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

February 23, 2015

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

20th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic Development, Barb LaMue, Bay Link Manufacturing, Cardinl Manufacturing, Dual Enrollment Academy, Eleva Strum High School, Lori Peacock, Michael Shiels, Mike Reader, Precision Plus, WEDC, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Econoic Development Corporationm

Michael Reader

On February 12, 2015, Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus participated in a panel presentation at the 20^th 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 Reader also talked about the reason why his company gets involved at all levels: “We need to change/correct the outdated perception of manufacturing,” he explained.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.

Educational Development

February 15, 2015

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

AMIO International English School, Barry Butters, China, classrooms in manufacturing facilities, delegation, DynEd, educational initiatives, Elkhorn, Precision Plus, Shandong, teachers, Weifang, Wisconsin

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.

Industry News

February 8, 2015

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

article, Cloud-based storage and retrieval, CPA2b Magazine, Jeff Lemmermann, Precision Plus, rewards, risks, tips, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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.

Industry News

January 24, 2015

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

2015, 20th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic Development, Alliant Energy, Bay Link Manufacturing Green Bay Area Public School District, Best in Class: Best in Manufacturing, breakout session, Bruce Kepner, February 11-13, Lori Peacock, Madison, Michael Shiels, Mike Reader, Precision Plus, Speaker, Waukesha Technical College Dual Enrollment Academy, WEDA, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Association

Michael Reader

Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) will hold its 20^th 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 11^th with WEDA’s Legislative Day and continues on the 12^th and 13^th. 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 20^th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic Development.

Industry News

January 23, 2015

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

2015, ACEEE, Chicago, Christopher Russel, Companies Capitalizing on Opportunity, Inc., January 28, Jeff Rehm, Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, Midwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit, Mike Reader, Ohio Hospital Association, Precision Plus, President, Rick Sites, W.W.Grainger

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 30^th.

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.

Community Involvement

January 21, 2015

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

2015, Barry Butters, congratulations, educational initiatives, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area School District, Friend of the Elkhorn Area School District, January 16, Precision Plus, Wisconsin

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.

Community Involvement Industry News

January 15, 2015

2015 Manufacturing Career Panel To Be Held on February 18 at Elkhorn Area High School

Michael Reader

The third annual Manufacturing Career Panel will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Elkhorn Area High School. In partnership with Elkhorn Area H.S., Precision Plus will lead a panel of manufacturing experts who will talk to an audience of over 200 students from area high schools about bright and challenging manufacturing career possibilities. The event will take place from 1:00 to 2:35 p.m.

This year, four manufacturing industry leaders will participate as panelists, with Mike Reader of Precision Plus as Master of Ceremonies. All four panelists have demonstrated their tenacious spirit to succeed and will share their experiences and insights with the students.

Dawn Tabat, Chief Operations Officer – Generac. Ms. Tabat, currently oversees manufacturing, logistics, global supply chain, quality, safety, information services and human resources. She began her career at Generac with a summer job on the assembly line. Tabat credits her corporate success to welcoming and making the best of opportunities as they presented themselves—a trait, which she strives to pay forward. With 2013 revenues of $1.5B, Generac Power Systems is a manufacturer of backup power generation products for residential, light commercial and industrial markets.

Geoff Martin, Principal and Senior Leader – GE Healthcare Partners; Service Line Leader for GE’s Hospital of the Future Solution. Mr. Martin leads implementation teams who provide transformational solutions for organizational redesign and governance enhancement of healthcare institutions. GE’s Solutions focuses on increasing access, decreasing costs, and improving quality in healthcare through a combination of consulting and technology.

Dennis Giesler, General Manager- Parker Hannifin’s Quick Coupling Division. Mr. Giesler has led the Quick Coupling Division—the world’s largest manufacturer of quick couplings–since 2008. The company also produces hydraulic and pneumatic couplings in a variety of sizes, materials, and end configurations to accommodate a broad spectrum of design requirements as well as offering hydraulic swivels, check valves and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

Rick Lofy, Lean Six Sigma Instructor at Gateway Technical College, and Coordinator, CNC Summer Youth Boot Camp held at IMET Center in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. Mr. Lofy will explain the boot camp program, and the benefits for students with regard to skills and knowledge, and work experience. Additionally, he will address the boot camp’s expectations and hours.

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus Mr. Reader who has presented on our first two panels and is the chief organizer of the event. He along with Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus, have dedicated themselves to bringing the world of manufacturing to students of area schools through field trips, job shadows, internships, youth apprenticeships, and informational panels.

This event attracts high-caliber students who are up for the challenge offered in today’s high-tech manufacturing arena. Fourteen high schools have been invited to participate:

Badger High School (Lake Geneva, WI)
Beloit Memorial High School (Beloit, WI)
Big Foot High School (Walworth, WI)
Burlington High School (Burlington, WI)
Delavan Darien High School (Delavan, WI)
East Troy High School (East Troy, WI)
Faith Christian School (Williams Bay, WI)
Richmond Burton High School (Richmond, IL)
Union Grove High School (Union Grove, WI)
Waterford High School (Waterford, WI)
Westosha Central High School (Salem, WI)
Whitewater High School (Whitewater, WI)
Williams Bay High School (Williams Bay, WI)
Wilmot High School (Wilmot, WI)

For more information about the event, please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus via phone or email.

