Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2022
Media Contacts:
|
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Michael Odom or Adam O’Connor
Marx Layne & Company (734) 259-9060 Odom’s cell (248) 321-0586 O’Connor’s cell |
Michigan Hospitality Operators are Encouraged to Invest in their Workforce by Applying for the GoingPRO Talent Fund by Dec. 12
Employers can receive funds to provide professional training and development for their employees through the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
Employers can receive funds to provide professional training and development for their employees through the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is encouraging Michigan restaurant and hotel operators to apply for the GoingPRO Talent Fund, which awards grants to help business owners invest in their workforce by providing employees with training to sharpen their industry skills and develop as leaders. The program, which is part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Workforce Development (LEO-WD), is accepting applications through Dec. 12.
“When people are given the chance to grow on a professional level, it results in happier employees who stay longer, and go further in the industry,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA president & CEO. “This year, we don’t want to make the mistake of leaving this tremendous opportunity on the table. We encourage business owners to apply and give their employees the chance to develop the skills they need to succeed and find a rewarding career.”
The hospitality industry has been historically underrepresented as GoingPRO Talent Fund recipients. While the hospitality industry, which includes restaurant, lodging and tourism workers, comprises 10 percent of Michigan’s workforce and 12.5 percent of the state’s GDP, only 2.1 percent of the applications submitted in 2021 came from this sector. Out of the more than $40 million granted between 2021 and 2022, the hospitality industry was awarded $455,799, or 1.1 percent of all awards.
Employers who receive GoingPRO Talent Fund grants can cover the tuition costs for employees to attend the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) Business Management Certification program. The HTIM programs focus on core management skills: costing, leading teams, giving feedback, food safety, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being.
Funds also can be used to cover the expense of a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship classroom training, which allow employees to work full-time while also acquiring formal training – a criteria that can be met through HTIM programs. The cost associated with the formal training or related instructional materials can be covered with the GoingPro Talent Fund. Apprenticeships are available for roles including lodging manager, restaurant manager and food services manager.
Employers can apply for a GoingPRO Talent Fund award by contacting their local Michigan Works! Office (MWA). The MWA Business Services staff will conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. If they determine Talent Fund awards are appropriate, they grant the employers access to a convenient online application submission process. To begin the process, click here to find your local office. The application window ends on December 12, 2022.
Employees working at a business that has received a GoingPRO Talent Fund award are eligible to participate in the training if they are a permanent, full-time employee when the approved training begins, work primarily in Michigan, are 18 years of age or older, and are either a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
For more information, visit https://www.mrla.org/goingpro.html.
“When people are given the chance to grow on a professional level, it results in happier employees who stay longer, and go further in the industry,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA president & CEO. “This year, we don’t want to make the mistake of leaving this tremendous opportunity on the table. We encourage business owners to apply and give their employees the chance to develop the skills they need to succeed and find a rewarding career.”
The hospitality industry has been historically underrepresented as GoingPRO Talent Fund recipients. While the hospitality industry, which includes restaurant, lodging and tourism workers, comprises 10 percent of Michigan’s workforce and 12.5 percent of the state’s GDP, only 2.1 percent of the applications submitted in 2021 came from this sector. Out of the more than $40 million granted between 2021 and 2022, the hospitality industry was awarded $455,799, or 1.1 percent of all awards.
Employers who receive GoingPRO Talent Fund grants can cover the tuition costs for employees to attend the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) Business Management Certification program. The HTIM programs focus on core management skills: costing, leading teams, giving feedback, food safety, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being.
Funds also can be used to cover the expense of a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship classroom training, which allow employees to work full-time while also acquiring formal training – a criteria that can be met through HTIM programs. The cost associated with the formal training or related instructional materials can be covered with the GoingPro Talent Fund. Apprenticeships are available for roles including lodging manager, restaurant manager and food services manager.
Employers can apply for a GoingPRO Talent Fund award by contacting their local Michigan Works! Office (MWA). The MWA Business Services staff will conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. If they determine Talent Fund awards are appropriate, they grant the employers access to a convenient online application submission process. To begin the process, click here to find your local office. The application window ends on December 12, 2022.
Employees working at a business that has received a GoingPRO Talent Fund award are eligible to participate in the training if they are a permanent, full-time employee when the approved training begins, work primarily in Michigan, are 18 years of age or older, and are either a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
For more information, visit https://www.mrla.org/goingpro.html.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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