Good news! A mutually beneficial collaboration was formed in June between Sunshine Resources of Door County and C&S Manufacturing, a Sturgeon Bay company that produces plumbing and electrical products.

“Jeremy Paszczak at Sunshine Resources worked with us to identify potential projects that would help their clients transfer the work skills they developed at Sunshine Resources to our facility,” says Jerry Mellenberger, General Manager of C&S Manufacturing. “It has worked out extremely well for us,” he continues. “We currently have two clients from Sunshine Resources that work three hours a day one day a week.” As the employees gain experience, those hours will be increased. Another advantage C&S Manufacturing realizes is that their new employees help the company during a time of a tight labor market. “With the labor crunch most businesses are experiencing,” Mellenberger says, “we appreciate being able to hire employees who already have a solid set of skills. In addition, it helps them to broaden their horizons.” Providing a range of work experiences is important because it assists people in identifying the type of work they would like to do long-term. Kenny Kuehn, one of the new employees, indicated he enjoys working at C&S Manufacturing because he likes working with his hands. He also noted that he has learned to do things that he hasn’t done before. It’s a learning experience he appreciates and gravitates toward. Mark Behrendt, another of the new employees, agrees. “I enjoyed meeting my coworkers and everyone has been really helpful. I like people, and like being around people. I also enjoy seeing what other employees are doing because it helps me to know if it’s a job I might be interested in. I like the work I’m doing and I feel like I’m part of a team—a team that works together and helps one another. “I’m also making more money,” he says, “which allows me to take my parents out to dinner once in a while.” At Sunshine Resources, Mark is part of the Employee Council, a group of nine Sunshine Resources clients that meets to discuss topics such as safety and special events. They are also the voices of their peers and bring ideas and suggestions to their monthly meetings. “I’ve been a member for two years,” Marks says. “I enjoy being able to make a positive difference for everyone who works here.” Skills that are, once again, transferrable to other workplaces, such as C&S Manufacturing.

 For more information about our programs please contact Tami Walls at 920-818-1483 or visit www.sunshinere sources.org/our-services/rise-program