Page 22 - LRCC October 2025 Focus
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Open Doors With Peckham: Inclusive
Opportunities in Lansing’s Workforce
By Liz Reno-Hayes
he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
recently welcomed its first membership intern, Build the Tunnel: Strengthening
TAdrienne Harmon, through a partnership with
Peckham, a nonprofit that creates opportunities Michigan’s Energy and Economic Future
for people with disabilities and other barriers to
employment. A Holt/Mason native and proud mom of a
9-year-old son, Adrienne quickly became an asset to the
Chamber team during her five-week internship.
he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce With over 40,000 hours of environmental analysis
Her favorite part of the internship? “The staff,” she (LRCC) continues to strongly support the Great already completed, the project is undergoing one of
shared. “I really looked forward to coming in.” Adrienne TLakes Tunnel—one of Michigan’s most critical the most comprehensive permit reviews in Michigan’s
supported the membership department with phone at a local Meijer and job shadowing experiences with infrastructure and energy reliability projects. Backed by history. As the public comment period opened back
calls and administrative projects, gaining behind-the- multiple other organizations, he discovered his goal of the Great Lakes, Michigan Jobs coalition, this project will in June, the LRCC urged our members to voice their
scenes insight into Chamber life. She hopes to continue becoming a school bus driver. Today he has earned his relocate a segment of Line 5 into a modern, concrete support to help move this project forward.
her career in administration, building on the skills she driver’s license, started his first job as a bus washer at tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel will
developed through Dean Transportation, and is saving toward his first car as protect the Great Lakes, reduce environmental risk, and The Great Lakes Tunnel will create thousands of good-
this experience. he works toward his dream of becoming a bus driver. secure energy delivery to homes and businesses across paying jobs, generate significant private investment, and
the state. ensure Michigan’s energy future is safe, sustainable, and
The internship was Partnerships like these showcase what’s possible affordable. It’s time to modernize our infrastructure and
made possible through when businesses open their doors to inclusive protect the resources that power our economy. u
Partnerships like Peckham’s On-the- employment. Lansing-area employers interested in
these showcase Job Evaluation (OJE) learning more can connect with Peckham’s team at
program, which
what’s possible provides short-term cagreen@peckham.org. u
when businesses work experiences
open their doors designed to evaluate Does your community
to inclusive an individual’s feel scattered?
readiness and identify
employment. accommodations for CLOSE OUT 2025
long-term success. 15 16 17
Participants gain 13 14 18 19
hands-on experience, 12 WITH SAVINGS
while employers meet potential talent, address 20
immediate staffing needs and build inclusive workplace 11 21 The Hometown Energy Savers® program offers
cultures. 10
22 financial incentives to commercial customers
Peckham partners with Michigan Rehabilitation 9 23 for energy-saving upgrade projects.
Services (MRS) to provide tailored support, ranging 8
from job coaching and accommodations to follow-up 24
services after hire. For businesses, the process is simple: 7 25 Small businesses under 25,000 sq ft
Peckham learns about workforce needs, identifies 6 26
strong candidates, and coordinates the internship or 5 1 27 may qualify for enhanced incentives!
hiring process to ensure success. 4 3 2 31 28
30
This partnership offers clear benefits to Lansing-area 29
employers. Businesses gain access to motivated,
reliable talent while supporting a more inclusive Connect the dots with strategic storytelling
workforce. Many also see increased employee morale Lighting • Refrigeration • HVAC Equipment • Food Service Equipment • And More
and customer engagement.
Scan the QR code above or contact us to learn more:
The program has already changed lives. Adrienne is just (800) 573-3503 • hometown@slipstreaminc.org • lbwl.com/energysavers
one example. Another participant, Jared, started with Community-Building Creative
no work experience and little direction. After an OJE
22 FOCUS MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2025 lansingchamber.org 23
