Michigan Works Region 7B Names Employer of the Year and Clare County Alumni of the Year

CLARE COUNTY – On Monday, Dec. 8, Michigan Works! Region 7B celebrated six outstanding alumni, one business, and one community partner at a recognition event held at the beautiful Riverwalk Place in Gladwin.

This annual event honors past participants who have worked hard to overcome barriers and achieve success — with encouragement and support from Michigan Works! Region 7B. Alumni were recognized among their peers by Michigan Works! Region 7B staff, local elected officials, workforce development board members, legislators, and loved ones. Each honoree received certificates of recognition and a gift.

Honored as the Employer of the Year in the Michigan Works! Region 7B service area was Clare County Road Commission.

The Clare County Road Commission (CCRC) is a passionate supporter of workforce development, and under Manager Dewayne Rogers, that commitment comes to life every day.

Over the past year, CCRC has partnered with Michigan Works! Region 7B provided opportunities for several participants.

When Clare County Director of Business Services LeeAnne Comer reached out about a young man exploring civil engineering, Dewayne didn’t hesitate. “YES,” he said.

That young man, Cameron Letts, entered the Young Professionals Program hoping to test the waters, and quickly found himself immersed in real-world experience. Over the summer, Cameron worked on bridge replacement, major road paving, and other essential projects, all while learning the ropes from Dewayne and his team.

By the end of the season, Cameron had transformed from a quiet, tentative student into a confident, engaged professional. He built a resume packed with hands-on skills, networked with engineers, and even secured part-time employment with CCRC while pursuing his degree.

Dewayne’s commitment doesn’t stop with a single success story. He designed a Road Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, completed by youth participant Ashlyn Kohn, who later landed a position with the Allegan County Road Commission thanks to Dewayne’s personal outreach.

Victoria Humphrey, who is our Clare County Alumni of the Year, also thrived under his guidance, completing her OJT and excelling at a statewide skills test—outperforming even seasoned drivers.

Additional participants have trained, completed OJTs, and transitioned into full-time roles with CCRC, benefiting directly from Dewayne’s mentorship. His support for local CTE programs, hands-on presentations for students, and genuine investment in people entering the workforce demonstrate a rare combination of industry expertise and heart.

Through vision, leadership, and an open-door approach to guidance, Dewayne Rogers and CCRC embody what it means to grow talent, strengthen the community, and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals—one apprentice, one student, and one success story at a time. This annual event honors past participants who have worked hard to overcome barriers and achieve success — with encouragement and support from Michigan Works! Region 7B. Alumni were recognized among their peers by Michigan Works! Region 7B staff, local elected officials, workforce development board members, legislators, and family members. Each honoree was presented with certificates of recognition and a gift.

Representing Clare County is Victoria Humphrey.

When Victoria Humphrey walked through the doors of the Michigan Works! Region 7B Clare County Service Center on July 20, 2023, she had one goal in mind: to move her career forward.

With determination and focus, Victoria set her sights on earning her CDL-A license.

The Michigan Works! team helped transfer her case from another county and connected her with an On-the-Job Training (OJT) contract with the Clare County Road Commission.

“Victoria applied at the Road Commission with little experience. During her interview she stated that she was having a hard time finding employment because no one would give her a chance with her lack of experience due to her young age,” said Dewayne Rogers, Manager of the Clare County Road Commission. “What stood out about her was there was a want in her. When she got the On-the-Job Training offer, she was very appreciative for the opportunity and wanted to make the most of it.”

Whether it was mastering equipment, learning safety protocols, or navigating the responsibilities of a full-time position, Victoria met each milestone with persistence and professionalism.

That hard work paid off. Victoria successfully completed her OJT, earned her CDL-A Truck Driver endorsement, and secured permanent employment with the Clare County Road Commission.

“Victoria's growth has been amazing. She is one of the best plow truck drivers at the Road Commission. She cares about the people of Clare County and cares about the quality of work she does,” Dewayne said. “She does all of her assigned tasks and is in the process of learning how to run more pieces of equipment to make herself even more valuable.”

He added, “Partnering with Michigan Works! has been a tremendous help in finding valuable employees that take pride in their work. It allows other people like Victoria, who may not have the experience to get them in the door on their own.”

Honored in addition to Calvin were Victoria Humphrey, Clare County; Alecia Vaughn, Gladwin County; John McBride, Iosco County; James Speer, Ogemaw County; Brittney Willis, Roscommon County; Clare County Road Commission, Employer of the Year; and Sacred Heart Mission, Gladwin – Inspiring Community Partner of the Year.