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Linetec honored by governor as exemplary employer

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle honored Linetec as an exemplary employer committed to the principles of diversity in the workplace. The State of Wisconsin's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the NorthCentral Technical College (NTC) nominated the Wausau-based architectural metals finishing company for its employment outreach and training program with those who are deaf.

Linetec's president Rick Marshall accepted the award in late May at the 2006 Governor's Workforce Development Conference. "We are delighted to be selected as a winning exemplary employer. Not only are we proud to recognize the contributions of our company and its diverse staff, but also glad that this helps raise awareness of the resources offered by DVR and NTC to businesses like ours who seek the most-qualified employees within our community and our industry."

Currently, Linetec employs five full-time people who are deaf. During the hiring process and the first 90 days of employment, NTC's job placement coordinator and interpreter Karen Akey provides on-site assistance. "Being deaf comes with many challenges in life, especially when seeking employment," she says and praises Linetec's "sincere effort in looking beyond a person's disability and seeking out qualified individuals that can be productive and give back to their company."