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Tag: Missouri Department of Economic Development

An older male worker wearing glasses and blue overalls instructs a younger male worker in a hard hat and plaid shirt in a manufacturing setting. They are reviewing a technical document together, symbolizing training and skill development in the workplace.

ECC Receives $1.2 Million for Area Manufacturers

December 30, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) has received $1.2 million in customized training funds to support leadership development and workforce training for employees at several area manufacturers in the region.

The funds are provided through the Missouri One Start program, a part of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Ranging from $8,000 to $65,000 per company, the funds will help manufacturers enhance employee skills, foster leadership growth, and strengthen the region’s workforce. A total of 32 area manufacturers are receiving funding.

“This funding is a significant investment in our local economy and workforce,” said Todd Tracy, CWD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with area businesses to provide tailored training programs that meet their specific needs and drive success.”

Impact Locally

According to Connie Rasmussen of Bugeye Technologies in Union, the company is using the training funds to provide leadership development for its management team and technical training for its employees. The training focuses on building management skills, achieving IPC certification, and improving proficiency in Excel—all critical for their operations as a smaller company.

“The training funds have allowed us to complete training for our managers and employees that we would have otherwise not been in our budget,” Rasmussen said. “The majority of our management team are younger employees and have not been in a managerial position previously, so the additional training has been beneficial in helping develop good Managers.”

She added that training funds like these are crucial to small businesses with limited training budgets.

“It is also helpful that ECC supports the growth and development of smaller businesses in our area,” Rasmussen said. “The grant funds are a tremendous help to small businesses.”

Kayla Whitcraft, Operations Analyst and Project Manager at Enjet Aero, shared that the company has benefited from customized training in leadership development, CNC programming, and CMM statistical analysis. This training has equipped their team with specialized skills necessary for success in the aerospace industry.

“Leadership development is crucial for fostering a strong, capable management team that can drive the company forward,” Whitcraft said. “The training provided has equipped our leaders with strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management skills, which are essential for guiding their teams and achieving our business objectives.”

Invaluable Partnership

Whitcraft noted that working with ECC’s CWD for customized training funds allows local employees to develop skills tailored to their needs.

“Partnerships with ECC’s Center for Workforce Development are invaluable as they provide access to high-quality, customized training programs that meet the specific needs of our company,” she added. “These collaborations also support the local workforce by enhancing their skills, making them more employable, and contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

Lacey Oswald, with WEG Transformers USA, explained that the Washington-based manufacturer has used the funds to enhance technical abilities, gain industry-specific certifications, and improve soft skills such as communication and teamwork. These targeted efforts have led to increased productivity, better employee retention, and greater overall competitiveness.

“Our company has significantly benefited from the Missouri One Start program through tailored training solutions that address our specific workforce needs,” she said. “This has led to increased productivity, improved employee retention, and enhanced overall competitiveness in our industry.”

The College’s CWD plays a key role in connecting local businesses with the resources and training they need to thrive. By leveraging Missouri One Start funding, ECC ensures that area manufacturers can continue to innovate and lead in their industries while creating opportunities for employees to grow professionally.

To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting, visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Group of middle school students around manufacturing equipment and instructor.

Manufacturing Summit Highlights Franklin County’s Economic Strength

October 15, 2024 | Campus News

Franklin County’s diverse manufacturing base continues to be a driving force behind the region’s economic stability, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research with DED, presented key economic data to local manufacturing leaders during the second annual Manufacturing Summit, held on Oct. 2 at East Central College (ECC).

Hosted by ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and sponsored by engineering firm Cochran, the event attracted 58 attendees and took place during National Manufacturing Week.

This year’s Summit provided a unique intersection of workforce development and education, offering participants the chance to network, gain expert insights, and discuss workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

In addition to Pinkerton’s presentation, attendees heard a keynote address from Anita Brooks of P4 Power Coaching™ on “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.” Guests also met with vendors, participated in breakout sessions, and connected with ECC employees and students.

“It was inspiring to see so many local industry leaders come together to share ideas and explore solutions,” said Todd Tracy, Executive Director of ECC’s CWD. “The discussions were valuable, and everyone left with new connections and insights.”

Tracy also noted two key takeaways from the Summit: the unveiling of CWD’s new Customized Leadership Series and a panel discussion on program expansion and potential partnerships with local manufacturers and suppliers.

Additionally, ECC’s CWD hosted tours for local middle and high school students, introducing them to ECC’s Business and Industry Center. The students met with instructors from the Industrial Engineering Technology, Precision Machining, Welding, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) programs. For more information about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Center for Workforce Development or call 636-649-5800.

Man stands at a white board providing information on the economic status of Franklin County.

Center for Workforce Development to Celebrate Manufacturing Week

September 19, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) will recognize the significance of the regional manufacturing industry during Manufacturing Week, held the first week of October.

