Contact: Conor Smyth, (608) 266-2991, conor.smyth@wtcsystem.edu
GREEN BAY – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board awarded its “Futuremakers Partner” award to Georgia-Pacific Tuesday evening. The award recognizes the unique and dynamic partnerships between Wisconsin’s technical colleges and their employer partners.
Georgia-Pacific, a world-leading manufacturer of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals, has extensive Green Bay operations and a longstanding partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). The company has been
Georgia-Pacific Vice President, Manufacturing (right) and Michael Kawleski, Public Affairs Manager (center), accept the Futuremakers Partner award from WTCS Board President Drew Petersen. instrumental in developing programs that keep Wisconsin technology near the top of U.S. manufacturing.
On Tuesday the company also announced a $15,000 commitment to funding NWTC middle-school tech camps and 10 scholarships for NWTC students.
“How can our employees prepare for the future?” asked Georgia-Pacific Vice President of Manufacturing Randy Harbath. “I often tell them they need to have a two-year degree from a technical college for us to remain competitive.”
Georgia-Pacific has donated equipment, hired NWTC graduates, and established the first co-op programs at NWTC. The company is also very engaged with the College’s Corporate Training and Economic Development department to obtain ongoing advanced training for their incumbent workers. Since 2000, they have contributed nearly $100,000 to fund a variety of programs at NWTC.
“Randy and Georgia-Pacific have not only been terrific partners with NWTC, but they’ve also been consistent, vocal advocates for technical education more generally. What a great moment to be able to recognize that commitment,” said WTCS Board President Drew Petersen.
