Spencer, Iowa Students Connect With Local Businesses

SPENCER, IA, May 12, 2012

In an effort to assist existing companies create partnerships with local schools, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation hosted a Career Awareness Day at the Spencer High School on May 7. The purpose of the event was to make students aware of local job opportunities and the education needed to make them viable candidates for the positions.

Companies that took part in the event were Meridian Manufacturing, Eaton Corporation, Rosenboom, Maurer Manufacturing and Iowa Lakes Community College. Three of the companies, Eaton, Roseboom and Maurer, had former Spencer students that are now employees talk to the 50 industrial tech students that attended.

Kari Hampe, secondary programs director at Iowa Lakes Community College, spoke to the students about the welding program available at ILCC. Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge has a satellite location in Storm Lake. ICCC has several training programs available, such as computer integrated fabrication technology, electrical/mechanical technology and welding technology.

"An event like this provides the students a chance to hear directly from local companies about the job opportunities they have," said Shaun Arneson, vice president of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. Some of the students stayed after the event to talk to employers and schedule walk-throughs with the companies.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor has held Career Awareness events at several schools throughout the region, including Sioux Central, Storm Lake and Laurens Marathon. If any schools are interested in arranging a similar event, contact Shaun Arneson at the Iowa Lakes Corridor at 712-264-3474 or sarneson@lakescorridor.com.

Cutlines

Spencer Career Awareness - Lars Hersom, branch manager of Meridian Manufacturing in Storm Lake, spoke to approximately 50 industrial tech students at Spencer High School about job opportunities available.

Eaton - Curt Anderson and Colby Hanson of Eaton spoke with Tanner Viedenkamp about job opportunities available.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Its mission is to foster, encourage, aid, promote or otherwise assist in the economic growth and development of the region. For more information about the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, call 712-264-3474 or visit http://www.lakescorridor.com.

For more information, contact:
Samantha Miller, 712-264-3474
Carrie Cunningham, 712-264-3474