Brad Shankle recognized as emerging manufacturing leader in Oklahoma
Manufacturers, educators, workforce partners and students gathered Tuesday morning to honor Oklahoma’s emerging manufacturing leaders at the 2017 Makers, Builders and Dreamers breakfast. The event, hosted by Dream It Do It Oklahoma, recognized 29 honorees from across the Tulsa region.
Brad Shankle, health and safety manager at Pelco Structural, LLC, was among those to receive this prestigious recognition. During his three and half year tenure at Pelco Structural, Shankle has transformed the company’s environment from regulatory to voluntary, because he believes safety is a collaborative activity. Through this mindset, employees now see safety as an asset, not a liability.
“Brad Shankle represents a new generation of young professionals investing in advance manufacturing environments, like the one we have here at Pelco Structural,” said Phil Albert, president of Pelco Structural. “His success validates that manufacturing careers are relevant, obtainable, & desirable for millennials in Oklahoma.”
Shankle additionally led Pelco Structural’s employee-driven effort to earn the Safety and Health Recognition Program (SHARP) certification, awarded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Due to the work of Shankle and his colleagues, Pelco Structural has received this coveted designation an unprecedented five times.
Shankle, and other award recipients were nominated by area manufacturing employers for displaying great potential in their career. Dream It Do It Oklahoma, an initiative of OK2Grow, works to develop the workforce pipeline by raising awareness of manufacturing careers, and their importance to the economic wealth of Oklahoma. Additionally, Dream It Do It Oklahoma facilities classroom visits, industry tours, internship opportunities, and other activities for area students.
About the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority
The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) is a public trust organization formed in 1948 to stimulate economic growth and development for the city of Claremore. CIEDA oversees the Claremore Industrial Park and the Claremore Regional Airport, as well as facilitates the recruitment, retention, and expansion of primary industry jobs, and expansion of the sales tax base through the recruitment of new destination retail businesses. CIEDA additionally works to ensure a regional workforce pipeline through initiatives such as Partners in Education and Claremore Collective.
