Ottawa Co Recognized as ‘Champion of Diversity’ by Chamber of Commerce

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 04/18/2019 09:29 AM EDT

April 18, 2019

Ottawa County Recognized as ‘Champion of Diversity’ by West Coast Chamber

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce held its Celebrating Diversity Luncheon on Wednesday, April 17, and recognized Ottawa County as the Corporate Champion of Diversity.

Under the leadership of Administrator Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County embarked on a Four Cs organizational improvement strategy, which focuses on customer service, creativity, communication and cultural intelligence. As part of the cultural intelligence strategy, Ottawa County has implemented programs to train over 650 employees on diversity and inclusion within the sheriff's office, the courts, the health departments, and other government services. Ottawa County’s Cultural Intelligence Committee has built relationships with many community organizations including the Migrant Resource Council.

Ottawa County recently established the Diversity and Inclusion Office, which will be responsible for developing templates to uncover and eliminate implicit bias, develop plans to promote diversity, and be an internal consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion topics.

“I was honored to accept the corporate Champion of Diversity Award on behalf of Ottawa County and our outstanding employees," said Al Vanderberg, County Administrator. "Ottawa County’s vision statement is 'where you belong' and we look forward to continuing our journey, alongside others, to ensure that Ottawa County is welcoming to all, leading to prosperity into the future.”

County Administrator Al Vanderberg has served in many city and county management roles throughout his career, including posts in Kent County, South Haven, and Greenville, before assuming his current position with Ottawa County in 2003. He is a current member of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Council of Local Governments and Education on Equity and Inclusion and participates on the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance CEO Advisory Committee.

Ottawa County Commissioners and key staff receive the Champion of Diversity Award for Ottawa County. Photo Credit: Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce

Media Contacts:
Al Vanderberg | County Administrator | 616-738-4068 | avanderberg@miottawa.org

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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