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Precision Plus Offers Two $5,000 Scholarships for 2015/2016 Incoming MSOE Freshman ME Students

Michael Reader

Through March 13, 2015, Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Financial Aid Office will accept applications for the $5,000 Precision Plus Scholarship, available for up to two qualified students.  These scholarships are made available to 2015/2016 incoming MSOE Freshman Mechanical Engineering students. A series of criteria must be met in order to qualify to be considered for the scholarships, including participating (if offered) in a paid summer internship at Precision Plus following the school year.  The scholarships are renewable, providing the recipients fulfill all the criteria.

For complete information, please click here.

Mike Reader of Precision Plus Speaks at the 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development

Michael Reader

On February 12, 2015, Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus participated in a panel presentation at the 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in Madison, Wisconsin. Other panelists were Michael Shiels, Dean, School of Applied Technologies at Waukesha Technical College Dual Enrollment Academy, and Lori Peacock, Career and Technical Education Partnerships and Program Coordinator at Bay Link Manufacturing, Bay Area Public School District.

The audience of about 120, comprised mostly by economic development professionals and educators, appeared to be genuinely interested in learning about workforce development. The program was entitled “Best in Class: Best in Manufacturing.”

The goal of the program was to explore the unique “best practices” of work-based/school-based educational models each of the organizations represented has put in motion to increase awareness and skill development, as well as promote leadership within Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce.

Mike Reader recaps the panel presentations: “Michael Shiels led off the program by explaining what Dual Enrollment Academy is doing to attract and develop talent for the area employers.  Lori Peacock talked about Bay Link Manufacturing, an entity which exists as part of Green Bay West High School, and which was modeled after the successful Cardinal Manufacturing program at Eleva-Strum High School.”


Mike Reader’s presentation included a slideshow outlining the thirteen steps Precision Plus has taken to help close the skills gap. Reader also talked about the reason why his company gets involved at all levels: “We need to change/correct the outdated perception of manufacturing,” he explained. He concluded by encouraging the audience to get involved in supporting the growth of manufacturing in Wisconsin and the initiatives that will result in career opportunities for many.

The program was followed by a Q&A session. Barb LaMue, Sector Development Manager of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), moderated the presentation, and shortly followed up with this email:

Michael, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for presenting last Thursday at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development.  Your devotion, passion, and knowledge of connecting young adults to meaningful education and careers certainly was evident.   Your panel received the top evaluation scores.  Thank you for your continued investment in Wisconsin and being such a manufacturing champion!

On behalf of Precision Plus and the Wisconsin manufacturing industry, Mike Reader welcomes any opportunity to inform, educate and engage with others about the future of manufacturing.  He can be contacted via email or by phone.

Chinese Educators Visit Precision Plus To Learn About Classrooms Within Manufacturing Facilities

Michael Reader

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, a delegation of educators from the AMIO International English Schools located in the City of Weifang, Shandong, China, visited and toured Precision Plus  Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, facilitated the tour.

AMIO’s Principal Ms. Haizhen Wang, teachers Ms. Xiuxiang Wu and Ms. Xinhua Feng,  and Marketing and Recruiting Manager Ms. Chongjuan Han, were led by Mr. David An, AMIO’s Managing Director. The delegation came to the Elkhorn, Wisconsin area to observe how high school classes are conducted in the U.S.

AMIO International English Schools have an impeccable reputation not only for teaching the American English language as a skill, but also for their notable efforts to understand native customs, traditions and the semantics that go along with learning the language. AMIO is a private school based on the educational initiatives of DynEd.

The delegation stopped at Precision Plus to learn about how the company combines hands-on training and disciplined onsite classroom teaching.

Cloud-Based Storage and Retrieval: An Article by Jeff Lemmermann

Michael Reader

Jeff Lemmermann, CFO and CIO of Precision Plus has recently published an article in the 2015 spring issue of “CPA2b Magazine,” a quarterly publication by the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The article entitled” Cloud-Based Storage and Retrieval, Do the Opportunities Outweigh the Risks” delves into the rewards and the risks of storing data in “the cloud.” Lemmermann also shares valuable tips for asking the right questions to help make the right decisions when assessing and securing a provider.

Click to read the full article, and/or download a PDF.

PMPA Continues to Be At the Center of the Precision Manufacturing Industry

Michael Reader

For over eighty years, the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) has played a key role in the journey of the industry. The PMPA is truly a 360-degree trade organization comprised of industry leaders who understand that having an active and strong manufacturing industry is vital to the overall strength and stability of our economy. Through a full-range of programs and services, the PMPA helps its members “meet their operational challenges and focus on new business opportunities.”

With plenty of involvement opportunities at all levels of membership–active, associate, technical or affiliate, the PMPA attributes the success of the organization to its members and their ongoing involvement at all levels.

Precision Plus is vested in this organization, actively participating in several committees at the national level including Strategic Planning, PMTS (Precision Machining Tool Show), Management Update, Government Affairs and Quality, as well as playing an active role in the PMPA local Wisconsin chapter.

Precision Plus will be represented at the PMPA Management Update Conference taking place in San Antonio, TX from February 27 through March 1st, and the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS)  in Columbus, OH scheduled for April 21-23, 2015.

Jeff Lemmermann, Precision Plus’s CFO and CTO is scheduled to speak at the Management Update Conference on the subject of hacking.

Then, preceding PMTS, Precision Plus’ Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, and Dale Wittlieff, Director of Quality and Continued Improvement, will be at hand at the 2015 PMPA National Technical Conference, also taking place in Columbus from April 19 through the 21st. Along with Robin Rutschlling of Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc., and Rich Nast of Bracalente Manufacturing Group, Butters will share actionable steps during a program titled, “How to Deal With the Skilled Training Issue.” The panel will provide real-world examples of “what their shops are doing in their communities to draw the best and the brightest into our industry.”

