Nominations open for standout West Michigan employees
Leemon Johncock, Bay Pointe Inn | Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! is inviting employers and community members to recognize the people whose work keeps businesses and communities running by nominating workers for a 2026 Bev Drake Essential Service Award. Nominations will be accepted Sept. 1-25 for employees working in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. The annual awards recognize non-managerial employees who demonstrate pride in their work, a positive attitude and strong work ethic while providing service to their teams, customers and communities.
“Some of the most important work in our region happens every day without much recognition,” said Mark Bergsma, workforce development board member, West Michigan Works!. “The Bev Drake Essential Service Awards give employers and community members an opportunity to recognize the people who consistently show up, take pride in what they do and make a difference for the businesses and people they serve.”
The West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board created the Essential Service Awards to highlight the important role essential workers have in the regional economy. The awards are named in honor of Bev Drake, former West Michigan Works! CEO and longtime community advocate. Drake’s legacy of bringing businesses and community partners together to develop workforce solutions continues to influence the organization’s work today.
Honorees may work directly with customers or behind the scenes in industries including health care, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, tech, agriculture, retail, transportation, child care and administrative/office/nonprofit. Eligible nominees must have worked for their current employer for at least two years and hold a non-managerial position in one of the seven counties served by West Michigan Works!. Nominees should demonstrate pride in their work, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, punctuality and an ability to consistently complete their responsibilities.
Employers and community members may submit nominations. Following the nomination period, a committee established by the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board will review submissions and select the 2026 honorees.
Award recipients will be honored with celebrations at their workplaces and gift card. Honorees will also be recognized during an Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon in winter 2027, where they will receive the Bev Drake Essential Service Award. To review eligibility requirements and nominate an outstanding employee, visit https://www.westmiworks.org/about-us/essential-service-awards/.
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