promo code Team111924 at checkout. This sets the stage for HR and operations teams to align their strategies, fostering a unified approach to support employees across the entire organization. By bringing both perspectives to the table, you’ll leave with actionable insights and collaborative strategies that benefit your entire workforce.
Key Benefits & Outcomes for Attendees

Leadership Insights: Benefit from the real-world experience of two industry experts with 30+ years of combined leadership in HR and operations.
Practical, Tactical Solutions: Gain actionable steps to implement a cross-departmental approach to support employees and enhance employee engagement and retention.
Break Down Silos: Shift from an “HR versus Ops” mentality to an “HR and Ops” partnership for improved workforce outcomes.
Improve Retention: Discover ways to reduce turnover by creating a more engaged, satisfied, and supported workforce across all departments throughout the employee lifecycle
Professional Development: Earn 2 SHRM professional development credits toward recertification.

Meet Our Facilitators
John Keuning
As Frontline Training Solution’s Director of Manufacturing Training, John Keuning has a passion to put his 30 years of manufacturing and leadership experience to work for companies by providing classroom training, virtual training, and on-site consulting. His goal is to help develop better leaders, engage workers, lower cost of goods, and increase profits for companies by arming teams with the tools necessary to be great agents of change. John’s favorite place to be is on the plant floor working side-by-side with teams and leaders to find solutions to manufacturing questions.
He has extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing theory and implementation as well as helping new and advancing leaders understand the day-to-day work of being a leader. John has served multiple industries as a supervisor, Lean leader, product launch leader, production manager, plant manager, and director of manufacturing. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Ferris State College.
Jimmy Nelson
Jimmy Nelson joined the Frontline team in 2024 as the Director of Leadership & Organizational Development. He achieved his bachelor’s degree in biology & chemistry, a master’s degree in HR Organizational Development & Training, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and has been a professional Learning & Organizational Development consultant for over 25 years. He achieved his CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from the Association of Talent Development in 2010, and his SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) in 2020. Jimmy is a “retired” Dale Carnegie® instructor and is a certified Franklin Covey® Instructor. He holds accreditations in D.i.S.C., DDI, Myers-Briggs, Hogan, and other assessments.
He is a recognized expert in conflict resolution and advanced teambuilding skills. He has taught courses in 40 of the 50 states, and internationally in China, Hong Kong, England, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Thank you to our strategic partners!
These organizations are investing in West Michigan through their sponsorship of our 2024 Talent Solutions Series. With their support, we are convening experts and innovators to elevate best practices in talent management and workforce solutions.
Attending with a team member?
Use promo code Team111924 at checkout and receive $25 off per ticket — available for member tickets and general admission tickets.

Build Tomorrow's Workforce Today
2024-11-06 11:00 - 12:00
Demand for Work Based Learning (WBL) has grown in the K-12 school setting and within business and industry. It is a viable and meaningful way to increase your talent pipeline while creating awareness for your business and industry career paths.
This Spotlight Series will include information on:

WBL continuum and how we introduce it to business and industry
Forms and procedures to follow for best results with partnering schools, students, and industry partners
Company engagement practices for awareness in elementary, middle school, and high school
Best Practice for human resources staff within business and industry

Register today and a link will be shared with our members 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.
How do I know if I am a member?

If your CEO is a member of our CEO Council (view list ), you and others in your organization are included under the “member” category.
If you are a member of our HR Council (view list ), you are included under the “member” category.

CEO Council Meeting & Reception
2024-10-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Gentex, 600 N Centennial Street, Zeeland, MI, 49464, United States
The CEO Council Meeting offers an exclusive space for executive leaders to tackle West Michigan’s most urgent talent challenges and opportunities. TalentFirst will facilitate collaboration among CEOs to exchange insights, explore innovative workforce solutions, and position the region as a top destination for talent. By participating, you’ll shape impactful strategies that drive your organization’s success while contributing to the economic vitality of West Michigan. This meeting is a unique opportunity to influence regional workforce trends, strengthen your network, and lead initiatives that enhance our business environment.
Meeting: 3–5 PM, followed by a reception from 5–6 PM.
Confirm your attendance by responding to the calendar invitation you received. We look forward to seeing you on October 16 at Gentex!
Questions: Reach out to Colleen McInerney (c.mcinerney@talentfirst.net) or Kevin Stotts (k.stotts@talentfirst.net).

