At Rathbun Insurance, we believe strong communities are built when businesses, educators, workforce professionals, government leaders, and community organizations work together to create opportunities for people to thrive.
That commitment extends beyond the work we do each day for our clients. Rathbun Insurance President and Partner Laura Stoken is proud to serve on the Capital Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board, supporting efforts to connect individuals with meaningful career opportunities while ensuring employers throughout our region have access to the talent they need to grow.
Over the past month, Laura had the privilege of participating in conversations with both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). These meetings provided valuable opportunities to discuss the present and future of workforce development in our region and across Michigan.
The meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor focused on showcasing the strength of our region’s workforce development system and, more importantly, the power of strong partnerships in action. Across our communities, tremendous work is taking place to connect people with education, training, and meaningful career opportunities - from early career exploration for K-12 students through programs supporting adults at every stage of their careers.
At the same time, our workforce development partners are listening to employers and working alongside them to understand evolving talent needs, develop skilled workers, and create stronger pipelines into in-demand careers. Employers, schools, higher education institutions, workforce organizations, government agencies, and community partners each bring an important perspective to this work. Having the opportunity to demonstrate how those relationships are working together in Mid-Michigan was something we were incredibly proud to be part of.
Our conversation with Michigan LEO provided another important opportunity to learn more about Michigan’s Statewide Workforce Plan and the work underway to strengthen our state’s talent pipeline. The discussion also allowed us to explore where partnerships between employers and workforce leaders can continue to grow and where advocacy efforts can make a meaningful impact.
For us, that is an important part of workforce development. Employers cannot simply identify workforce challenges. We also need to be willing to participate in developing solutions, sharing what we are experiencing, creating opportunities for workers, and advocating for the resources and policies that help both businesses and individuals succeed.
As an independent insurance agency, we also recognize the important role our own industry plays in Michigan’s workforce and economy. According to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, more than 82,000 Michiganders work in the insurance industry, earning more than $8 billion in salaries annually. Insurance careers extend far beyond traditional sales roles and include opportunities in technology, cybersecurity, marketing, communications, accounting, human resources, legal services, claims, risk management, actuarial work, leadership, and many other fields.
That makes workforce development particularly important to our industry. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to introduce students, young professionals, career changers, and job seekers to the wide range of careers available in insurance while continuing to invest in developing and retaining the talented professionals already serving Michigan families and businesses.
We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and Capital Area Michigan Works! for the work they are doing every day to strengthen our workforce and create opportunities throughout our region. We are equally grateful for the employers, educators, community organizations, and workforce partners who understand that building a strong talent pipeline is a shared responsibility.
At Rathbun Insurance, our vision is simple: Being There Matters Most. Being there for our community also means participating in the conversations that help shape its future. We are grateful to have a seat at the table, proud to advocate for employers and workers, and honored to be part of a community committed to building a stronger workforce and a stronger Michigan for generations to come.