Your employees are the foundation of your organization. Each day, they complete tasks essential to your day-to-day operations. Whether they’re on the front lines or behind the scenes, they’re making sure customers are happy or products are perfect.
The Bev Drake Essential Service Awards were created by the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board to honor those individuals, shining a light on our essential employees who touch our lives daily, deliver superior service, and play a vital role in our economy.
The awards were named after Bev Drake, former West Michigan Works! CEO and community advocate. Bev’s legacy of collaborating with businesses and community partners to develop impactful workforce development solutions drives our work today.
Please watch the video below created to remember Bev’s incredible contributions and honor her legacy.
2024 Award Winners
In February of 2025 we came together at an Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon to recognize our 2024 Bev Drake Essential Service Award winners. Watch the video below, and click the Meet Our Winners button, to learn about these dedicated frontline workers.
Bev Drake Essential Service Awards Nominations
You don’t always remember what they say, but you always remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time. Their jobs are essential to West Michigan. Each day these individuals, whether on the front line or behind the scenes, complete tasks that allow our community to thrive.
Who goes above and beyond in your industry to earn a Bev Drake Essential Service Award?
The nomination period for the 2025 awards will be open in the coming months. Winners will be celebrated at their work this fall, and then awarded at an Economic Club of Grand Rapids Luncheon winter 2026.
