BENTON HARBOR — St. Joseph resident Neil Vernasco was recently honored at the 2011 Michigan Works! Association Alumni Celebration.

Neil, a Western Michigan University Business School graduate, spent a successful career working in sales.

But when the economy declined in 2009, he, like so many other southwest Michigan residents, found himself unemployed for the first time in 31 years,

Already enrolled in the science-energy production technology program at Lake Michigan College, Neil was concerned about how to continue funding the education he knew would be necessary for a career change.

He learned from fellow classmates about a scholarship offered by Michigan Works! for laid-off workers and discovered he was eligible.

“Michigan Works! provided the funding for tuition and books enabling me to complete the program and make a mid-life career change without having to mortgage my future,” he said.

Neil exemplifies the thousands of displaced workers who have been forced to make mid-career changes during the recession, according to Michigan Works! Executive Director Todd Gustafson.

“Neil worked hard all his life to support his family, and due to circumstances beyond his control, he needed some help. When the economy shifted, Neil saw the writing on the wall and took proactive steps to take charge of his future. We hope he will be an inspiration to all of southwest Michigan jobseekers who are struggling with similar challenges.”

After graduating debt-free, Neil was hired to work in power plant operations with Consumers Energy at the J.H. Campbell Unit 3 electricity generating complex.

He credits his new career in part to a connection he was able to make during one of his fossil fuel classes and the scholarship from Michigan Works!.

Sen. John Proos was among the several state legislators presenting tributes to exemplary jobseekers.

“I am very excited about the opportunities Michigan Works! is offering to help citizens get back to work and achieve their goals,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “It’s great to see these types of initiatives working right here in southwest Michigan.”

Each year, the Michigan Works! Association hosts this celebration to honor the achievements of Michigan citizens who have attained the education and marketable skills needed for jobs in high-demand occupations and new industries.

The event was held Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing, where Neil was among 25 honorees presented with an Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award.

Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is a non-profit, workforce development organization that provides the skilled workforce necessary to meet the needs of employers.

They offer no-cost services to employers and jobseekers through offices in Benton Harbor, Buchanan, Dowagiac, Niles, Paw Paw and South Haven.

For more information, call 1-800-533-5800 or visit www.miworks.org <http://www.miworks.org>.