On October 5, 2017, Lt. Governor Sanguinetti visited Pioneer Service to see manufacturing operations, hear the Pioneer story, and collect ideas on reaching more youth for STEM careers like manufacturing. 

Photo (from left to right):

Tiernan Murrell, Co-Director for SparkShop
Steve Brezwyn, V.P. Operations, Pioneer Service
Aneesa Muthana, President & Co-Owner, Pioneer Service
Eric Smith, Director of Sales, Pioneer Service
Lt. Governor of Illinois, Evelyn Sanguinetti
Mayor of Addison, Rich Veenstra
Rose of Sharon DeVos, Business Development Manager, Pioneer Service
James Rewis, Quality Manager, Pioneer Service

In her visit, the Lt. Governor expressed genuine interest in our industry and enthusiasm for engaging more of Illinois' youth in STEM programs boost career opportunities. After a plant tour, Tiernan Murell shared the vision for www.SparkShop.org and was invited to present further to the Rural Affairs Counsel about the program that "sparks" interest in STEM careers in elementary school.

Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra discussed local initiatives to boost manufacturing's image, and had his team create video footage of the visit for inclusion in video production on the subject. It was a great example of local and state government working with small businesses to make a difference in communities!

On October 4, 2017 and October 6, 2017 Pioneer Service hosted high school students for a tour and presentation on manufacturing careers. In all, 91 students were able to come! Students from Reavis High School, Oak Lawn High School and Addison Trail High School saw first-hand how machined parts are made on advanced CNC Swiss machines with production manager Bob Anderson, as well how they are checked with vision inspection systems. A third of their time was spent addressing perceptions vs. reality in manufacturing and how they might find their own passion in unconventional places. Rose of Sharon DeVos presented the myths, her own story of joining the industry, Pioneer Service's story and encouraged students to be intentional in writing their own life and career stories.