Cascade Engineering and Compass Point Labor Management today announced a new partnership focused on decreasing the unemployment rate of West Michigan's military veterans while providing area employers with skilled and dependable job candidates. The companies' "Armed Forces to Work Forces" initiative will commence with an Oct. 3 summit for business leaders interested in joining the new partnership and include a November meeting for regional employers to learn more about how they can place these talented individuals in their organizations. 

"The motivation behind 'Armed Forces to Work Forces' stems from the unfortunate fact that the local unemployment rate for veterans is at nearly 25 percent," said Kelley Losey, director of Cascade Engineering’s Quest Sustainable Solutions consulting group. "At Cascade, we are very proud of their service to our country and want to do what we can to help them find employment when they return home to the West Michigan community."

Cascade Engineering is known for its leadership in a variety of workforce development initiatives, including Welfare-to-Career, that help unemployed and underemployed individuals find stable employment. The Company is currently working nationally to assist community collaboration efforts that support poverty reduction and workforce re-entry. Compass Point is a Grand Rapids-based employment service with a strong nationwide record of working with the Armed Forces to build paths to employment for military personnel transitioning to civilian careers. The firm has received several recognitions for its work, including being named as a co-recipient of a $5 million Department of Labor grant and several certificates of achievement from the Armed Forces. 

"I became interested in serving this population because some of our best placements are veterans," said Greg Tusch, founder and President of Compass Point. "We have many success stories of how effectively people make the transition from the military into civilian jobs – and how employers are finding skilled, loyal candidates in this unique group of applicants. We look forward to sharing the 'win-win' of employing veterans with businesses across West Michigan." 

"I attend numerous meetings where employers are constantly stressing the importance of finding exceptional employees," added Losey. "Not only can we help them fill their open positions, but 'Armed Forces to Work Forces' will show how they can receive special funding for placing these individuals."

About Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturer and marketer of multiple products and services supporting a variety of industries including renewable energy, automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, material compounding, furniture, RFID, and material handling. The Cascade Engineering Family Of Companies is a global company with more than 1,200 employees and 14 business units. The company’s world-class engineering, technology and manufacturing allow it to provide leading-edge solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to lean manufacturing capabilities and environmental stewardship. Cascade’s business model is rooted in diversification and innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable products and services that contribute to the triple bottom line. For more information, visit the company's website at www.cascadeng.com.

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturer and marketer of multiple products and services supporting a variety of industries including renewable energy, automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, material compounding, furniture, RFID, and material handling. The Cascade Engineering Family Of Companies is a global company with more than 1,200 employees and 14 business units.

Cascade's world-class engineering, technology and manufacturing allows it to provide leading-edge solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to lean manufacturing and environmental stewardship. Cascade's business model is rooted in diversification and innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable products and services that contribute to the triple bottom line.

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