MAC Trailer partners with Walsh on state funded training program
MAC Trailer has 15 employees newly trained in technology that will upgrade and automate elements of the company's manufacturing and safety inspection processes.
The company worked with Walsh University on the training, while cost was covered by Ohio's TechCred Program. The company recognized employees who completed the program during an event last week.
Alliance-based MAC Trailer is one of the country's largest manufacturers of steel and aluminum trailers. For several years the company has considered plans for upgrading and automating processes. Training provided by Walsh and funding through the TechCred Program proved to be the right combination for the company, Dennis Postiy, corporate vice president, said in a prepared statement.
The two programs allowed MAC Trailer to renew its commitment to invest in the growth and education of employees and to technological excellence in manufacturing, Postiy said.
Ohio's TechCred program reimburses companies for tuition invested to train Ohio residents in technology that promotes a skilled workforce and helps fill in-demand jobs.
MAC Trailer and Walsh offer a perfect example of how state officials hoped the TechCred Program would work, said state Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, who led the efforts to pass legislation that created the program.
"This will continue to advance our mission to attract and retain companies to our great state and provide good, high-paying jobs to our residents," Cross said.
The MAC Trailer employees were trained through the Skilled Technical Workforce Program offered by Walsh. The program recently was recognized by the National Science Board as a model for business, academia and government working as partners to improve workforce skills and foster innovation.
Walsh's program has issued more than 800 credentials in a variety of programs, including artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and the Internet of Things. Dan Passerini, executive director of cross-enterprise operations at Walsh, said the university is committed to being a resource and adapting to the needs of local business.
Insurance firms combine, align with national group
North Canton area insurance agency Van Nostron Young Coutts has affiliated with Leavitt Group, a privately-held insurance brokerage with 185 locations across 26 states.
The agency expanded when Van Nostran Young & Associated acquired Coutts Insurance last year. The Coutts Insurance team has relocated to the Van Nostran offices at 3205 Bretton St. NW in Plain Township.
Van Nostran Young & Associates started in 1979 when Doug Van Nostran launched the business. Peter D. Coutts founded Coutts Insurance and his son, Doug, joined the agency in 1982.
Leavitt Group is among the country's largest privately-held insurance brokerages, and has been in business 70 years. Working with local owners, Leavitt provides a consultative approach to commercial insurance, employee benefits and personal insurance.
General RV Center among nation's top 50
RVBusiness has presented General RV Center, which has a center in Green, with a Top 50 Dealer Award.
It's the 11th year RVBusiness has given the awards, which are based on results of an industry panel's review of a nominee's sales volume, marketing, employee training, service, community involvement and consumer care. Nominees were reviewed during a two-day session at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana.
The recognition comes as General RV Centers marks 60 years selling recreational vehicles. Based in Wixom, Michigan, the company has 14 locations in seven states. General RV entered the Northeast Ohio market 15 years ago when it acquired Clay's RV.
General RV Centers, which claims to be the nation's largest family-owned recreational vehicle dealer, said its revenue jumped 31% in 2021 compared with 2020. Loren Baidas, president of General RV Centers, said growth was fueled by increased interest in recreational vehicle use and expansions at some the the company's locations.
Local websites send scholarships
Women in Illinois and Pennsylvania received scholarship assistance from North Canton-based websites Job-Applications.com and Best-Trade-Schools.net.
The two websites, launched by Doug Crawford, are designed to help job seekers find that first job and guide experienced workers to places where they can learn new skills. Scholarships — each valued at $1,000 — are based on essays submitted by applicants.
Jamie Smith, 40, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is the first recipient of the New Journeys Scholarship presented by Best-Trade-School.net. The award will be presented each year and the deadline for the next competition is Dec. 12. Williams had worked as a certified nursing assistant, but now is attending nursing school.
MiRada Ritter, 32, of Saint Joseph, Illinois, received the Working Parent Scholarship. She has three children and is pursuing a doctorate degree in nursing.
Reach Edd at 330-580-8484 or edd.pritchard@cantonrep.com On Twitter: @epritchardREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: MAC Trailer upgrades operations with help from Walsh University, state
