WAUSAU – Northcentral Technical College has recognized Church Mutual Insurance Co. as the 2018-2019 Employer of the Year.

NTC’s Employer of the Year award honors one employer whose efforts resulted in an extraordinary impact on NTC, its students, as well as in the community in which the employer operates, NTC said in a news release. The organization demonstrates a commitment to the students, the academic programs and the overall mission of the college.

“Church Mutual Insurance Company is one of the most community-minded companies that I have had the privilege of working with,” said Lori Weyers, Northcentral Technical College president, in the release. “As a premier partner and supporter of NTC, they have been instrumental in providing opportunities for our students, including Church Mutual IT Scholars and The Branch, both of which support valuable skills development and promote economic vitality for the region. A strong advocate that recognizes and promotes technical education through collaborative efforts with the college, Church Mutual has contributed to student scholarships, event sponsorships and capital campaigns, including making our vision for the Public Safety Center of Excellence in Merrill a reality.”

Church Mutual President and CEO Rich Poirier says the Merrill-based company believes strongly in the value NTC brings to the communities it serves.

“NTC is making a big difference for this area by producing the well-educated, well-prepared workforce our employers need,” Poirier said in the release. “We look forward to furthering our partnership with NTC, while continuing to hire its graduates. Overall, this relationship underscores our commitment to education and strengthening the economy in central Wisconsin and beyond.”

The award was given to Church Mutual at NTC’s advisory committee breakfast on May 8.

Photo courtesy NTC. Pictured are Barb Tushoski, Church Mutual human resources manager; from left, Dawn Bernatz, Church Mutual director of corporate communications; Lori Weyers, president of NTC; Rich Poirier, Church Mutual president and CEO; and Kshitij Kohli, Church Mutual advisory IT application development manager.