Established as the National Institute of Flexible Manufacturing (NIFM) in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the institute was the brainchild of Harold Corner – co-founder of C&J Industries – and other local industry leaders who, simply put, wanted to upgrade their employees’ skills. Then in the 1980’s and 90’s the manufacturing field saw a shift from manual machining and non-computerized processes to computer-based manufacturing, but many companies lacked the resources or capital to train their employees with the new technical skills or to take a risk in investing in the new technology. NIFM sought solutions to overcome these obstacles: it’s two-fold goal was to train incumbent workers in the new technical skills and offer “shared use” machinery for companies to produce saleable parts while evaluating the feasibility to adopt the advanced technologies. An ad in the Meadville Tribune in 1990 summarized it this way: “We’re giving Meadville the leading edge for tomorrow through advanced technology today!”.

Starting with a one machine set up at C&J Industries, then moving into the old Meadville Racquet Club on French St, NIFM ran various courses and training sessions for management, statistical process control, CNC machining, math, and programming in its first few years. In 1998, NIFM changed its name to Precision Manufacturing Institute (PMI) and moved into a more spacious location at the Crawford Business Park. In 1999, students completed the inaugural “First STEP” program which taught entry-level industry basics, and an apprenticeship program was established.

While PMI continued to be guided by industry needs and train incumbent workers, it was in this year that the training facility added a focus on attracting new workers to the manufacturing field and training them. Local industry and individuals expressed concern over a current and growing skills gap; much of the experienced and knowledgeable workforce would be entering retirement in the coming years. PMI sought to develop quality programs to train new workers not only to fill this gap, but to provide well-trained individuals to sustain the manufacturing workforce for the future and provide a non-traditional career-education path for those seeking a quality, family-sustaining career.

In 2001, PMI was granted a license from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to operate as a state-licensed private post-secondary school. In 2004, PMI applied for and was granted accreditation with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The school was then able to offer diploma programs for which students could apply for financial aid through Federal Student Aid programs.

Back in 2002, discussion had begun over renovating and moving into the train repair shops on Bessemer Street. The red-brick buildings, built

TA L KS H P

3 0 Y E A R S1 9 8 7 - 2 0 1 7

Celebrating S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

by the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad in 1865, were converted to business space and PMI’s classrooms, labs, offices, and meeting rooms. PMI officially opened at Bessemer Commerce Park in May of 2006. At that time, the school offered diploma programs in the CNC Machining, Electro-Mechanical Technology, and Welding fields. It continues to offer these programs and customized training for industry to meet its mission: “to promote the growth of people, business, and industry through quality education and training”. PMI will formally celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall with an anniversary ribbon cutting and celebration event. Look for an invitation soon!

PMI would like to recognize and express its thanks for the dedication of the many individuals and companies who dedicated their time, energy, resources, financial contributions, and donations to develop, support, and manage the institute over the years. We continue to strive towards our mission “to promote the growth of people, business, and industry through quality education and training” and greatly appreciate the collaboration with our local industry, schools, and individuals to achieve this goal. While we the list is not nearly comprehensive, we thank: current and past board members and staff, Advisory Committees, industry patrons, the NTMA, local schools, Edinboro University, Clarion University, Rosedale Technical College.

OPEN HOUSEOPEN HOUSESaturday, September 30, 2017 9:30 AM - NOONSaturday, September 30, 2017 9:30 AM - NOON

CALL (814) 333-2415 FOR INFORMATIONASK FOR: Amanda

SEE the School - TALK to Instructors - MEET Current StudentsDISCOVER Our Programs - LEARN About Industry Trends

PMI is an Equal Opportunity Education Institution and Employer, and an ACCSC Accredited Institution.Gainful Employment disclosures are available at www.GoPMI.org.

In February, we held our inaugural PMI Winter Games. Each team competed against one another for points and the team with the most points at the end of the event wins. The events included: Donut on a String, M&M Straw Game, a Clothes Changing Relay, the Ice Cube Melt, and Pantyhose Bowling. Soft pretzels from Save Room for Dessert were served as a snack to all the participants and spectators. Congratulations to the winning team “The Krusty Bunch”.

PMI Winter Games

On March 29th PMI held its first annual chili cook-off. We had eight participants which included both students and staff. Each of the students and staff were given three tickets to vote for their favorite chili. Congratulations to the following winners: 1st Place: Amanda Keller (staff), 2nd Place: Brandon Simonette (student), and 3rd Place: Ed Petrunak (director).