Compensation & Benefits Trends
2024-10-15 09:00 - 10:00
As a leader in your organization, staying ahead of the curve on compensation and benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.
Join us for this Spotlight Series webinar where Kevin Marrs and Lisa Sabourin from American Society of Employers will share the latest trends and insights from their recent survey results. You will gain valuable information to inform your 2025 budget planning and ensure your organization remains competitive in the marketplace.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your talent strategy—RSVP today! Register today and a link will be shared with our members 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.
Meet Our Presenters
Kevin Marrs
Kevin Marrs serves as Vice President at the American Society of Employers (ASE). In this role, he is responsible for overseeing ASE’s compensation and benefits survey department. ASE conducts a variety of local and national benchmark surveys, providing data to thousands of organizations in Michigan.
For over 20 years, Kevin Marrs has conducted research and analysis on the total rewards practices and trends of area employers. Kevin is also responsible for conducting employee surveys for ASE member organizations. He conducts several ASE training programs including Wage and Salary Administration Overview, Conducting Job Analysis and Writing Job Descriptions, and Market Pricing for Results.
Kevin holds a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from Central Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Lisa Sabourin
Lisa Sabourin, SPHR joined ASE in January 2024 as part of the merger with the Employers Association of West Michigan (EA), where she had been employed since 1993 and was serving as their president and CEO. Lisa’s role at ASE is Executive Vice President, West Michigan where she continues to serve the West Michigan members and operate and manage the Muskegon office.
Throughout her tenure, she has fostered strong relationships and closely collaborated with member organizations on various aspects concerning their employees. This includes cultivating a positive workplace culture, implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies, optimizing performance management, ensuring competitive compensation and benefits, prioritizing safety and wellness, enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement, and much more.
Lisa has actively served on numerous boards, advisory boards, and ad hoc committees, and she takes great pride in being a Rotarian. Furthermore, she actively engages with several national groups that provide support to employers, showcasing her unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch services and resources to employers in West Michigan.

How do I know if I am a member of TalentFirst?

If your CEO is a member of our CEO Council (view list ), you and others in your organization are included under the “member” category.
If you are a member of our HR Council (view list ), you are included under the “member” category.

Bridge the Talent Gap
2024-10-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Prince Conference Center and Hotel, 1800 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Join us at Prince Conference Center & Hotel in Grand Rapids for a dynamic session on the benefits of including neurodivergent individuals in your workforce. Learn how embracing neurodiversity can strengthen your company while contributing to the economic success of our region.
After the program, connect with education institutions, community organizations, and talent partners who support employers in diversifying talent pipelines and enhancing talent development.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and make an impact on your employer!

What You’ll Gain:

Insights into the neurodivergent workforce and the benefits of inclusion
Connections with partners to diversify your talent pipelines and strengthen your current workforce
Access to untapped talent pools
2 SHRM professional development credits

Keynote: Unlocking the Potential of the Neurodivergent Workforce
Despite ongoing labor shortages, a large pool of neurodivergent talent remains untapped. This group, comprising individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, represents 15-20% of the population. However, traditional business models often overlook their value, with unemployment rates for neurodivergent individuals reaching as high as 30-40%.
The presentation will explore the challenges neurodivergent workers face and provides practical strategies for employers to attract, retain, and grow neurodiverse talent.

Meet the Speaker: Matthew Leger
Matthew Leger, founder of ML Consulting and Director of Research and Strategy at NeuroTalent Works, is an expert in workforce development and neurodiverse inclusion. With a background in policy research at Harvard and the American Enterprise Institute, his thought leadership has been featured in outlets such as CNN, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post. He holds an MPA from the University at Albany and currently lives in Massachusetts with his family.

Thank you to our strategic partners!
These organizations are investing in West Michigan through their sponsorship of our 2024 Talent Solutions Series. With their support, we are convening experts and innovators to elevate best practices in talent management and workforce solutions.