Manufacturing helps to drive Wisconsin’s economy as a top contributor to the state’s real GDP ($50 billion in total output in 2013) and by employing16 percent (465,000) of the state’s workforce. While manufacturing was hit by the recent recession, it is making a fast-paced recovery. Reports indicate that the sector has recovered at least half of its jobs initially lost in the downturn, with the latest economic forecasts predicting continued employment growth and recovery into 2016. Manufacturing is expected to add nearly 19,000 jobs by 2020 (Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin). Many of these jobs will require skills to support the technologically evolving and lean operations of manufacturing companies.

Manufacturing in Wisconsin will continue to be a prime source of employment as we have more workers in this career field than any other state. In addition, the manufacturing sector provides some of the best-paying non-managerial jobs, particularly for those with less than a 4-year college degree.

To view recaps of previous events, please click on the year: 2013 – 2014

Company Updates Educational Development

January 10, 2015

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus Continues His Commitment Closing the Manufacturing Skills Gap, by Serving as a Corporate Member of the MSOE Board

14th best undergraduate engineering program, Board of Directors, commitment, Corporate, Mike Reader, Milwaukee School of Engineering, MSOE, Precision Plus, skills gap, U.S. News & World Report., Wisconsin

Michael Reader

In October of 2014, Precision Plus’ President Mike Reader was welcomed as one of the newest corporate members to join the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) Board.

MSOE Board is comprised of representatives of business, industry, government and education, which “governs the operations and the future planning of the university through a series of standing committees.” Above all, MSOE’s Board of Regents and Corporation members consider the relationship between industry and the university “a hallmark of MSOE.”

As a member of the MSOE Board, Reader reiterates his commitment to closing the manufacturing skills gap by strengthening the ties between education and real world high-tech manufacturing.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) ranked 14^th Best Undergraduate Engineering Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Other interesting “by the number” information about the school can be found here.

Community Involvement

December 22, 2014

Precision Plus Continues to Serve In the Community

2014, Barry Butters, December 14, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area School District, Elkhorn Independing, facilities recommendation report, Kellen Olshefski, Mike Reader, Precision Plus, Referendum, school board, technical programs, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

The Elkhorn Area School District Administration recommended to its Board of Education to form an advisory committee to explore the facility needs of the district. Following a community-wide survey addressing the district’s needs and the likelihood of community support for such needs, the advisory committee made its presentation to the board on December 15, 2014. The survey was conducted by an independent agency.

The administration sought to include a cross section of individuals from the community to serve on the advisory committee–parents and non-parents, educators and business leaders–and asked Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus to serve as a representative of a local manufacturer. Barry is also a long-time resident of Elkhorn, whose two children are graduates of the school district, and who already has had a strong working relationship with the school district.

“I was happy to serve on the committee,” said Butters who reiterated Precision Plus’ President Mike Reader’s sentiment that manufacturers need to be working with school districts instead of sitting idly and complaining about work force development issues.

The committee met numerous times over the last several months, during which time, they reviewed the 2014 community survey, a space capacity study and an overall facility study. Working together, the committee formulated a recommendation for a potential referendum, which balances the needs of the district, with the identified support level of the community.

On December 20, 2014, Tracy Owellete of My Walworth County posted an article by The Elkhorn Independent‘s Editor Kellen Olshefski, which outlines all the points presented at the board meeting and the proposed referendum.

Butters was one of three members of the committee who presented the committee’s recommendations to the board, including the community’s resounding support to fund the remodeling of the high school to include a new technical education wing supporting manufacturing career development.

The school board will take some time to review the issues and finalize the referendum questions that will be put to the community this spring.

To see a video of the board meeting, click here. To see the PowerPoint presentation of the facilities recommendation report, click here.

Community Involvement

December 18, 2014

Christmas Giving: Gifts Abound Under Precision Plus’ Angel Tree

area shelters, collections, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area School District, families in need, gifts, Mary Ellen Wright, Precision Plus, Secret Santa, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

For the second year in a row, Precision Plus employees have adopted two families in need from the Elkhorn Area School District.

Their Secret Santa mission consisted in granting the wishes of the children of the family, whose selfless requests often included small gifts for their own parents. Mary Ellen Wright, Social Worker for the Elkhorn Area School District, delivered a set of paper ornaments bearing their requests. The ornaments were hung on Precision Plus’ Angel Tree. Then, our Secret Santas picked one or more wish ornament, went shopping, and brought the gifts to put under the Angel Tree! On December 12, Mary Ellen Wright picked up all the presents, which will be delivered to the families before Christmas.

But their mission didn’t stop there. Besides fulfilling Christmas wishes, our team also brought non-perishable items to donate to area food banks.

We are proud of the kindness and generosity of the Precision Plus Team!

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