Welcome to fall! Living where I do in southwestern Ontario, Canada, autumn brings cooler nights and a bit of a respite from the ever-running AC, after a sweltering summer season – a refreshing change. School is back in full swing on both sides of the border and ‘education’ is top of mind for students and the business sector, as well. Of course, there is one thing that never changes, that being the knowledge that there is always much to be learned, no matter your age, occupation, or interests.
When it comes to educating the workforce, this in-depth issue of Business View North America spotlights a pair of top-rated facilities. Chaminade University of Honolulu works with the community to design and develop programs based on workforce needs. Renowned as the largest educator of teachers in Hawaii, Chaminade University’s largest undergraduate programs are in nursing and healthcare, and the mental health professions.
Over more than 100 years, Wisconsin-based Mid-State Technical College has evolved as a valued educational institution with a bold goal. As Dean of the MSTC School of Applied Technology, Ryan Kawski, shares “We realize we can be a showcase center for folks to come and explore… to see what’s out there. And then we’ll provide the training on the back end of it to help upskill their current workforce.”
Two robust sectors currently on the lookout for skilled workers are Manufacturing & Construction. That being said, the talented teams already in place at Jersey Precast and Concrete Safety Systems, Precision Precast Erectors, Element5, Kalesnikoff Lumber Company, Skyline Builders Supply, and ThermalWood Canada Inc. are credited by management as key to the success of these healthy businesses.
Clean, green energy is being heralded as a worldwide must-have and Stern Laboratories Inc. in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is at the crux of the nuclear renaissance with a front-row seat to the rebirth of the industry. Another dedicated firm, Hatch, is an OEM for high-temperature, high-pressure reactor furnaces and are now helping solve real challenges for clients in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick to create a manufacturing industry for SMRs (small modular reactors).
In the Financial realm, North Carolina’s Lumbee Guaranty Bank is one of only 19 Native American owned banks in the U.S. Investment in technology allows the bank to stay relevant and competitive, while the personal touch and excellent service keep clients engaged. Customer service is also front and center at the 28 outstanding Keating Auto Group dealerships throughout Texas.
It’s great to hear that the Hospitality and Events industries have rebounded with gusto, after so many pandemic-related quiet months. We are pleased to share stories of resilience from Honolulu’s Ala Moana Hotel, along with Bayfront Landing (Erie, PA), Cox Business Convention Center (Tulsa, OK), Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (Sioux Falls, SD), and Florida’s glorious Miami Beach Convention Center.
More good news on the Aviation front from Big Sandy Regional, Brainerd Lakes Regional, Cedar City Regional, Fullerton Municipal, Wheeling-Ohio County, and Mammoth Yosemite airports. Thanks to FAA grants and the creative, hard-working airport teams, outdated infrastructure is being revamped, aviation-related (and non-aviation) businesses are locating onsite, and local schools and colleges are embracing aviation in all its forms (air taxis!) as an exciting career path for students. The times are truly looking up, my friends…
Enjoy the read!
Editor in Chief
Lorie Lee Steiner
