ABOUT US
The Agribusiness Talent Council of West Michigan works to attract talent, promote the industry and provide training and resources to employers.
WHAT WE DO
Formed in 2018, the Agribusiness Talent Council was created to address talent challenges in the agribusiness industry. The agribusiness industry includes farms, food processors and manufacturers, and animal-raising businesses, just to name a few.
With agriculture being a top five industry in Michigan, we set out to form a council to address employers' common talent challenges. The council focuses on attracting talent, promoting the industry, and providing training and resources for employers. The council is made up of employers and community partners, representing seven counties in West Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa.
OUR MEMBERS
Industry Council Lead - West Michigan Works!
KARRIE BROWN
Human Resources Manager, Leprino Foods
JULIE SUAREZ
Economic Development Coordinator, Ottawa County
BECKY HUTTENGA
Enhancement Director, Riveridge Produce Marketing INC.
JAMIE KOBER
Director of Business Solutions,
West Michigan Works!
AMY LEBEDNICK
AMY LEBEDNICK
Directory/Principal
Allegan Tech Center
RICH OKONIEWSKI
Human Resources Director, Herbruck's Poultry Ranch
JILL MACDOUGALL
JILL MACDOUGALL
Program Coordinator, MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, Muskegon CC
CLARENCE RUDAT
Lead Trainer, Hearthside Food Solutions
DIANNE SMIT
Human Resources, Dykhuis Farms
JESSICA VANDENBOSCH
Chief Financial Officer, Revolution Farms
TIM VOGELZANG
Director of Operations, Koeze Company
BEN ZORN
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