Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance and Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland new facility in Marshall with a ribbon cutting presentation on February 28.
From left are MAEDA staff, Chamber Ambassadors and Goodwill staff Jeri Peterson, Susan Burdick, Deanna Miller, Terri Bidelman, Board member Pat Gallagher, VP Retail and Donated Goods Mark Peters, Store Manager Ellen Sanford, VP of Workforce Development Jerry Mainstone, Mayor Jack Reed, Vic Potter, President and CEO Ken Bauer, VP of Human Resources Andy Karr, Jenny Modert, Joan Rapp, Amy Crisp, Rebecca de Finta, Scott Fleming, Jessica Walker, Kierith Kurth, Liz Woods and Barb Gray.
Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland has been an organization for 65 years and has been in Marshall for over 25 years. On February 1st they proudly opened the doors of their new 15,500 square foot facility that includes a retail store and workforce training space. “We appreciate the support and enthusiasm the community has shown since we opened,” said Store Manager Ellen Sanford.
Goodwill’s mission is to help individuals with barriers to employment receive the job training necessary to secure sustainable employment and financial independence. With a mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work,” Goodwill focuses on workforce development by providing training, support services and career opportunities. Funding for these programs is obtained in large part through the sale of donated items in the Goodwill retail stores. “We are proud to be part of the Marshall community and to offer more programs to support the workforce,” stated President and CEO Ken Bauer.
The new facility houses not only 8,400 square feet of retail space, but now includes a covered drive-up donation drop off area that allows donors to remain in their vehicle, an employee breakroom that promotes teambuilding for the 27 employees, and a significantly larger donation processing area that improves efficiencies and lowers the time needed to prepare items for sale. Mark Peters, the Vice President of Retail and Donated Goods commented “We also intend to provide Kaizon training to help increase morale and productivity.”
In addition to the retail space, the new facility includes an up-to-date workforce training room which includes a computer lab to help train people in financial literacy programs assisting them to become more self-sufficient through work and money management. “Our ultimate goal is to give people the tools they need to find and maintain good jobs,” said VP of Workforce Development Jerry Mainstone. Services include financial literacy and coaching, free income tax preparation, job or career advancement training and resume writing. Goodwill also provides programs to giving students opportunities for career exploration, job training and summer work experience.
Support a strong workforce. Shop Goodwill Industries located at 842 W. Michigan Ave. For more information contact them at 269-788-6500 or visit their website at www.goodwillcmh.org/