Conroy wins C.L. Greiber Award for Merit

Dan Conroy, operations manager for the Nexen Group, a Minnesota-based manufacturing company with a facility in Webster, Wis., has recently been awarded the C.L. Greiber Award of Merit.

Each year the Wisconsin Association for Career and Technical Education (WACTE) recognizes individuals outside the field of career and technical education for their outstanding contributions to the improvement, promotion and development of career, technical and adult education in Wisconsin. Individuals recognized must have demonstrated a concern for career and technical education as evidenced through activities such as sponsored programs, personal services, supportive publications, financial support, or meritorious activities.

Conroy has been actively involved in helping to promote the manufacturing industry and the many high-paying jobs it offers. This has made him a perfect representative of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and the many manufacturing-based career options it provides.

Through his involvement with Manufacturing Works, an organization that promotes jobs in manufacturing, Conroy has helped to raise awareness for the role the industry plays in our country’s economic growth and ability to compete in a global marketplace. Manufacturing Works represents a partnership of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Conroy has also been active in Gold Collar Careers, a grass-roots organization with membership from both the manufacturing community and the public sector, that promotes manufacturing.

In an effort to promote career paths in the manufacturing industry, Conroy has worked with middle and high schools sharing information about manufacturing related careers, and providing presentations at community and professional events. This information promotes an understanding of the impact manufacturing has on Wisconsin, and the significant number of jobs the industry offers.

“Dan is a difference maker and believes in the value of career and technical education,” said Bob Meyer, president of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. “Often single-handedly, he has changed the hearts and minds of young people aspiring for such careers or changed the thinking of decision makers who can help strengthen and promote these career paths.”

His hard work has paid off. WITC’s manufacturing programs are attracting increasing numbers of students – from recent high school graduates who are eager to enter a field that offers stability and high wages to working adults in search of new and better career options.

“We have seen people’s lives transformed by this,” Conroy said. “Maybe they’ve gone from one dead-end job to another. It’s hard to go back to school, but the potential is so grand. They suddenly have good jobs, jobs they like. It’s hard to take that first step, but it’s more than worth it. It’s a great investment.”

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Conroy wins C.L. Greiber Award for Merit