Navigate the Benefits Cliff Confidently
2024-09-24 08:30 - 09:30
Join this installment of our Spotlight Series to learn how TalentFirst is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to address benefit cliffs with a suite of revolutionary tools.
Brittany Birken from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will give us sneak peek at the tools. These free resources help model the impact of wage progressions, public benefits, taxes, and tax credits, empowering employers, career coaches, and workforce development practitioners to guide individuals towards financial stability. Learn how to make data-driven decisions for education, career planning, and budgeting, ensuring every step in career advancement is clear and beneficial.
Don’t miss out on this game-changing resource — RSVP today! Register today and a link will be shared with our members 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.
Meet Our Presenter

Brittany Birken serves as a director and principal adviser on the Atlanta Fed’s Community and Economic Development team. In this role, Birken specializes in the identification of structural barriers and solutions to career advancement for low-income working families. Prior to joining the Atlanta Fed, she was a faculty member at the University of Florida’s College of Education focused on creating educational systems that support student achievement of critical milestones that predict success. She has also served as the director of Florida’s Office of Early Learning and as chief executive of the Florida Children’s Council, the umbrella organization for children’s services councils.
Birken has worked with business leaders and policymakers to develop strategies that support pathways to economic security and improved outcomes for low-income working families with young children. Additionally, she has helped shape community and state policy efforts that support the current workforce and develop a sustainable educational infrastructure for talent development. Birken is a board member of the United Way of Florida, an affiliate of the University of Florida Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, and a member of Leadership Florida. Florida Trend named her one of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Florida 500 Most Influential Leaders. She is a recipient of the Federal Reserve Board’s 2023 Janet L. Yellen Award for Excellence in Community Development. She holds a PhD from Florida State University.
How do I know if I am a member of TalentFirst?

If your CEO is a member of our CEO Council (view list ), you and others in your organization are included under the “member” category.
If you are a member of our HR Council (view list ), you are included under the “member” category.

HR Council Meeting
2024-08-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Gentex Corporation North Riley Campus, 9001 Riley Street, Zeeland, MI, 49464, United States
Join us for TalentFirst’s member-exclusive HR Council Meeting on August 28th, a convening dedicated to shaping the future of workforce planning in West Michigan. This interactive session brings together member HR and DE&I leaders from across the region to collaboratively test and refine a regional workforce planning framework.
During this workshop, participants will work in small groups to problem-solve and refine the nuances of this skills-based framework. Erika Scanlin, COO at EG Workforce Solutions, will facilitate our time in which we aim to articulate a comprehensive roadmap and a practical how-to list, which will inform a new workforce planning playbook to be published by TalentFirst. This playbook will equip employers with the tools needed to implement skills-based workforce planning within their organizations, driving regional growth, and innovation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative and network with fellow leaders dedicated to advancing the skills-based talent ecosystem in West Michigan.
Not a member and interested in how to join? Learn more.
Meet Our Facilitator

Erika Scanlin is the GR-based Chief Operating Officer and Talent Strategist at EG Workforce Solutions. With a strong background in workforce management and strategic planning, she previously honed her skills as a Managing Director of Talent & Organization at Accenture, where she led numerous high-impact projects. Erika is dedicated to optimizing talent solutions, enhancing client satisfaction and growing her team. Her mission at EG Workforce Solutions is clear: to “Help People Succeed.”

[Workshop 4] Mitigating Risk & Sustaining Change
2024-07-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, 5889 E Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858, United States
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab concludes with Workshop 4 on July 17, 2024.
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab will assist eligible adult education providers, community colleges, and organizations with experience serving adult learners with the capacity and technical expertise to develop proposals intended to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Section 107a grants from LEO-WD.

The objectives of Workshop 4 are outlined below:

Highlight promising practices to proactively address common challenges to innovation.
Provide resources and strategies for attendees to develop risk mitigation and sustainability plans.

Providers interested in participating in the Design Lab must submit an intake form by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2024.

Registration for this workshop closes at 5 PM on July 10.