Dale Wittlieff will assist in a presentation entitled “ISO-9001:2015; A Look over the Horizon.” Although this revision will not become official until the end of 2015, this session aims “to provide insight as to how you can best prepare for this change,” learning about key changes, understanding what is needed to comply, and hearing examples on how to implement the new requirements.

Click here for more information on the PMPA, and timely information industry updates on their Speaking of Precision Blog.

Precision Plus Featured in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Article

Michael Reader

On January 20, 2015, Precision Plus was featured by PLTW in an article entitled, “PLTW Spotlight: PLTW Wisconsin State Leadership Team.”

The article, which appeared on the PLTW Blog, outlines the accomplishments achieved over the last ten years thanks to the partnership forged between Wisconsin educators and Project Lead The Way, which can now boast that “nearly 400 Wisconsin schools have implemented PLTW’s project and problem-based K-12 STEM programs.”

In the article, Jason Tadlock, superintendent of the Elkhorn Area School District and a member of the PLTW Wisconsin State Leadership Team, points to  the impressive success of “hands-on programs” on students at all levels.

Tadlock also talks about the direct correlation between manufacturers involvement and the overall success of the program. Precision Plus is cited for offering “numerous opportunities to PLTW students, including apprenticeships, career fairs, and even on-site PLTW capstone course instruction in the Precision Plus classroom.”

PLTW is the nation’s leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) solution in over 6,500 schools across the U.S.

Click here to read the complete article.

The WEDA Invites Precision Plus’ Mike Reader to Speak at the 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in Madison, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) will hold its 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on February 11-13, 2015. This year’s conference theme is “Shifting Sands – Preparing for the Future,” and will take place at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus. has accepted an invitation to speak at a breakout session entitled “Best in Class: Best in Manufacturing,” to be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 2:25 pm until 4:00 pm.

According to Bruce Kepner, Economic Development Manager, of Alliant Energy, who is also a co-chair for the 2015 conference, “One of the topic areas that will be covered at this year’s conference is workforce development and new and innovative programs that Wisconsin companies are using to meet the need for skilled talent.”

Kepner, who visited the Precision Plus facility in June 2014, was impressed with the company’s progressive educational initiatives, and thought it would be “an approach others would benefit from learning about. “

Mike will join two other speakers: Michael Shiels, Dean, School of Applied Technologies at Waukesha Technical College Dual Enrollment Academy; and Lori Peacock, Career and Technical Education Partnerships and Program Coordinator at Bay Link Manufacturing of the Green Bay Area Public School District. Barb LaMue of the WEDC will moderate this session.

This session will explore the unique “best practices” work-based/school-based educational models that each organization represented has put in motion to increase awareness, skill development and promote leadership within Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce.

The conference kicks off on February 11th with WEDA’s Legislative Day and continues on the 12th and 13th. In addition to engaging breakout sessions, the conference will feature renowned keynote speakers and diverse sessions with speakers focusing on Wisconsin’s shifting economy.

Click here for more information on the WEDA’s 20th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development.

Mike Reader Will Serve as a Panelist in the Upcoming Midwest Industrial Efficiency Summit

Michael Reader

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015, industry leaders will convene at the Chicago Hilton and Towers to share their experiences and knowledge for sustained energy efficiency efforts during the Midwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit. This is a yearly event sponsored by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), organized to “celebrate accomplishments and inspirations in energy efficiency, as well as layout out the efficiency program and policy landscape for the coming year” in the Midwest. The summit takes place in conjunction with the 3-day 2015 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, which goes through January 30th.

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, was asked to be part of a panel titled “Companies Capitalizing on Opportunity,” where he, Rick Sites and Jeff Rehm, will address their “commitments, successes and challenges” in achieving energy and GHG emission reductions, as well as the non-energy benefits inherited from energy efficiency initiatives. Rick Sites is the Energy and Sustainability Team Leader at Ohio Hospital Association. Jeff Rehm is Senior Manager, Corporate Facilities & Global Sustainability at W.W. Grainger, Inc. Panel moderator will be Christopher Russel, Visiting Fellow, Industry, ACEEE.

Reader plans to share Precision Plus’ current processes to identify viable “green” solutions for energy-related scenarios, which include challenging ROI calculations. Reader adds that this arena is constantly changing and it important to stay at the forefront of energy efficiency developments.

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training To Receive Annual “Friend of the Elkhorn Area School District” Award

Michael Reader

Congratulations to Precision Plus’s Director of Education and Training Barry Butters, who has received a “Friend of the Elkhorn Area School District” award.  The awards will be presented on January 26, 2015 at Elkhorn Middle School.  The award is a framed picture created by a West Side Elementary student.
Precision Plus proudly supports local educational initiatives.

EVENT UPDATE:

Barry Butters receives “Friends of Elkhorn Area School District” award.

 

On February 26, 2015 Manufacturers Across Wisconsin Will Meet at the Manufacturing Matters! Conference in Milwaukee

Michael Reader

The 2015 Manufacturing Matters! Conference welcomes Wisconsin manufacturers for the 18th consecutive year. On February 26, 2015, the conference will showcase a variety of informational and educational sessions as well as a trade show.

The conference will run from 7:00 am until 4:15 pm,  and will feature keynote speaker Mike Laszkiewicz, Vice President & General Manager, Power Control Business Rockwell Automation, as well as over forty speakers who will address attendees on an array of subjects from trends to staffing , to continuous improvement. Additionally, key sponsors to the industry will be featured at the concurrent trade show.

Manufacturing Matters! is sponsored by The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), and focuses on “delivering unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.”

The conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. For more information, click here.

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