Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum     Governor State of Wisconsin

Monday, October 29, 2001
Contact:	Debbie Monterrey-Millett – Cell phone (608) 770-0248 Chris Marschman (608) 261-6705

Madison – Gov. Scott McCallum announced today that Schofield, Wisconsin-based Greenheck has won the October 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.

"Greenheck’s exceptional growth is a direct result of its ability to attract and retain a highly skilled and quality-conscious workforce," Gov. McCallum said.

Greenheck is one of only 2,500 companies nationwide that is majority employee-owned and one of only 450 union companies that is employee-owned. Being owners allows employees to share monetarily in the company’s success. Employees earn competitive wages and receive benefit packages that are among the best anywhere in the central Wisconsin area. Greenheck also provides employees with a clean and safe work environment, helping its OSHA incident rate remain well below the national average for similar industries.

Programs that enhance the skill levels of employee owners are an important part of Greenheck. They include a computer-based learning center where employees can improve their basic skills, a 100 percent tuition reimbursement program allowing employees to continue their formal education at technical and four-year colleges, and a long list of in-house classes covering many topics. The company also operates a state-sponsored apprenticeship program in maintenance mechanics and tool and die and runs a formal leadership development program.

Founded in 1947 by brothers Bernie and Bob Greenheck, this small sheet metal shop has developed into the world’s leading manufacturer of air movement and control products. The company has annual sales in excess of $200 million and employs more than 1,400 people.

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 build a stronger workforce.

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