STUDENT EVENTS

PMI Holds First Annual Chili Cook-Off

In March, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo by providing the students with walking tacos. The event was held during the students’ lunch periods where they had the choice of doritos or fritos. The students definitely enjoyed the lunch which was served by the PMI staff.

PMI CelebratesCinco de Mayo

We celebrated Nation Bomb Pop Day which is reserved for the last Thursday in June. National Bomb Pop day was invented in 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, and are known to people as the red, white and blue popsicle. During lunch, we passed out these patriotic treats as a way to kick off the 4th of July school break.

PMI Celebrates National Bomb Pop Day!

In July, we celebrated “Sundae Wednesday”. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed an ice cream bar with all the fixin’s. We had everything from bananas to pineapple chunks to sprinkles; and don’t forget the cherry on top!

PMI Cools off on Sundae Wednesday

Pictured above: Steve Carr

Pictured: Ed Petrunak, Amanda Keller, Brandon Simonette

Pictured L/R: Jim Bucholz, Kent Smith Pictured L/R: Elizabeth Thomas, Maggie Gustafson

Pictured L/R: Maggie Gustafson, Elizabeth Thomas

Pictured L/R: Kyle Greathouse, Jim Bucholz

Pictured: Ed Petrunak

Charles R. Broad, Jr.Jason E. BrownMark A. Douglas, Jr.Robert A. FeatherStacy L. Frazier

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESJANUARY 25, 2017

CNC MACHINIST:Rheese A. GoodemoteRobert R. Green, Jr.Gage M. McIntyreAnthony R. Olson

Chad M. BapstisteJames M. BrenkertEric G. CounselmanJerrod D. DeanDebra K. DenhamNicholas A. Grindstaff

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Chad J. KaltenbaughDaniel E. Nellis, Jr.Gregory M. RockwoodGregory T. SmithEric L. Wright

Jonathon R. BuccardoGaige M. Joliet

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Robert R. JonesJason L. Oakes

Brandon L. AndersonTyler M. ChrisJeremy L. CorreaStephen J. GreeneJonathan Q. HartleRichard P. Johnston

APRIL 25, 2017CNC MACHINIST:

Justin N. OakesJohn M. PilliteriJacob R. ScrivenJohn R. Snyder, III.Wesley J. WallinBraden L. Woodside

Keith S. BennettKurtis A. ConwayJeffrey A. FrenchChristopher L. GocalDennis L. McGurk

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Jamar T. MoodyJohn D. PayneJonathan S. SoltisClark P. Toombs

Chad A. DavisClark J. Kemp

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Russell J. SinesMatthew J. Swartz

GRADUATE AWARDS JANUARY 25, 2017

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:Cumulative 4.0 GPA throughout the entire program

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Chad J. KaltenbaughGregory M. Rockwood

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Jonathon R. BuccardoJason L. Oakes

CNC MACHINIST:Jason E. BrownRheese A. Goodemote

PERFECT ATTENDANCE:Perfect attendance throughout the entire program

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Chad J. Kaltenbaugh

CNC MACHINIST:Anthony R. Olson

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATEOF ACHIEVEMENT:Student has completed the required number of hours in their program

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Gregory T. Smith

CNC MACHINIST:Stacy L. FrazierRobert R. Green, Jr.

APRIL 25, 2017

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AWARDCumulative 3.75 GPA or higher

Charles R. Broad, Jr. (CNC Machinist)Eric G. Counselman (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Debra K. Denham (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Robert A. Feather (CNC Machinist)Nicholas A. Grindstaff (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Rheese A. Goodemote (CNC Machinist)Robert R. Jones (Electric Arc Welding)Jason L. Oakes (Electric Arc Welding)Gregory M. Rockwood (Electro-Mechanical Technology)

PMI PERFORMANCE AWARDS:

PMI PERFORMANCE AWARDS:

ATTENDANCE PERFORMANCE AWARD97% attendance or higher

Mark A. Douglas, Jr. (CNC Machinist)Robert R. Green, Jr. (CNC Machinist)

WORK ETHICS PERFORMANCE AWARDExhibiting high standards for Professional Image, Classroom Attitude and Motivation, Group Interaction, and Punctuality

