‘Twas the week before finals and all through the school not a supply could be found, not even a spool (of string). The backpacks were hung in the lockers with care in hopes that just someone would be aware.  When what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a caring group of full of cheer!  Buckets and bags filled with all kinds of things that will help our students learn until spring.   The teachers’ eyes – how they twinkled!  Their smiles – how they shined!  Exclamations of joy – what a blissful state of mind!  The best holiday gift EVER and you are the reason!  Many thanks to you all and to all a joyful season. 

WOTM school supply donations—you are the virtuosity of generosity!!!

Each year students and teachers come to school eager to learn but don’t always have the supplies needed to keep them on the path for success.  As a district, the Rockford Public Schools face rising numbers of families living at or near the poverty line.  Your donation of school supplies helps students worry less about what they don’t have allowing them to spend more energy focused on learning and growing into future leaders in our community.  Thank you so much for thinking of our students this holiday season. 

Thanks,
Christina Magee
National Board Certified Teacher
Career Academy Coach / Guilford High School Rockford Public Schools

In 2002 it became apparent that local support for manufacturing was very lacking.  Local organizations had a national focus but a regional champion did not exist.  Three dynamic women pooled their forces and resources to fund the startup of a regionally focused non-profit. They gathered a core of like-minded women in manufacturing to flesh out the details.  One of the husband’s (business partners) insisted that ‘Women” be included in the title of this new organization because as he put it “women get it done!”   As a result Women of Today’s Manufacturing (WOTM) was born.

The founders vision has grown to one of the most respected manufacturing organizations in this region.  In our short history we have:

• Created and run a manufacturing camp exposed over 50 young people to all aspects of manufacturing.  This model has been copied and implanted worldwide by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA).
• We have given over $40,000 dollars in scholarships to students, members, and robotics.
• Created an endowment fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois that allows us to give annual scholarships.

WOTM is honored to present Teresa Beach-Shelow of Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. (SJTI), Judy Pike of Melba, and Carl Bradberry with MAC Emeritus Membership Awards.  These awards are defined as follows: Life time membership at no cost to the member to be awarded through nomination by the executive board and approval by the Board of Directors.  This membership is reserved for members who have shown dedication and service in excess of 10 years.  Up to but not exceeding 3 memberships may be awarded in any fiscal year.   An exception is to be given to 2017 with a maximum of 4 member emeritus awards. Nominations must be made and approved by November 1^st of the year preceding the effective date of the membership emeritus status.

These are many more members that seen this vision and have supported WOTM since the beginning and we appreciate each and every member!!