Manufacturer's "Innovate or Evaporate" message to be keynote presentation at 2009 National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers Conference.
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Workforce Development
September 28, 2009
September 04, 2009
Bison Gear Receives "Healthiest Company in America" Award
Illinois manufacturer recognized for its commitment to employee health and well-being and its innovative health and wellness initiatives yielding measurable employee health improvement.
"Everyone talks about health care today, but more than a dozen years ago Bison Gear began creating a corporate culture that encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own health and to take an active role in their preventative care," said Bison Gear CEO, Martin Swarbrick. In recognition of the significant improvement achieved in overall employee health metrics, Bison Gear has received the "Healthiest Company in America" award from Interactive Health Solutions (IHS). The award is based on clinical evaluations of employee participants across an index that tests for indicators of heart disease, diabetes, smoking and other measures of health status that are in part controllable by an individual. When Bison constructed its headquarters and manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Illinois in 1997, the gearmotor manufacturer budgeted for a completely equipped employee fitness center. More recently, it has invested in an onsite clinician ready medical resource center. In addition, a cross-functional team of Bison "Health Ambassadors" has been formed to develop and communicate health awareness and improvement programs throughout the company. Working with IHS, Bison hosts an annual Wellness Fair for employees and their family members that includes free diagnostic testing and counseling. "Years ago, we were fortunate to win the business of an up and coming exercise equipment company," said Ron Bullock, chairman and owner of Bison Gear. "That customer relationship, which still endures, has contributed to the health of our business. More importanly, though, it made us more aware of the benefits of proactive health management and that has been an even greater contribution to every Bison associate."
January 16, 2009
Manufacturers' Career Council Established to Increase Illinois Competitiveness Through Education Programs
A group of Northern Illinois manufacturers has come together with high school, community college and other community representatives in forming the Manufacturers' Careers Council to provide the direction and programs that will be necessary for the increased skill levels required in industry. Experts say that in Illinois alone, more than 30,000 new manufacturing workers will be needed each year for the next ten years to replace the retiring baby-boomer generation.
"Despite the current recession, we are facing a pipeline crisis," said Ron Bullock, Chairman and owner of St. Charles-based Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. "We predict a workforce deficit of those with the higher skills needed for our companies to compete and innovate in the global economy. There is not a job at our facility today that does not require some post-secondary education."
One of the strategies the Manufacturers' Career Council is pursuing is high school and community college implementation of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician training program. MSSC is a nationally recognized certification program that allows students interested in manufacturing careers to be credentialed in the four critical skill areas necessary in advanced manufacturing: safety, quality practices and measurement, processes and production, and maintenance awareness. The MSSC credentials are portable nationally allowing workers to assure potential manufacturing employers that they possess the skills necessary to be successful in a wide array of environments.
The next meeting of the Manufacturers' Career Council will be hosted at Bison Gear's St. Charles, IL, facility on January 29, 2009, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Interested manufacturers, educators and workforce development representatives are invited and should contact Ms. Michelle Kasper at Bison to receive a meeting agenda and confirm their participation.
January 10, 2009
Illinois Manufacturers' Association Chairman Ron Bullock to Address Workforce Development at ProMat 2009
Ron Bullock, Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association will be a featured panelist at ProMat 2009, the premier event for material handling and logistics buyers from more than 90 countries. Bullock will be featured in a panel discussion concerning workforce development needs in the manufacturing sector. The panel is scheduled on Wednesday morning (1/14) beginning at 8:45 am at McCormick Place South in Chicago.
Bullock, who is Chairman and owner of St. Charles-based Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., is widely recognized as a national leader in developing innovative programs to develop the U.S. manufacturing workforce. Most recently, Bullock helped launch the Manufacturing Skill Standards Credential (MSSC) in Illinois, a program that offers students access to a "jump start" into a career in manufacturing.
"MSSC is a nationally recognized certification program that allows students interested in manufacturing careers to be credentialed in four critical skill areas," said Bullock. "MSSC can offer full credit opportunities through a state's community college system or through a non-credit online version, although individuals can later claim credit hours through a participating educational institution. Moreover, MSSC credentials are portable nationally allowing workers to assure potential manufacturing employers that they possess the skills necessary to be successful in a wide array of environments."
Programs like MSSC are considered critical to the manufacturing sector. Experts say that in Illinois alone, more than 30,000 new manufacturing workers will be needed each year for the next ten years to replace the retiring baby-boomer generation. Manufacturers say that preparing workers through innovative programs like MSSC helps to assure Illinois will continue as a world-class manufacturing leader.
