Despatch Industries, Lakeville, received the 2010 Business Champion Award at the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board’s (WIB) annual legislative and awards event held Dec. 17 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Kevin Gensch, Despatch Industries, (left) shown receiving the Business Champion Award from Tim Walsh, member of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board.
The Business Champion Award recognizes an outstanding company that also uses WorkForce Center services such as job fairs, job postings or counselors.
Despatch Industries specializes in thermal processing and uses its expertise to provide innovative solutions. Despatch has three dedicated business groups to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding thermal, solar and carbon fiber markets.
In 2009, the company used an incumbent worker training grant provided by the Dakota-Scott WIB to train employees. Despatch teamed with Dunwoody College of Technology to provide Solid Works training. Nine employees were provided with 24 hours of training. Providing employees with the new skill expertise prevented a layoff, allowing the company to keep five employees and bring back four employees who had been laid off.
Past recipients of the Business Champion Award include: Goodrich Sensor Systems, Burnsville; UPS, Eagan; ConAgra Foods, Inc. - Store Brands, Lakeville; Waterous, South St. Paul; Frontier Communications, Burnsville; Grazzini Brothers, Eagan; Permac Industries, Burnsville; St. Gertrudes, Shakopee, and Paychex, Mendota Heights.
The Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board oversees employment programs and WorkForce Centers in Dakota and Scott Counties including sites in Burnsville, Shakopee and West St. Paul. - Mark Jacobs, Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board Director