The annual Excellence Awards celebrate regional industry and education partnerships. This year’s event will be held on October 27, 2026 at the Fire & Fir Event Center in Ashwaubenon, WI.
The event recognizes and honors partnerships between northeast Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry and educational institutions. The Alliance, established in 2006, consists of over 300 member organizations, including manufacturers, educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, economic developers, and nonprofit agencies. Its primary objective is to address the need for a skilled workforce within the manufacturing sector.
Over the years, more than 500 schools, manufacturers, and community partnerships have been nominated for their exemplary initiatives. These partnerships serve as a testament to the strong and mutually beneficial relationships between regional manufacturers and educational entities. By working together, these stakeholders are contributing to the development, retention, and attraction of highly skilled individuals crucial to the continued success of the manufacturing industry in northeast Wisconsin. The annual awards event symbolizes the ongoing commitment to fostering these vital partnerships and the positive impact they have on the local workforce and economy.
Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
2026 EDUCATION AWARD WINNERS
Career Pathmaker – Administrator – Mike Snowberry – Luxemburg-Casco School District
Career Pathmaker – Educator – Robert Turner – Omro High School
Career Pathmaker – Tech Ed Teacher – Dan Hacker – J.R. Gerritts Middle School, Kimberly Area School District
Education Innovation – Rocket Academy Dual Credit Advanced Tech Ctr
Elementary Educator – Angie Arneson – Seymour Middle School
High School Core Subject Educator – Whitney Wasmuth – Reedsville School District
Higher Education – Sarah Fischer – NWTC
2026 MANUFACTURER AWARD WINNERS
Brighter Image – Sargento
Educational Partnership – Seagrave
K-12 Outreach Administrator – Amber Smetek – Green Bay Packaging Corporate Office
Leadership – QComp Technologies
Manufacturing Mentor – Matt Goll – Therma-Tron-X, Inc.
Visionary – Lynn Stangel – Green Bay Packaging
Youth Apprenticeship – Briess
