Feb. 15, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Bayard Brooks, Grand Rapids Community College’s coordinator of facility operations and events, is one of eight people saluted by West Michigan Works! for outstanding and exemplary service.
Brooks was presented with a 2022 Essential Service Award from Malinda Powers, the organization’s communications director, at the Wisern-Bottrall Applied Technology Center this month.
As a conference services coordinator, Brooks is responsible for the details that give people a positive event experience when they visit GRCC.
Over the past 22 years, Bayard has consistently ensured that rooms are reserved, equipped with audio visual equipment, set up as planned, and confirmed with catering.
He leads tours of the facilities and is often a customer’s first point of contact.
“Bayard can always be counted on to get the job done, even if that means showing up early or staying late,” Powers said.
The Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards recognize the important role service workers play in the West Michigan economy.
“Without those who faithfully fulfill necessary roles, our economy would suffer greatly. These awards shine a bright light on these very special people,” the organization’s website reads.
Drake, a GRCC alumna, was a champion to those in need and a mentor to West Michigan community leaders.
She started her career in 1971 as an administrative aide for the city of Grand Rapids and then worked for the Grand Rapids Area Employment and Training Council. From 1985 to 2011, she served as executive director of Area Community Services Employment and Training, which creates economic opportunities for low-income, elderly, disabled, unemployed and under-employed people.
She was a founding member of the Coalition for Representative Government, and Michigan Works!, where she served on the directors council, established the Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards in her honor.
She was a member of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s board of directors for 27 years and was named the college’s Distinguished Alumna in 1995.
Team members must display pride in their job, have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and habits, punctuality and complete work on-time.
Nominations are submitted by employers and community members, and winners are chosen by a committee established by the Workforce Development Board.