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Better by Design. Since 2007, we've completed over $84 million in design/assist GMP projects. We have provided $2.7 million in savings back to the owner. 800.532.4376 | www.jfahern.com Blankenheim Services, leading the way for Business and Industry Creators Ergonomically-Based Injury Management® of For a FREE initial consultation on cost saving solutions, contact Melissa Samuels, OTR, National Sales Manager www.blankenheimservices.com | 920-830-6697 | 1650 Tri-Park Way, Suite A, Appleton, WI, 54914 20 | / insight on manufacturing • September 2013 insight from … involved. Such flexibility is essential to customizing career exploration. The final success factor – and the most important – is having a "champion for the cause," a person who is an active manufacturing career advocate and liaison between the schools and the manufacturers. Successful programs have individuals who actively create and persistently nurture this relationship. Without these strong, assertive advocates, even well-conceived career exploration programs are likely to become ineffectual. These manufacturing career champions take ownership, keep the communication open and relevant, follow through with plans and proposals, and address the inevitable obstacles that arise as the situation changes. Patty Van Ryzin, vice president of human resources at Bassett Mechanical sums it up. "Everyone's plates are full and resources are limited. Having a person who is focused on bridging the relationship between manufacturers and schools is very important to both parties." More manufacturers need to work more closely with the schools to fill the growing career gap in Northeast Wisconsin. And more educators need to effectively relate the curriculum and their student experiences to the wide range of manufacturing careers. It's also critical to recruit more people to be active career advocates and liaisons between the schools and manufacturers. They will be the expediters who will help bridge the manufacturing career gap. F Chris Linn is a senior marketing executive with more than 30 years of experience. Most recently he served as vice presidentmarketing and business development at Bassett Mechanical. He served on the steering committee for the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance and chaired its marketing committee. He is currently developing career connections between local manufacturers and the Appleton Area School District's Career and Technical Education staff. w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g .c o m