Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum  Governor State of Wisconsin

MADISON—Gov. Scott McCallum today announced that ICS Cutting Tools, Casco has won the June Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

"Employment of skilled workers is vital to the success of Wisconsin businesses," Gov. McCallum said. "Businesses like ICS Cutting Tools, who provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities, not only fulfill a business need, but also enable their employees to improve their skill sets, achieve independence and ultimately help the entire community," he said.

John Jaconi, President, and Lorna Jaconi, General Manager, started the manufacturing business in 1980. ICS Cutting Tools manufactures custom and standard drills, end mills, taps, dies, reamers and cutting tools and sells their products both nationally and internationally. The Jaconi’s employ 25 staff, including two people with severe disabilities. Since 1998 ICS Cutting Tools has built a relationship with the Kewaunee County Human Services Department and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in order to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

The WIN award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barriers to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.

The award goes to organizations and individuals that significantly advance one or more of the following:

• Enhance the skill level of Wisconsin's workforce.
• Create effective partnerships between education and business, and the public and private sectors.
• Assist young people with career planning and skills training.
• Encourage older workers to remain in or return to the workforce.
• Help low-income, disabled and minority individuals enter the job market and move up the job ladder.

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