The Essential Service award seeks to recognize the important role of service workers in our community and the role they play in our economy. Without these people who faithfully fulfill necessary roles, our economy would suffer greatly. Award recipients will be recognized at a special Economic Club meeting in January and is sponsored by Michigan Works.

Nominations will be submitted by employers and the community at large. Winners will be chosen by a committee established by the Workforce Development Board. Once the winners are chosen, their employer will be notified, and they in turn will notify the employee.

In order to be eligible for the Essential Service Awards entrants must have 2+ years of employment with same employers and work in West Michigan.

Essential Service Award winners display pride in their job, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and habits, punctuality, and completes work on-time. Winners from the following categories.

Hospitality: Desk clerk, ticket taker, parking attendant, bell hop
Retail: Clerk, cashier, stockroom worker, customer service
Healthcare/Elder Care: Nurse’s aide, lab support, patient transport, in-home aide
Transportation: Bus, shuttle and taxi driver, baggage handler
Food Service: Server, busser, dishwasher, counter staff, cook
General Labor: Manufacturing, construction, agricultural
Government: Clerk, customer service, support staff
Childcare: Teacher aide, in-home daycare
Nonprofit: Case aide, support staff
Cleaning/Housekeeping/Groundskeeping: Custodian, maintenance, housekeeper, dry cleaner/launderer

If you would like to nominate an individual in one of the above categories, submit your nomination by filling out this form and returning it to Michigan Works. For more information, contact West Michigan Works at info@westmiworks.org.