Strong and Improving Every Day: Wisconsin is Going Back to Work

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 22 -- Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., issued the following news release:

Tonight, during the State of the State speech, Governor Walker highlighted a number of employees hired since 2011.

"During the three years before I took office, Wisconsin lost over 133,000 jobs; and at the lowest point, the unemployment rate topped out at 9.2 percent." Governor Walker said. "Now, Wisconsin is going back to work. According to monthly estimates, private sector job creation between April and November of 2013 was the best since 1994 and the unemployment rate in Wisconsin is the lowest it has been since 2008. These men and woman, who stood up with me, looked for a job or a better opportunity in the last three years, and they represent the people and the families behind the numbers. They are the faces of an improving economy in our state."

Among those mentioned were:

* Joann Stephens - Quality Engineer at Surface Mount Technology. Joann is a retired US Air Force Veteran who lost her job due to downsizing in 2012. She remained unemployed for seven months until Surface Mount Technology, a world-class electronic design and manufacturing solutions firm, felt comfortable enough in today's economy to expand and hire people like Joann.

* Heyward Gualandi - Sales Supervisor at Beechwood Sales and Services. Heyward moved to Wisconsin in 2012 and worked part-time jobs to pay bills. He was not able to utilize his training until he was hired by Beechwood Sales and Services in February of last year.

* Ben Lang - Design Engineer at Metcast Service Tech Resources. Ben was hired by Metcast Service Tech Resources several months after graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He enjoys his position as a design engineer and is grateful for the opportunity Metcase Service Tech Resources gave him.

* Dominic Petri - Design Engineer at TLX Technologies. Forced to look for employment because his small business could not pay the bills, Dominic found employment at TLX Technologies. His strong work experience has been a great fit at TLX Technologies and Dominic is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, while working full-time.

* Lucas Kleman - CNC Operator at M&M Tool and Mold. Lucas, a student looking for work to pay for tuition and rent, interviewed with M&M Tool and Mold and explained his interest in working with CNC machines. Lucas's new position not only pays the bills, but his experiences at M&M Tool and Mold are helping him through school.

* Bob Stoffel - Brake Operator at Steel Craft Corporation. After losing a temporary position at another company, Bob seriously considered leaving Wisconsin for Colorado or Texas, until Steelcraft called and offered him a position. Now, for the first time in years, Bob has insurance, vacation, investment options, and the highest annual income of his life.

* Patti Sharer - Accounting Specialist at Hastings Air Energy Control. Patti and her husband taught as missionaries overseas for years before returning home and searching for employment. For two years, Patti faced uncertainty, ever-changing schedules, and part-time work in Indiana before she moved to Wisconsin. Because of Hastings Air Energy Control's growing client base, the company provided Patti with not just a job, but a career. Now, she lives in her own home and works a steady schedule.

* Joel Purdy - Quality Technician at Universal Acoustic and Emission Technologies. Joel lost his job with a concrete construction company after 27 years of experience. A former co-worker, who also lost his job, told Joel about Universal Acoustic and Emission Technologies. He interviewed with Universal AET and found employment with the company.

* Scott Grinder - Maintenance Technician at Milwaukee Valve. Scott graduated in December of 2013 with a degree in Industrial Maintenance. He interned with Milwaukee Valve during his schooling and his performance earned him a full-time offer from the company. Milwaukee Valve now pays Scott to go back to school and earn his CNC degree.

* Rick Banach - Supervisor at Rexnord. Rick is a former General Motors worker who lost his job. He enrolled in Blackhawk's Business Management Program, and now, Rick works as a supervisor at Rexnord.

* Angela Hayward - Nursing Assistant at UW Hospitals and Clinics. Angela, a former University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics histotechnician, found employment as a nursing assistant. She now works in the hospital and attends nursing school full-time.

* David Sohl - Organ Procurement Organization Surgical Recovery Coordinator at UW Hospitals and Clinics. After leaving service with the United States Armed Forces, David was unemployed. Recently, he was hired by UW Hospitals and Clinics as an organ procurement organization surgical recovery coordinator.

* Christopher Barber - Welder at Ariens Company. Christopher ended his unemployment when he started at Ariens in December 2012. He worked hard at his seasonal job and eventually gained full-time employment on the paint line. Then Christopher started studying for his welder 1 test. He passed and now welds professionally. Christopher continues to pursue education and is currently studying for his welder 2 test.

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