Manufacturing scholarships for past two years awarded at SVACC celebration

Recipients were students at Morrison Institute of Technology and Sauk Valley Community College

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce logo

ROCK FALLS – The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce held its third annual Manufacturing Dinner on Thursday at McCormick Event Center.

The event raised money for students interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing.

Workforce development and the promotion of area manufacturing were also on the agenda. In particular, SVACC wants to help create talent pipelines.

The manufacturing scholarship recipients were introduced.

For 2020-21, they were Kyle Winebrinner and Gabrielle Gillen, both of Morrison Institute of Technology.

For 2021-22, they were Bennett Soltow, Trevor Driessens and Jeff Hinton, all of whom attend Sauk Valley Community College.

“This event validates that our community understands the importance of and supports manufacturing as a crucial industry in the Sauk Valley,” said Lance Buser, president of the SVACC board of directors in a news release. “We are grateful for the support as the Chamber continues to work to promote manufacturing as a viable career pathway.”

Updates on career programming at Whiteside Area Career Center, Morrison Institute of Technology, and Sauk Valley Community College were provided.

The event was sponsored by Astec Mobile Screens, Edward Jones-Mike Loos, Edward Jones-Tom Gleissner, F.N. Smith Corp., Frantz Manufacturing, Greater Sterling Development Corp., Hughes Resources, McFalls Berge and Associates, Menk USA LLC, Raynor Garage Doors, Sauk Valley Bank, Sedona Staffing, Sterling Federal Bank, Surf Broadband Solutions, United Craftsmen, US Bank, Wahl Clipper, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Woods Equipment, 1st Gateway Credit Union, and Clifton Larson Allen.