"Ron Bullock is to be commended for his pursuit of excellence in bringing together the manufacturing and education communities for the benefit of Illinois children," said Gregory W. Baise, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "Contributions such as these demonstrate the conviction manufacturers have to improve Illinois as a great place to live and work."
For more information on MSSC, their website can be found at http://www.msscusa.org/
Since 1893 the mission of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association has been to strengthen the economic, social, environmental and governmental conditions solely for manufacturing and allied enterprises in Illinois to enlarge the business base and increase employment opportunities.
December 23, 2008
Bison Gear Associates and Families Share Holiday Wishes With Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa returns to record crowd for 11th year, while gearmotor manufacturer's Corporate Social Responsibility entity works with community business partners to collect Toys for Tots and Northern Illinois Food Bank donations.
(L-R, back row: Bison Gear associate Alizsa Kounechongpragert and husband, Kham;
center row: Mrs. Claus and husband, Santa;
front row: Katelynn, Neathan, and Matthew Kounechongpragert)
Almost 400 employees and family members welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus to the eleventh annual Breakfast With Santa at electric motor and gearmotor manufacturer, Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. As part of the holiday celebration, Bison Gear also brought together other manufacturers in the community to collect donations for Toys for Tots and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
"In the manufacturing world today, it's truly wonderful to see our associates and their families come together to express thanks, share with others and celebrate the holidays," said Ron Bullock, owner and Chairman of Bison Gear. "This is my favorite Bison event. Every year, I look forward to seeing everyone having such a fun family celebration."
At the Bison Breakfast With Santa, employees, children and grandchildren enjoyed a catered buffet before the children visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus to share their wish lists and receive toys from Santa. While waiting their turn, games and candy were provided and family photographs were presented upon leaving. Bison's first Breakfast With Santa in 1997 had 136 family member attendees. This year, over 390 were registered for the event, including 165 children and grandchildren of Bison associates.
Bison associates also brought in food donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank and BisonCares, the charitable organization established by Bison employees, reached out to the local manufacturing community and with cooperation from Microplastics Inc. and Compact Industries, Inc. donated three full totes to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Earlier this month, BisonCares donated $3000 to two local social service organizations.
October 03, 2008
President Bush Meets with Bison Gear Chairman and Business Leaders on Economic Rescue Package
Ron Bullock expresses concerns about economy and need for financial rescue plan to pass in House to prevent recession
In his role as business owner, a Director of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and Chairman of the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA), Ron Bullock and 12 other business leaders met with President Bush at the White House yesterday to personally discuss the state of the economy and the vital importance of the passage of the pending Economic Rescue Package by the House. Bullock, owner and Chairman of gearmotor manufacturer Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., expressed concern for how tightening credit markets affect not only the ability of his customers to buy Bison products they incorporate into the equipment they build, but also how his customers' customers were finding it difficult to finance the new equipment, in addition to the difficulties Bison Gear might face in its growth plans and the security of its 275 employees. "At Bison Gear, we always put lubrication in our gearboxes -- otherwise, gears would seize and stop working," said Bullock. "Capital and credit are lubrication for the financial markets, and we need to get them smoothly flowing again." "The credit markets are in turmoil. Even healthy companies with solid balance sheets and order backlogs cannot obtain the routine financing they need to meet payroll and expand productive capacity," said NAM President John Engler. In thanking the job creators who came to the White House, President Bush said, "... the bill that's before the House of Representatives .. is a bill that has got the best chance of providing liquidity, providing credit, providing money so small businesses and medium-sized businesses can function." The President added, "And I want to thank you all for going up and telling these members of Congress what's on your mind and how this affects your businesses at home, and how it affects the communities in which you live. This thing -- this issue has gone way beyond New York and Wall Street."
September 30, 2008
Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. Appoints Chief Learning Officer
Sylvia Wetzel to lead organizational and workforce learning and development initiative as CLO.
To create a sustainable environment for organizational performance excellence and improvement, Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. has appointed Sylvia Wetzel Chief Learning Officer (CLO). The Bison Gear CLO is responsible for connecting business performance with human performance, through wide ranging programs and initiatives extending beyond traditional training.
"Workforce Development applies to us all throughout Bison Gear. In every single function within Bison, there is an element of development --development of people, skills, capabilities, culture and networks," said Martin Swarbrick, Bison Gear president and CEO. "The entire organization owns these development strategies. However, for them to be properly aligned and implemented with regard to our strategic objectives it requires responsibility to resource, develop and promote these development programs, many of which must be facilitated, sponsored, and championed. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that Sylvia Wetzel will be our business leader of corporate learning."
