Washington County awarded New Partner of the Year
On Wednesday, April 16, Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) recognized its valued business and industry partners at the annual Business and Industry Partner Awards luncheon at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center.
According to the release from MPTC, the event celebrates organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to workforce innovation, education and development through their partnership with the college in 2024. At the event, MPTC honors five standout partnerships each year with awards, including Employer of the Year, Excellence in Partnership, New Partner of the Year, Innovation, and Workforce Development Champion.
“The partnerships we’re recognizing today — many of them go back years and even decades,” said Moraine Park Dean of Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) JoAnn Hall. “That longevity means a great deal to the College but even more so to the communities we serve. These collaborations not only help ensure businesses remain strong and successful today but also drive economic growth for generations to come.”
Employer of the Year — Seneca Foods Corporation
Seneca Foods Corporation was honored as MPTC’s 2024 Employer of the Year for its longstanding investment in employee development and partnership with the College.
According to the college, their partnership first began in 2005 with CPR training and has since grown into a valuable collaboration focused on building workforce skills. In 2015, Seneca evolved its partnership with MPTC to include additional training in machining, safety, technical knowledge and leadership. Since then, Seneca has expanded training efforts from four to nine plant locations. In 2024, nearly 200 employees participated in training programs such as mill and lathe, industrial maintenance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), supervision, leadership, welding, preventative maintenance, and more.
“On behalf of Seneca, I just want to say to Moraine Park and all the staff here — we honor our partnership with you and everything you do to advance our employees’ skills,” said Seneca Foods Human Resources Director Dustin Farberg. “The ability to send our team for advanced training through your programs, facilities and instructors is a huge asset — not only to our company but to many others as well. We truly cherish this partnership and look forward to continuing it for years to come.”
Excellence in Partnership — Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation
Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation was named the 2024 recipient of MPTC’s Excellence in Partnership Award. The company has been a longstanding partner with the college, demonstrating commitment through advisory involvement, student engagement, employee training and event sponsorships.
In 2023, Apache partnered with MPTC to provide employee training in computer numerical control (CNC) milling and machining, mill and lathe operations, industrial maintenance, and mental health first aid. Apache has also played a role in the college’s boot camp programs, mentoring and training 40 welding interns over the past year.
“We realized we needed to upskill the people we had, and the first place we turned was Moraine Park,” Apache Human Resources Director Pam Korth said. “Trust is a big deal at our company. We are 100 percent employee-owned, and our core values align closely with Moraine Park’s. I’m so grateful to have a team at the College we can lean into. They’ve helped us tremendously to grow our employment base.”
New Partner of the Year — Washington County
Washington County was selected as MPTC’s 2024 New Partner of the Year for its visionary leadership and philanthropic commitment to workforce development and education in the region.
When MPTC launched its $2 million capital campaign to expand and enhance the West Bend Campus, Washington County — under the leadership of County Executive Josh Schoemann — stepped forward as the campaign’s first platinum- giving champion, pledging a $500,000 matching gift.
“Through this first pledge, the College has secured a number of additional partnership opportunities and pledges,” Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said. “As of today, the campaign has reached $1.54 million — thanks in large part to the momentum started by Washington County.”
In addition to capital support, the county helped increase access to affordable child care. The county contributed $100,000 to the West Bend Community Foundation to launch a unique scholarship initiative, which combined with other community foundation donors has set aside a total of $500,000 to support early childhood education. As a result, Moraine Park students training in early childhood education at the West Bend Campus are now receiving scholarship support. Nearly $40,000 has been awarded in the first year.
Innovation Award — St. Mary’s Springs Academy
St. Mary’s Springs Academy (SMSA) received MPTC’s 2024 Innovation Award for its collaboration on the J-Term program; an initiative that offers hands-on, project-based learning for high school students.
The J-Term, held during the first two weeks of January, offers an opportunity for SMSA students to earn both high school and college credit through interdisciplinary courses. The program has already impacted 98 students over the past two years.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said SMSA Principal Eamonn O’Keefe. “We have a phenomenal team at St. Mary’s — open-minded educators, kids who are eager to try new things and learn — but without a partner like Moraine Park, we couldn’t offer the facilities and teacher expertise our students experience on campus.”
Workforce Development Champion — Melissa Bielinski, Kleen Test
This year’s Workforce Champion Award awardee was Kleen Test Products Human Resources Director Melissa Bielinski.
According to the college, Bielinski received this award for displaying a strong dedication to employee advancement. Under her guidance, the company has established a training framework that raises the bar for professional growth, including a formal application process, clear expectations and a peer mentorship component that connects participants with colleagues who have successfully completed the training — fostering a supportive and goal-oriented learning environment.
The release also stated that Bielinski’s approach has helped create a culture where continuous learning is encouraged and advancement is achievable, empowering employees to thrive in their roles and pursue longterm success within the company.
“I’ve been with Kleen Test for 20 years, and in my current role for 10,” Bielinski said. “Developing employees is something that is so critically important to me because I myself am someone who worked my way up in the company. It is so rewarding to welcome people into this program and watch how they grow, both personally and professionally, from start to finish.”
Article originally posted on the Washington County Daily News