Business Advisory Council (BAC)

Area businesses can offer their professional and occupational expertise by serving on Goodwill's Business Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC group meets monthly to offer feedback that helps shape the curriculum of Goodwill's training programs - ensuring our training meets the evolving needs and expectations of area employers. There is currently a BAC in the fields of retail, hospitality and janitorial, and soon in the field of manufacturing.

Retail BAC

Chairperson: Al Wiltse, Meijer
Vice-Chairperson: Steve Dodson, Big Lots
Secretary: Joann Borgerding, D&W
Tim Tyler, J & M Services LLC
Jill Plasman, Daymon Worldwide
Debra Bates, District Manager, Elite Marketing Solutions

Janitorial BAC

Jerry Buffenbarger, Manager, Axios Staffing
Ruby Garces, Owner, Clean-Tech Services, LLC
Rick Gould, President, Integrity Building Group
Derrick Hayes, President of Sales, Custodial Housekeeping Staffing, Inc.
Tony Zapata, Owner, Custodial Housekeeping Staffing, Inc.

Hospitality BAC

Chairperson: Joseff Vanhorn, General Manager of Restaurant Operations, Chicago's Deep Dish N' Dogs
Vice Chair: Sharon K. Bosman, Chef/Consultant, Metropolitan Hospital
Secretary: Judith Young, Senior Sales Manager, Hilton Grand Rapids
Debra Bates, District Manager, Elite Marketing Solutions
Ryan Bennink, Customer Development Specialist, Gordon Food Service
Judy Brocato, Business Development Manager, Coca Cola
Chris Erskine, Operational Manager, Ace Vending Service
Jon Howe, Executive Chef, HDS/Porterhills
Michelle La Blance, Director Human Resources, Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
Cindi Romanowski, Risk Human Resource Manager, Wendy's of Michigan

To learn more about the Business Advisory Council (BAC), contact Sara VanDrie, Placement Supervisor, at (616) 532-4200 ext. 147.