Sylvia Wetzel joined Bison Gear in 1994 where her career has encompassed Marketing, Information Technology, International Strategy and Corporate Training and Development. She has taken primary day to day responsibility for the Skilled Workforce Initiative training and internship program developed by Bison Gear in cooperation with local colleges, development organizations and manufacturers. This year she was appointed to the River Valley Workforce Investment Board. Wetzel is also president of BisonCares, the 501(C)3 nonprofit charitable foundation supported by Bison Gear, its employees and others in the community.
July 24, 2008
Bison Gear Receives Second "Best and Brightest" Award
Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. has been selected the second consecutive year as one of Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR).
The Best and Brightest awards were established to honor those companies that recognize employees as their greatest asset. "The 2008 winning companies have a real commitment and dedication to their employees. The best practices and innovative human resource initiatives that were demonstrated should inspire others to look for new ways to recognize employees as their greatest asset", said Jennifer Kluge, NABR President.
Each winning company is evaluated on the following categories: communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, and worklife balance and small business.
"Bison is pleased to be honored with this award once again. Without our employees' dedication and commitment to deliver quality products, we would not have been considered. Our employees are truly our company's greatest asset," said Martin Swarbrick, President and CEO of Bison Gear & Engineering.
Bison will be honored with the other Best and Brightest recipients at an awards ceremony on August 4, 2008, at the Chicago Marriott in Oak Brook, Illinois.
June 16, 2008
Guidance Counselors introduced to Bison Gear's Skilled Workforce Initiative
Area community college brings together high school guidance counselors and industry to discuss new career paths for skilled manufacturing job opportunities.
Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. and Waubonsee Community College hosted a group of guidance counselors serving Illinois' Fox River Valley for an introduction to Bison's Skilled Workforce Initiative. With a mature workforce that has developed an extensive inventory of valuable skill sets over time, and which is increasingly entering retirement, it has become critically important for those seeking to enter skilled manufacturing positions to come prepared for the responsibilities and rewards that are offered.
The counselors participated in a workshop offering an overview of new manufacturing career opportunities and the necessary skills requirements to take advantage of those opportunities upon secondary education completion. Types of entry level jobs, internships, "job shadowing", career paths, salary ranges, continuing education assistance and other benefits were discussed. An overview of the manufacturing environment was followed by a Bison Gear plant and facility tour for the educators.
Waubonsee Community College's Valley Education for Employment System (VALLEES) provides secondary and post secondary career and technical education programs in partnership with business and industry to equip students with the appropriate skills to enter the workforce and succeed.
Bison Gear's Skilled Workforce Initiative has been endorsed by many educational organizations and community development leaders. CBS Evening News recently featured Bison's workforce development efforts in its series, "Hard Times, Good Jobs", exploring the challenges that Bison and other advanced manufacturers have finding qualified candidates for these new positions and the solutions being implemented with local community colleges.
Working with community colleges, Bison Gear has helped develop a 12 week curriculum which encompasses applied math, blueprint reading, hand tool usage, manufacturing practices, and employment, life and safety skills. Successful completion is rewarded with a Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certificate, the only national, industry recognized foundational skill certifications for production workers. The next course begins August 20, 2008, at the College of DuPage. For information or to register, contact Ms. Donna Claffy, claffy@cod.edu, or phone 630-942-2135.
May 29, 2008
Bison Gear's Skilled Workforce Initiative profiled by Medill Reports: Chicago
Gearmotor manufacturer Ron Bullock's "efforts to expand and better educate his workforce, even one worker at a time, might come as a surprise given the prevailing public image of U.S. manufacturing as a struggling, outdated industry," according to a report today by Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism news service.
In his Medill Reports story on how "Manufacturers confront a human-capital crisis" Liam Martin noted that, "In early 2007 Ronald Bullock, chairman and CEO of Bison Gear and Engineering Corp., realized he needed to invest more heavily in a unique aspect of the company's financial statement - its human balance sheet."
According to Martin, "as the Bison case highlights, growth in the industry's new technologies has outpaced its ability to meet the corresponding demand for workers capable of operating them."
The complete Medill Report highlighting Bison's initiative can be found at
Bison Gear's Skilled Workforce Initiative has been endorsed by many educational organizations and community development leaders and CBS Evening News did a feature about Bison called "Hard Times, Good Jobs" discussing the challenges that Bison and other Manufacturing organizations have relating to the shortage of finding qualified labor and the solution being implemented with the College of DuPage.