James M. Brenkert (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Charles R. Broad, Jr. (CNC Machinist)Eric G. Counselman (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Debra K. Denham (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Mark A. Douglas, Jr. (CNC Machinist)Robert A. Feather (CNC Machinist)Rheese A. Goodemote (CNC Machinist)Robert R. Jones (Electric Arc Welding)Jason L. Oakes (Electric Arc Welding)Gregory M. Rockwood (Electro-Mechanical Technology)

PMI PERFORMANCE AWARD(Achieved requirements for all three criteria: Academics, Attendance, and Work Ethics)

Chad M. Baptiste (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Jason E. Brown (CNC Machinist)Jonathon R. Buccardo (Electric Arc Welding)Jerrod D. Dean (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Stacy L. Frazier (CNC Machinist)Chad Kaltenbaugh (Electro-Mechanical Technnology)Daniel E. Nellis, Jr. (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Anthony R. Olson (CNC Machinist)Gregory T. Smith (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Eric L. Wright (Electro-Mechanical Technology)

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:Cumulative 4.0 GPAthroughout the entire program

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Keith S. Bennett

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Chad A. DavisRussell J. SinesMatthew J. Swartz

PERFECT ATTENDANCE:Perfect attendance throughout the entire program

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Dennis L. McGurk

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Chad A. DavisRussell J. SinesMatthew J. Swartz

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATEOF ACHIEVEMENT:Student has completed the required number of hours in their program

CNC MACHINIST:Justin N. Oakes

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AWARDCumulative 3.75 GPA or higher

Clark J. Kemp (Electric Arc Welding)Jamar T. Moody (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Matthew J. Swartz (Electric Arc Welding)Wesley J. Wallin (CNC Machinist)

ATTENDANCE PERFORMANCE AWARD97% attendance or higher

Brandon L. Anderson (CNC Machinist)Kurtis A. Conway (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Jeffrey A. French (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Dennis L. McGurk (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Justin N. Oakes (CNC Machinist)John M. Pilliteri (CNC Machinist)John R. Snyder, III. (CNC Machinist)Braden L. Woodside (CNC Machinist)

WORK ETHICS PERFORMANCE AWARDExhibiting high standards for Professional Image, Classroom Attitude and Motivation, Group Interaction, and Punctuality

Brandon L. Anderson (CNC Machinist)Kurtis A. Conway (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Christopher L. Gocal (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Jonathan Q. Hartle (CNC Machinist)Clark J. Kemp (Electric Arc Welding)Dennis L. McGurk (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Justin N. Oakes (CNC Machinist)John M. Pilliteri (CNC Machinist)John R. Snyder, III. (CNC Machinist)Matthew J. Swartz (Electric Arc Welding)Wesley J. Wallin (CNC Machinist)Braden L. Woodside (CNC Machinist)

PMI PERFORMANCE AWARD(Achieved requirements for all three criteria: Academics, Attendance, and Work Ethics)

Tyler M. Chris (CNC Machinist)Keith S. Bennett (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Chad A. Davis (Electric Arc Welding)John D. Payne (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Russell J. Sines (Electric Arc Welding)Jonathan S. Soltis (Electro-Mechanical Technology)Clark P. Toombs (Electro-Mechanical Technology)

Gregory T. SmithEric L. Wright

GraduateSpotlight:

Glenn Babcock, Jr., an April 2016 PMI CNC Machinist graduate, is in the “Graduate Spotlight”. While at PMI, he received the J.O. Starn Scholarship for being the top CNC student in his class along with PMI’s academic performance and work habits performance awards. All through high school, Glenn had planned to go into the military. Plans changed when he met his girlfriend Angela (now his wife).

Glenn attended the Mercer County Career Center where he took electronics. He enjoyed the electronics program, but decided it was more of a hobby than a career field he wanted to get into. He said, "I like making things. Why not be a machinist? I checked into multiple schools but PMI made sense--shortest program and the right price. I also enjoyed my time at PMI. I was good in the classes and at the projects. Enjoying it was the motivation to go every day. I really picked the right field when I decided to become a machinist."

Glenn has worked at the American Cap Company in Wheatland since September 2016. He started out in the roughing line, but within four months he was promoted to the Finishing Department. In this department, Glenn works as a CNC Machinist where he makes couplings for the oil and gas industry. He stated, "The education from PMI helped me to get this job. Having the knowledge definitely helped."

A typical day starts out with running a CNC lathe--a Slant Bed Mazak Lathe. The smallest coupling is about 3.5 inches and the largest is 10 inches. Glenn said, "I am on a set schedule. I enjoy the steady pace and the fact I get to work with other people. We work as a team. Each machinist has their own inspector so consistency is maintained.

