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Second Annual All Stars of ICR Luncheon Set for May 24

By May 10, 2018October 22nd, 2018No Comments

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (May 10, 2018)-Kirkwood Community College will hold the second annual workforce All Stars of ICR Luncheon on Thursday, May 24. The event honoring young people making an impact in Eastern Iowa’s key industries, brings occupations with shortages to the forefront in an effort to grow talent pipelines.

Since 2011 the college has been part of Iowa’s sector partnership initiative, which brings together educational institutions, community partners, workforce developers and businesses within the same industry to overcome workforce challenges. Kirkwood belongs to the six partnerships from key industries in Eastern Iowa: advanced manufacturing; architects, construction and engineering (ACE); financial service, insurance and customer service; healthcare; information technology; and transportation and logistics. Representatives from more than 120 businesses participate, focusing on building awareness, career pathway development, government advocacy and training.

“We’re proud to once again collaborate on the All Stars project,” said Kirkwood Senior Director of Corporate Training Amy Lasack. “It’s important to do our part to shed light on area job opportunities. The goal is to of fill positions and keep people in Iowa. The luncheon is actually just one part of this exciting project. We’ve also created a magazine and occupational videos featuring our honorees to promote high-demand positions to job seekers and influence high school students.”

Thirteen individuals will be honored at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center on Thursday, May 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event gives recognition to promising individuals, 35 years old and younger, from each industry.

Award winners: Interior Carpenter Sam Jones – McCreedy-Ruth Construction, Architectural Associate & Digital Media Manager Derek Powers – Martin Gardner Architecture, Superintendent Nathan Vanderweide – Iowa Bridge & Culvert, Production Manager Chris Biechler – Clickstop, Job & Logistics Manager Laura Tietz – Barnes Manufacturing, Account Manager Linsey Eiben – TrueNorth, Recruiting Manager Diana Rodriguez – Hibu, Family Nurse Practitioner Alison Lagrange – Vinton Family Medical Clinic, Acute Adult Float Nurse & Nursing Supervisor Abby Siek – UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, Software Developer Cody Metz – Bio::Neos, Project Manager Madison Williams – ProCircular, Service Manager Chad Peska – Papa’s Truck & Trailer Repair, and Certifed Nursing Assistant Alivea Carnahan – Oaknoll Retirement Community.

*****EVENT*****

What: All Stars of ICR Luncheon
When: Thursday, May 24
Where: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: $49/person or $400/table of 10
Registration: Pre-registration is required by calling 319-398-1022