Mid-State receives 2016 Innovative Business of the Year Award
For the City Times
Mid-State Technical College has been named 2016 Innovative Business of the Year by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
The award recognizes investments in new processes, a commitment to new products and services and a culture of innovation. Mid-State president Dr. Sue Budjac accepted the award on behalf of the College at the Chamber’s 69th Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony on Feb. 9 in Wisconsin Rapids.
Speaking to the value of Mid-State Technical College to the community, president of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Melissa Reichert noted, “We are consistently impressed with the continued investment in equipment, people and programs that make Mid-State Technical College graduates top candidates for area businesses upon graduation.”
The award acknowledges Mid-State’s work with 26 advisory committees representing 147 area businesses to develop innovative new programs aligned to the workforce training needs and ensure in-demand graduates. As a result of this ongoing work, 44 new programs have been developed since 2000. Incoming students today can choose from 57 associate degree and technical diplomas.
The award also highlights Mid-State’s comprehensive investments in technology to support instruction and communications, including BrightLink® interactive projectors and Mondopad™ touchscreen monitors in classrooms, and district-wide telepresence and cloud technology.
“We are honored to receive this award for our ongoing investments to ensure Mid-State meets the needs of the employers and communities we serve” said Budjac. “The right programs, facilities and technology are fundamental to our success, and we are equally proud of our College leaders for spearheading innovative, grant-funded projects aimed at addressing the challenges of ever-changing workforce needs.”
Mid-State’s recent grant-funded projects include new approaches to experiential learning using human patient simulators in the Nursing and emergency medical services programs as well as the recent launch of the MIKE mobile manufacturing lab, which is designed to deliver a modern manufacturing experience and stimulate curiosity about the many and varied career possibilities in high-tech manufacturing today.
