Kinexus Group has released a statement amid on ongoing Berrien County inquiry into its operations and finances.
On Thursday, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners heard a preliminary report on the inquiry, hearing several concerns from its corporate council.
On Friday, Kinexus issued a statement, saying it’s worked for more than 25 years within the “governance structure that was established many years ago,” but further investigation has shown “that structure was not set up in a way that was fully aligned.”
It goes on to say that following Thursday’s report, it believes there is a constructive path forward, adding, “We agree that this is fundamentally a governance issue. We also recognize that the interlocal agreement, bylaws, founding documents, and the complex relationship between the counties and Kinexus Group should be restructured in a way that is clear, effective, and mutually agreed upon by the CEOB and Kinexus Group.”
Kinexus also says some media coverage of the situation has been “misleading, incomplete, or inaccurate, which has resulted in unnecessary controversy and distractions.” It says it’s worked to respond to all inquiries for information.
Kinexus closes by saying it remains “focused on the work ahead and the people we are here to serve.”
You can read the full statement from Kinexus Group below:
“We recognize that stories about our organization continue to unfold daily, and that public visibility around this issue is growing. Kinexus Group has submitted some corrections to address information we believe is inaccurate or incomplete to one main news organization. These corrections have yet to be posted in their entirety as promised. This statement reflects perspectives from Kinexus Group leadership.
For more than 25 years, Kinexus Group has operated as a nonprofit organization within the workforce development system. We have worked within the governance structure that was established many years ago and, based on our understanding through further investigation, that structure was not set up in a way that was fully aligned.
Throughout that time, in the spirit of collaboration, the Chief Elected Officials Board (CEOB) and board members have been part of the governance and oversight environment. It is important to note that Kinexus Group, as it exists today, was developed in cooperation and collaboration with the counties and with the involvement, insight, and knowledge of their representatives.
Since 2020, there have been 30 regular or special board meetings, involving the organization’s governance, and each included participation by at least three members of the CEOB. On average, at least five CEOB members have participated. The organization’s structure, activities, operations, policies, and evolution have therefore taken place with consistent county representation and involvement. This collaborative and intentional effort is how Kinexus has grown to be what it is today and has allowed us to create a larger collective impact for our communities.
We also recognize the important role local journalism plays in informing the public and holding organizations accountable. At the same time, several items being reported about Kinexus Group are, in our view, misleading, incomplete, or inaccurate, which has resulted in unnecessary controversy and distractions. We believe it is our responsibility to provide the facts, clarify the record, and ensure that the community has the information necessary to understand the situation.
Kinexus Group has been cooperative with requests for information and has responded to those we have received. We also have several outstanding requests that we are actively working to fulfill. Many of these requests are extensive and require significant time to research, verify, compile, and organize the relevant information. We are committed to completing that work thoughtfully and thoroughly.
The Kinexus Group team plays an important role in this community. With the counties’ primary concerns and goals now shared publicly as of Thursday, September 3, we believe we can move forward in a constructive way.
We agree that this is fundamentally a governance issue. We also recognize that the interlocal agreement, bylaws, founding documents, and the complex relationship between the counties and Kinexus Group should be restructured in a way that is clear, effective, and mutually agreed upon by the CEOB and Kinexus Group.
We are ready and committed to working collaboratively toward a governance structure that provides greater clarity, strengthens accountability, and best serves the communities and people who rely on the workforce system.
Our request to the public is simple: As this situation continues to evolve and news outlets continue to share information, we ask that the community consider the full picture and remain focused on what matters most- the work that has been accomplished.
What has not been included in the news stories you are reading also matters. It includes the team meetings where staff are focused on the important work happening across our communities. It includes the conversations and commitments expressed in meetings with key stakeholders involved about our intent to comply, collaborate, and work constructively with the counties. It includes the thousands of individuals and businesses we have supported over the years and the workforce programs and partnerships that have helped people find opportunity, strengthen their skills, and build better futures.
There is more to this organization and its impactful history than the current headlines.
Most importantly, we remain focused on the work ahead and the people we are here to serve.”
Note: Throughout WSJM’s reporting on the Kinexus inquiry, WSJM has made repeated requests for information from Kinexus. Those inquiries have often gone unanswered.
