This year marks the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s 12th annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards. The Alliance works collectively to attract, develop, and retain the highly-skilled workforce critical to the manufacturing industry in northeast Wisconsin. Since its inception in 2006, the Alliance has grown to over 300 members, with manufacturers partnering with educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, economic developers, and nonprofit agencies. 

The Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards celebrates regional industry and education partnerships. Over the past 12 years, over 475 schools, manufacturers, and community partnerships have been nominated. This is just a small snapshot of examples exemplifying the strong partnerships between manufacturers and education.

John West, president of Fox Valley Metal-Tech and NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s (NEWMA) Board member, envisioned the Awards program. In 2012, he presented the idea of an Awards program to the Board. He thought the Alliance could bring attention to the best-in-class collaborations; others would then learn how to replicate it in their business or school.  Also, an Awards dinner would create a venue where people that normally do not meet would have the chance to connect.  Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) has sponsored the event each year.  A special thank you to WEDC and A to Z Machine.  A to Z Machine has made the awards given to the winners, with the assistance of high school students.  This is another great example of manufacturers working with schools!

The 12th annual NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s “Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards” is being held on October 24, 2023, at the Resch Expo in Green Bay.