CONNSTEP Honored with Awards at MEP National
Conference
For Immediate Release
5.15.2008
Contact: Rebecca Kane Dow, 860.513.3217
(Rocky Hill, CT) - The Grand Ballroom of the Marriott World Center in Orlando was the stage for Judy Wlodarczyk, Director of Environmental Services for CONNSTEP, Connecticut's manufacturing resource, to garner a national award at the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Conference, held April 26-30, 2008.
Wlodarczyk took home the MEP Champion of the Year out of a pool
of six nominees from across the United States. The MEP Champion of
the Year recognizes those who are outstanding advocates for the
manufacturing extension mission. These individuals have
demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to the business growth and
transformation of the U.S.-based manufacturers through their
continued support of the MEP system.
CONNSTEP, the Connecticut State Technology Extension Program, is
the MEP Center for Connecticut. The assistance provided by CONNSTEP
for Connecticut manufacturers is supported, in joint effort, by the
Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) and the Connecticut Department of Economic and
Community Development (DECD).
Nominated by CONNSTEP President Bonnie Del Conte and endorsed by
Linda Darveau of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Judy has
over a decade of continuous support of the MEP mission. Judy's
dedication to training and services that defend the environment has
always been in the forefront of her efforts. She has worked with
companies to embrace green practices not only to satisfy customers
and comply with regulation, but to also promote good business. Judy
works hard to promote environmental protection while helping
Connecticut businesses save money and remain strong - always a
willing partner in every venture that seeks to improve
manufacturing in Connecticut and is an outstanding steward of the
environment.
CONNSTEP President Bonnie Del Conte underscores the commitment,
"Judy is an asset to the organization, the MEP network and is a
true role model. It is not uncommon for her to receive and answer
calls from many colleagues throughout the MEP network each month -
it is a well known fact that she is recognized and admired by her
peers throughout the MEP System."
In addition, CONNSTEP Executive Administrative Assistant, Holly
Ciecierski, received the MEP Unsung Hero of the Year. The Unsung
Hero of the Year Award recognizes individuals from marketing,
reporting, administrative, human resources and other support roles
whose special efforts behind-the scenes have allowed their centers
to excel in the eyes of the customer.
Matin Karbassioon and Bill Caplan, CONNSTEP Lean
Manufacturing Specialists, were finalists for the MEP Practitioner
of the Year Award for their specialized contributions that have
made significant impacts throughout the MEP system.
About CONNSTEP
CONNSTEP's mission is to help Connecticut
manufacturers apply advanced manufacturing and management
methodologies to become more competitive and support Connecticut's
economy. CONNSTEP is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of
Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the U.S. Department
of Commerce through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
program of the National Institute Standards and Technology.
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