The NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards took place on October 29, 2024. The event, held at the Resch Expo in Green Bay, WI, aimed to recognize and honor partnerships between the manufacturing industry and educational institutions in northeast Wisconsin. The Alliance, which was established in 2006, consists of over 300 members, 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.

The Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards acknowledges and celebrates collaborative efforts between industry and education. Over the past 13 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 manufacturers and educational entities in the region. 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.