Rittal North America in Urbana recently hosted a signing ceremony for two Clark State Community College students, Nick Reynolds and Gage Cassell, who have begun 10-week internships at the company, leading up to the second year of their associate degree studies in mechanical engineering technology.
The Rittal ceremony is the latest in a series of signing ceremonies that Ashley Cook, Business Liaison of the Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), is coordinating with Champaign County manufacturers that hire local students and graduates. The signing ceremonies, patterned after signing ceremonies that colleges conduct for new student athletes, are part of the CEP’s workforce development initiatives.
The CEP has been partnering with employers and local schools to better inform students about local employment opportunities and to help schools prepare students for the opportunities.
At Rittal, Reynolds will work in manufacturing, while Cassel will work in quality engineering. They are the first interns to be hired at the Rittal facility in Urbana, Mike Freund, Managing Director of Rittal North America, said.
As Career Services Coordinator at Clark State, Melody Gast helps students find internships. She said, “We’re excited to partner with Rittal to provide our students real world experience.”
Rittal designs and manufactures industrial and IT enclosures, racks and accessories, including high efficiency, high density power management and climate control systems for industrial, data center, outdoor and hybrid applications.
Earlier this spring, ORBIS in Urbana held a signing ceremony for an Urbana University senior and Bundy Baking Solutions of Urbana, for three local graduates who have joined their workforce.
Information from Champaign Economic Partnership. 
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Clark State Community College is enrolling students now in its first applied bachelor’s degree program.

The four-year degree in Manufacturing Technology Management will be available to students beginning in the fall semester of this year.

Clark State President Jo Alice Blondin said the degree complements Clark State’s existing certificates and associate degrees, and is an opportunity to provide higher education for an industry important to the region’s economic health.

“Additionally, incumbent workers can now have access to a bachelor’s degree that brings with it the opportunities for advancement and higher-level skill development,” Blondin said. “It’s a win-win for the employees and employers.”

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Bundy Baking Solutions, a leading maker of commercial and consumer baking equipment, products and services, with U.S. headquarters in Urbana, has become the Champaign Economic Partnership’s (CEP) newest Champion Level partner investor.
The CEP is a public-private partnership of local government, business and education, formed to help businesses get started, expand, create jobs and develop workforce in Champaign County.
“As one of the larger employers in our area that’s had roots in the community since 1967, it’s important for us to have a role in moving the partnership and economic development forward,” says Tom Coles, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources. The Champion Level is the highest level of partnership that the CEP offers to businesses.
The CEP’s partnership of business, education and local government, he said, “builds a strong foundation for the community to attract new business and maintain existing businesses.”
Bundy Baking Solutions has become a global industry leader serving many of the world’s largest and most successful bakeries. Bundy includes six companies, employing 330 in Urbana, 50 in Mansfield, Westerville and Sunbury, and 2,000 in other U.S. and international locations.
Coles said that the CEP has helped the company and other local manufacturers meet their workforce needs by partnering with schools, making them and their students aware of local career opportunities.
He credits Ashley Cook, the CEP’s Business Liaison, for helping businesses like Bundy partner with local schools to introduce students to local jobs and prepare them for the workforce. “This wouldn’t have happened without Ashley being at the table – we all have businesses to run. She’s helped us get our foot in the door with career counselors to let them know about the jobs that are available. There’s plenty of opportunity here.”
Bundy offers opportunities with on-the-job training for high school students wanting to go straight into the workforce, as well as jobs for college graduates. Coles said Urbana University graduates have recently accepted positions in marketing and information technology.
Bundy also offers opportunities for high school students to work during non-school hours, leading up to graduation, when they can work full time.
Bundy has expanded operations in Urbana in recent years. American Pan added a second shift two years ago and recently added a third, Coles said. And Pan Glo and Dura Shield have each added a second shift. In addition, Bundy Baking Solutions recently opened a new division in Westerville, Synova LLC, which manufactures and distributes baking release agents.
Eighteen businesses are currently CEP Investors. To learn how to become an investor, to support CEP’s economic development mission, visit cepohio.com/partnership-investors.html, or call the CEP at 937-653-7200.