In his free time, Glenn is a volunteer soccer coach for kids in grades 4-8. In addition, Glenn stated, “I enjoy working on my Jeep, hanging out at my parents, helping out Cassandra (sister) with maintenance the property she just acquired, playing airsoft with friends and playing the video game Battlefield 1." He has a sister Cassandra (who is also a PMI grad and a welder) and a brother, Noah who is in the Army. In June of this year, Glenn married his girlfriend Angela. They currently live not far from Glenn's family with their two cats--a calico named Bellatrix and a black kitten named Demon.

For student Leroy Nahay, like many other students at PMI, the road leading him to PMI was a long, winding one. Prior to Leroy becoming a student in the CNC Machinist program in October of 2016, Leroy was a typical young man who graduated from Cochranton High School and the Crawford County Career and Technical Center’s Precision Machining Program in 2009. His goal after high school was simple-go to college. So Leroy first enrolled at California University of PA to become a technical education teacher, but then switched gears and transferred to Edinboro to the mechanical engineering technology program. However, before finishing this program, Leroy decided that it may be a better fit for him to join the workforce. He got a job at a small single owner local machine shop as a grind hand. About two years later, he moved on to a larger local shop in the same position and was working there for a few weeks, still as a grind hand. Leroy was also very active in running and playing ultimate Frisbee.

It was while driving to work on an early Fall morning on October 28, 2014, that Leroy was involved in an accident. He was driving his rag-top Geo tracker to work when his vehicle “went off the road, hit the ditch, and then jumped over the guard rail and landed at the bottom of a creek, after about a sixty-foot drop”. Leroy admits that “he hit his head so hard that it is hard to remember what happened.” He believes that the accident “was right before a bridge” and that no one found him for almost 2 hours in the creek. “I was told by multiple people that they passed me but didn’t see me because it was still dark out. As the sun rose one man saw the vehicle and went to a nearby house and asked the owner about the car in the ditch. When the owner didn’t know, both men decided to come and check and came to see if anyone was in my vehicle. They found me behind the front seat of my car and then they immediately called the fire department.” Leroy was extracted from the vehicle with the “jaws of life” and went life-flight by helicopter to Hamot.

This would be the beginning of a long road to recovery. Once at Hamot, Leroy was in a medically induced coma for three days. He spent an additional two weeks on life support. Leroy’s injuries were extensive: he suffered two broken ribs, broken wrist, various cuts and bruises, a broken jaw, vision problems related to depth perception, and head trauma to the back of his head that resulted in him needing a shunt to drain fluid from his brain and paralysis to the left side of his body.

From Hamot, Leroy was moved to a rehab facility in Pittsburgh, where he stayed for about one month. Initially his prognosis was grim. Because he did not have any movement in the left side of his body, and the head trauma he suffered, it was initially believed that he would not regain use of his left side. It was at rehab that he understood more about the extent of his injuries. He would need to relearn to walk again; his left side was constantly contracted; he realized what he could not remember—his work, his accident, many life events from the prior year. He remembers being in rehab and wanting to push himself to recover. He had to eat through a feeding tube because his jaw was wired shut after being broken in three places. His jaw had to be re-broken to allow it to widen and expand properly. He still wears braces to straighten his teeth, other than that his teeth have been repaired. He remembers trying to touch his nose and not being able to and that was when he realized “wow…I’m pretty messed up”. He remembers being in a wheelchair and wanting to walk and people telling him “no”. He remembers being told that he would never be able to walk and finding motivation in this to try harder to prove them wrong and better himself.

He remembers trying to walk and everyone being worried that he would fall down or run into something. He remembers his mom being there with him every day/most days. He remembers going home and his bedroom being moved to the first floor since he was still unable to walk stairs. He remembers the desire to make progress and achieving recovery goals beyond what was predicted for him.

Leroy remembers finally being able to return to work as a grind hand, only to realize that he could no longer grind because of the shunt in his head. This, along with gaining 60 pounds because he was no longer running or playing Frisbee, were low points for Leroy, but also points of determination. This determination led Leroy to the CNC machinist program and back into a life of activity where he now tries to bike ride as often and possible and get back into playing Frisbee. Both are challenging as he still struggles to build his coordination and improve his vision (depth perception).

Leroy is proud of his recovery and what he has overcome. He is able to grind thanks to modifications made to the grinder.