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, the College will host tours of its Business and Industry Center (BIC) for local middle and high school students, as well as a daylong Manufacturing Summit for area manufacturing. These events are part of ECC’s ongoing commitment to highlight the vital role of manufacturing in the local economy and to connect students with career opportunities in the field.

The 2nd Annual Manufacturing Summit will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the BIC, bringing together key manufacturing managers. The Summit will provide a platform for networking, exploring the latest industry tools, and gaining insights into trends that impact the sector.

Summit highlights include breakout sessions covering topics such as:

  • AI in Manufacturing
  • Building Leaders from Within
  • State and Local Resources for Manufacturing

Additional summit opportunities include:

The summit will feature guest speakers Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Anita Brooks, a P4 Power Coaching™ expert. Pinkerton will share insights on the state of manufacturing in Franklin County, while Brooks will deliver the keynote presentation, “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.”

Lunch and other meals will be provided at no cost, with the event concluding in an after-hours social where attendees can continue networking and participate in a raffle for prizes.

For more information or to register, please contact Todd Tracy at Todd.Tracy@eastcentral.edu or call 636.649.5807.

ECC to Celebrate Manufacturing Week with Industry Leaders and Business Event

September 22, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College will celebrate the importance of the Manufacturing industry in the region through several events during the first week of October.

Manufacturing Summit: Oct. 4

There will be two discussions held in the ECC Business and Industry Center on Wednesday, Oct. 4, as part of a Manufacturing Summit. A Workforce Training and Retention Panel will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon with representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Connections to Success and the Jefferson/Franklin Workforce Investment Board.

The panel will discuss workforce retention solutions, employment services, the value of apprenticeships, state of Missouri workforce training funding and workforce initiatives.

A State of Manufacturing discussion will be hosted by Jeff Pinkerton, the Director of Economic Research from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, from 1-2:30 p.m. The discussion will center on the current industry and will provide an analysis of future Manufacturing trends for the Franklin County region.

A free lunch will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. Those interested in attending the Oct. 4 events must RSVP at www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Business After Hours: Oct. 5

ECC is partnering with five area Chambers of Commerce to host a Business After Hours on Thursday, Oct. 5, 4:30-7 p.m., also at the Business and Industry Center. The Union, Washington, Pacific, St. Clair and Sullivan chambers will assist in the outreach and marketing of the event to their members.

Complimentary food and adult beverages will be provided. Tours of the Advanced Manufacturing programs will be provided as well as the opportunity to experience a virtual training environment using virtual reality headsets. ECC’s Business and Industry Center is located at 42 Prairie Dell Plaza in Union, near the Great 8 Cinema. Contact Todd Tracy at 636-649-5807 or Todd.Tracy@eastcentral.edu for additional information.

Man and woman with hardhats reviewing plans in warehouse

Manufacturers Receive State Training Funds through ECC

September 17, 2020 | Campus News

Six local industries are benefiting from a total of $175,000 in matching grants from a state program that is designed to offset training costs.

Each company works with the East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) to provide an opportunity for training, and to secure the funding from the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Through the Missouri One Start Customized Training program the following manufacturers were awarded matching training grants: Clemco, Washington; Ziglin Signs, Washington; WEG Transformers, Washington; Klauber Machine & Gear, Pacific; Hodges Badge Company, Inc., Washington; and Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, Marthasville.

The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 this year.

Training provided by the CWD range from leadership development, safety training, introductory welding programs, project management to LEAN and Six Sigma training.

Each company matches 100 percent of the state funding. Learn more about the program by contacting the CWD team at training@eastcentral.edu, or visit missourionestart.com/.

To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Architect's rendering of the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Training

Benefitting Businesses

According to Robin Bellis, Clemco manager of contract administration and credit, Clemco has been utilizing Missouri One Start Grant Program funds for more than 10 years.

She said in this round of funding, Clemco will facilitate its Lean continuous improvement program; and fund training in software, industrial ventilation, metallurgy instruction and leadership.

“East Central College has been instrumental in developing and delivering several of the programs made custom for Clemco’s specific needs,” Bellis said. “In particular, the College built a specific curriculum for the metallurgy program that will be delivered on Clemco’s site at our convenience.

“We’ve found this type of custom training is most effective as it targets our very specific training requirements,” She added.

Bellis said the College has worked with Clemco to provide flexible training methods, including classroom sessions, on-site at Clemco and online options.

“The variety of venues and delivery options offered through the College have allowed us to schedule training at times and locations that best suit our employees,” she commented.

Precision Machining student working with machinery

Lacey Oswald, with WEG Transformers, said the company will utilize funds to train new employees for a third facility slated to open in spring 2021.

“We will also utilize the funds to increase the skill base of our existing employees,” she said. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to invest in our employees in the manner.”

Oswald added that the College staff at the CWD have helped WEG with every step of the Customized Training Grant program.

“They help us coordinate finding vendors for training, they help us fill out our reimbursement forms, they even make sure our application is filled out correctly for the grant,” Oswald added. “Any time we have a question they are always there to walk us through anything we need.”