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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 Reader also talked about the reason why his company gets involved at all levels: “We need to change/correct the outdated perception of manufacturing,” he explained.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.

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.