[Workshop 3] Leveraging Data to Identify Gaps & Evaluate Success
2024-07-02 09:00 - 15:00 | Oakland Community College – Auburn Hills Campus, 2900 Featherstone Rd, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab continues with Workshop 3 on July 2, 2024.
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab will assist eligible adult education providers, community colleges, and organizations with experience serving adult learners with the capacity and technical expertise to develop proposals intended to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Section 107a grants from LEO-WD.

The objectives of Workshop 3 are outlined below:

Review core and secondary performance measures included on the Section 107a RFP.
Discuss potential methods to capture secondary performance measures.
Provide resources and strategies for attendees to leverage program data to evaluate and improve enrollment and completion rates.

Providers interested in participating in the Design Lab must submit an intake form by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2024.

Registration for this workshop closes at 5 PM on June 25.

Reimagining Employee Education Benefits: Skill Savings Accounts (Member Exclusive)
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:00
In lieu of a dynamic solution to upskill and reskill the workforce, the gap between supply and demand for skilled talent will continue to widen due to increasing demand and shrinking supply. Although traditional employee education benefits have been successful, not enough employees participate and there’s little room for alternative approaches and pathways. Skill Savings Accounts provide a flexible, worker-center solution fit for today’s labor market and economy.
Join TalentFirst and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to reimagine employee education benefits. Your insights will also help inform a Skill Savings Account pilot that’s launching in West Michigan later this year, which you’ll have the opportunity to participate in.
Register today and a link will be shared with our members 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.
How do I know if I am a member?

If your CEO is a member of our CEO Council (view list ), you and others in your organization are included under the “member” category.
If you are a member of our HR Council (view list ), you are included under the “member” category.

[Workshop 2] Ensuring Equitable Access & Maximizing Partnership Potential
2024-06-18 09:00 - 15:00 | West Michigan Works! Northwest Service Center, 215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab continues with Workshop 2 on June 18, 2024.
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab will assist eligible adult education providers, community colleges, and organizations with experience serving adult learners with the capacity and technical expertise to develop proposals intended to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Section 107a grants from LEO-WD.

The objectives of Workshop 2 are outlined below:

Highlight promising practices from other states to increase enrollment by leveraging partnerships and ensuring equitable access for all potential adult learners.
Discuss strategies to develop collective impact projects that drive sustainable change.
Provide resources and strategies for attendees to develop an asset map, stakeholder engagement plan, and outreach strategy.

Providers interested in participating in the Design Lab must submit an intake form by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2024.

Registration for this workshop closes at 5 PM on June 14.

Employer Solutions & Resources for Child Care (Member Exclusive)
2024-06-18 09:00 - 10:00
Lower labor force participation rates and demographic changes are requiring innovative talent pipeline and development strategies. We know that access to high-quality, affordable childcare allows many parents to enter and remain in the workforce.
Informed by input from our HR Leaders and community partners, this member-exclusive Spotlight Series webinar elevates childcare resources and effective solutions for employers.
Register today and a link will be shared with our members 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.
How do I know if I am a member?

If your CEO is a member of our CEO Council (view list ), you and others in your organization are included under the “member” category.
If you are a member of our HR Council (view list ), you are included under the “member” category.

[Workshop 1] Addressing the Whole Learner: Identifying & Understanding Your Target Population
2024-06-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Lansing Community College — Gannon Building, 422 North Washington Square, Lansing, MI, 48933, United States
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab launches on June 11, 2024.
The Adult Education Innovation Design Lab will assist eligible adult education providers, community colleges, and organizations with experience serving adult learners with the capacity and technical expertise to develop proposals intended to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Section 107a grants from LEO-WD.

The objectives of this workshop are outlined below:

Review the Sec. 107a application and Design Lab process.
Review the current state of adult education in Michigan.
Leverage Adult Learning Theory to identify factors that impact adult learning and promising practices to address barriers for adult learners.
Provide resources and strategies for attendees to develop a needs assessment.

Providers interested in participating in the Design Lab must submit an intake form by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2024.
Registration for this workshop closes at 5 PM on June 4.

