ABI, Norplex Micarta, and Postville Schools collaborate to strengthen workforce connections, inspire future generations
Working together on Crystals of Innovation ... Postville Community School District Elementary Guidance Counselor Rachel Sandhorst and Norplex Micarta Manufacturing Engineer John O’Neill (standing left to right in photo above) work alongside Postville sixth grade students as they collaborate to solve challenges during the Crystals of Innovation activity held October 15 at the Northeast Iowa Recreation and Wellness Center in Postville. The event was part of an overall day celebrating October as National Manufacturing Month, with Norplex Micarta coordinating with the Association of Business and Industry to help make the events of the day possible. Submitted photo.
Manufacturing tour of Norplex Micarta ... Representatives from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and regional workforce and economic development organizations listen to Marketing Specialist Jerry Regan during a tour of the Norplex Micarta manufacturing facility in Postville Thursday, October 15, learning about local manufacturing operations and opportunities for workforce development as part of National Manufacturing Month. That collaboration then facilitated a Crystals of Innovation activity for sixth grade students in the Postville Community School District to give students an age-appropriate look at today’s world of high-tech manufacturing while allowing them to discover their individual strengths and practice teamwork, communication and problem solving. Submitted photo.
by Sharon Drahn
Contributing Writer
With Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds having proclaimed October as “Manufacturing Month” the timing proved appropriate to highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector to the state of Iowa’s economy as it applies to current workers as well as to those who are beginning to explore career choices. Thus, the “Crystals of Innovation” activity was the culmination of a day of collaboration between Postville Community Schools sixth graders and several other entities with that focus in mind.
When organizing the Thursday, October 15 event, Kristy Turner, owner of Mindful Solutions and Mediation LLC, coordinated bringing together multiple partnerships with a shared commitment to community, economic and workforce development, while investing in the next generation.
The Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and Norplex Micarta worked together to make the day’s activities possible. Turner said, “I am excited to highlight their collaboration and celebrate the meaningful action they’ve taken to strengthen our community and create opportunities for our students.”
The event began with a tour of the Norplex Micarta facility in Postville Thursday morning. Prior to the tour, others introduced included representatives from ABI, Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Services (CIRAS), Allamakee County Economic Development and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). Among those present were Val Reinke, Executive Director of Allamakee County Economic Development and Alison Holten, Business Solutions at NICC.
Norplex/Micarta representatives Kurt Egbers, Director of Operations, and Jerry Regan, Marketing Specialist, welcomed the guests and led the tour which highlighted the company’s manufacturing operations.
The company’s history was shared by Mike Gromacki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He also emphasized the company’s impact on the local community and broader markets and opportunities for future growth. The discussion provided an opportunity for business, workforce, and economic development partners to better understand the company’s role in the region and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.
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