Moraine Park Technical College recognized its valued business and industry partners at the annual Business and Industry Partner Awards luncheon at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center.
“The partnerships we’re recognizing today—many of them go back years and even decades,” JoAnn Hall, dean of economic and workforce development at Moraine Park, said. “That longevity means a great deal to the college but even more so to the communities we serve. These collaborations not only help ensure businesses remain strong and successful today but also drive economic growth for generations to come.”
Each year, Moraine Park honors five standout partnerships with the following awards: Excellence in Partnership, Employer of the Year, Innovation, New Partner of the Year and Workforce Development Champion.
Employer of the Year — Seneca Foods Corporation
What began in 2005 with CPR training has grown into a robust collaboration focused on building workforce skills. In 2015, Seneca deepened its partnership with Moraine Park to address critical skill gaps in machining, safety, technical knowledge and leadership. Since then, the company has expanded training efforts from four to nine plant locations.
In 2024 alone, nearly 200 employees participated in training programs such as mill and lathe, industrial maintenance, CPR, supervision, welding, leadership, programmable logic controllers and preventative maintenance. Thousands more have participated over the years, gaining skills that directly improve productivity, safety and confidence on the job.
Excellence in Partnership — Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation
The company has been a long-standing partner with the College—spanning more than a decade—demonstrating commitment through advisory involvement, student engagement, employee training and event sponsorships. In 2023, Apache partnered with Moraine Park to provide employee training in CNC milling and machining, mill and lathe operations, industrial maintenance and mental health first aid. Apache has also played an essential role in the college’s boot camp programs—mentoring and training 40 welding interns last year alone.
New Partner of the Year — Washington County
When Moraine Park launched its $2 million capital campaign to expand and enhance the West Bend Campus, Washington County, under the leadership of County Executive Josh Schoemann, stepped forward as the campaign’s first platinum giving champion. The County pledged a $500,000 matching gift, setting the pace for additional community investment.
The county helped address affordable childcare by contributing $100,000 to the West Bend Community Foundation to launch a unique scholarship initiative. As a result, Moraine Park students training in early childhood education at the West Bend Campus are now receiving scholarship support—nearly $40,000 has been awarded in the first year alone.
Innovation Award — St. Mary’s Springs Academy
St. Mary’s Springs Academy received Moraine Park’s 2024 Innovation Award for its groundbreaking collaboration on the J-Term program—an initiative that brings hands-on, project-based learning to life for high school students. The J-Term, held during the first two weeks of January, offers a unique opportunity for SMSA students to earn both high school and college credit through immersive, interdisciplinary courses. The program has already impacted 98 students over the past two years.
Workforce Development Champion — Melissa Bielinski, Kleen Test
The Workforce Champion Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on workforce development in the region. Melissa Bielinski, human resources director at Kleen Test Products, has helped the business establish a robust training framework that includes a formal application process, clear expectations and a peer mentorship.