Wellbeing @ Work
2024-06-04 09:00 - 11:00 | GVSU Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join us at GVSU’s Seidman Center in Grand Rapids for a dynamic conversation with Frank Giampietro, EY’s Chief Wellbeing Officer, and leave with actionable insights to reimagine work at your organization.
Absences related to mental health increased 33% in 2023, compared to the previous year . This is not wholly surprising after years of disruption to “normal” at work, home, and the collective experience of humanity. When it comes to the world of work, employees and employers find themselves in different worlds today than 5 years ago.
Could employers prioritizing wellbeing be the solution we’re looking for? Is it their role? How can employers impact individual wellbeing? What can organization leaders and department managers do? Why does wellbeing matter for business?
During Wellbeing at Work, Frank will answer these questions and more as he brings his experience and expertise leading wellbeing efforts within EY and with clients. You can expect to learn more about:

The business case for wellbeing
Shifting organizational mindsets on wellbeing
Embedding and sustaining healthy ways of working
Measuring and rewarding leaders
Getting started on your wellbeing journey

Following the interactive keynote segment, participants will have an opportunity to learn from and share with each other their efforts and questions related to wellbeing at work through facilitated table discussion.

What to Bring & Expect

Learn through an interactive keynote presentation.
Discover solutions promoting wellbeing through table discussions.
Bring your organization’s practices and strategies that support employee wellbeing — this could be print or digital collateral of programs or incentives to elevate physical, financial, mental/emotional, or social wellbeing.
Enjoy a continental breakfast.
Earn 2 SHRM professional development credits (activity ID will be in the event program).

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

As EY’s Americas Chief Wellbeing Officer, Frank strives to create a culture of caring that meets the physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing needs of EY people. He leads a team that develops and delivers the resources and tools that support EY people on their wellbeing journey. Frank also leads the firm’s efforts in evolving their ways of working to create an optimal experience for their clients and people.
In addition to his internal leadership role, Frank continues to serve clients in the areas of wellbeing and ways of working. He was previously East Region Leader for People Advisory Services, advising clients on organization effectiveness, talent management, culture transformation, and leadership alignment matters. Frank has deep experience in helping organizations manage big, complex change initiatives, particularly in the mergers and acquisitions space.
Outside of EY, Frank serves as a board member at Business Group on Health, the preeminent advocate for employers in health care policy. He also serves as an Advisory Board member for Wellbeing at Work and NYU’s Coaching and Consulting Program.

Thank you to our strategic partners!
These organizations are investing in West Michigan through their sponsorship of our 2024 Talent Solutions Series. With their support, we are convening experts and innovators to elevate best practices in talent management and workforce solutions.

CEO Council Meeting & Reception
2024-05-20 15:00 - 18:00 | Amway, 7575 Fulton Street SE, Ada, MI, 49355, United States
This member-exclusive meeting convenes our member CEOs and their HR leaders. Our last CEO Council meeting highlighted successful strategies to build your talent through upskilling and reskilling your current workforce. This Spring our focus turns to the postsecondary talent pipeline, and how we collectively improve West Michigan’s attraction and retention of educated, emerging talent from our region’s colleges and universities.

Just 51.1% of West Michigan recent high school graduates enrolled at a postsecondary institution — down 5.5% from the enrollment rate observed in 2010.
About 16,500 students graduate from a West Michigan postsecondary institution each year.
Just 1 in 5 college students nationwide took an internship in 2022 according to the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions.
71% of students who wanted to take an internship couldn’t because there were no opportunities, while 58% cited insufficient pay as a reason they didn’t pursue an internship.

Our Spring meeting will highlight the value work-based learning opportunities offer to students, employers, and post-secondary institutions, featuring successful employer-institution partnerships and creating solutions that promote West Michigan as a great place to study, to stay, and to return — for not just a job, but a career.
Confirm your attendance by responding to the calendar invitation you received. We look forward to seeing you on May 20 at Amway!
Questions: Reach out to Colleen McInerney (c.mcinerney@talentfirst.net) or Kevin Stotts (k.stotts@talentfirst.net).

Career Readiness Conference
2024-04-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Ferris State University – Granger Center, 605 S Warren Ave, Big Rapids, MI, 49307, United States
Join us at Ferris State University in Big Rapids for a unique opportunity where manufacturing employers collaborate with K-12 educators and share best practices to support career and talent development.
Register Today