With Leroy’s graduation approaching, the messages he wants to share are: “Always wear a helmet when riding an ATV, motorcycle, horse, etc. because a traumatic brain injury like that is challenging to overcome and I feel like I’m lucky to be where I am now.” “Never give up, because with determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacles.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CNC Machinist Student Leroy Nahay Beats the Odds

JUST HIRED:

Allyssa Mooney is currently enrolled in the Electro-Mechanical Technology program and is expected to graduate in January of 2018. After working in restaurants for a few years after high school Allyssa decided she needed a career, not just a job. Allyssa said she’s “always been interested in taking things apart and troubleshooting” as she wanted to be a mechanic as a little girl. Her favorite thing about PMI is the “friendly staff ” and her favorite area of study is the “electrical” portion of the program.

Allyssa resides in Conneaut Lake with her husband, and although she doesn’t currently have any children, it is one of

her goals to start a family soon. She enjoys playing video games and spending time with her pets and is very talented in the music department as she plays the guitar, piano, clarinet, and saxophone. After graduation, she plans on traveling around the United States to find a place to settle down. Although she doesn’t have a specific company she wants to work for after graduation, Allyssa would like to work as a technician that involves traveling.

Meet Allyssa Mooney

Allyssa Mooney

Austin Spear is currently enrolled in the Electric Arc Welding program and is expected to graduate October of 2017. Before enrolling at PMI, he was working at a textile plant. Austin wanted to study welding at PMI because of “wanting something for work that he enjoys.” Austin stated, “My favorite thing about PMI is that the instructors will push you to succeed and won’t let you fail.”

After graduating, Austin wants to find employment with a company that has steady work, buy a house, and support his family. Eventually, he would like to open his own auto shop.

In addition to attending PMI, Austin is employed at Horn Textile in Titusville as a laborer and maintenance technician. Austin will have a new addition to his family in December, a baby girl. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar and working on cars.

CNC Machinist Charles Broad, Jr .................. Pro Tech MachiningJason Brown.......................... Edinboro IndustriesRobert Feather ...................... Actco Tool and Manufacturing CompanyStacy Frazier ......................... Edinboro IndustriesRheese Goodemote ............. Jet Stream InternationalRobert Green, Jr. ................... Joy GlobalGage McIntyre........................ Offi Tool & DieAnthony Olson....................... Renold Brandon Anderson ................ Wickmac Machine Tyler Chris .............................. Modern Industries, Inc. Jeremy Correa ....................... Imperial Newbould, Inc.Stephen Greene..................... RTIRichard Johnston.................. Quala-DieJustin Oakes ..........................T. Bruce Sales, Inc.John Pilliteri .......................... Matrix Tool, Inc. John Snyder, III .....................The Reserves Network (Flexcut Tools) Andrew Gaw........................... American CapTyler Donachy........................ Clarion Sintered Metals Edward Haregsin................... Chipsco Michael James....................... Qualtech Industries John Rickel ............................ Greenleaf Corporation Derek Taylor........................... Clarion Sintered Metals Richard Terrill ........................ Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.

Electro-Mechanical TechnologyScott Bennett ........................ Rehrig Pacific Kurtis Conway ....................... Joy Global Dennis McGurk ...................... Wayne Township Jamar Moody......................... Process Data and Automation John Payne ............................ Corry Manufacturing Company Jonathan Soltis ..................... Gildea Group Shawn Wygant....................... JBM TechnologiesChad Kaltenbaugh ................ JBM TechnologiesChad Baptiste ........................ Brentwood OriginalsGregory Rockwood ............... Shearer’s Snack FoodsGregory Smith ....................... Ellwood Crankshaft & MachineEric Wright ............................. General Technologies, Inc.Chase Fenrick ........................ Dairy Farmers of America Terry Thomas......................... American CapRobert Christy ....................... Venango Regional Airport

Electric Arc Welding Chad Davis ............................. Pipeline Systems Russell Sines.......................... Webco Mark Lepley ........................... Brookville Equipment Bondy Stoyer......................... Erie Truck and TrailerCassandra Babcock .............. Legacy Measurement SolutionsShane Starr............................ APEX Engineered Products

Meet Austin Spear

Austin Spear

EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHTOffi Tool & Die, Meadville, PARick Offi, Owner, graciously took the time to speak with Sara Gehr, Student Services Coordinator, to share some information about Offi Tool & Die, their partnership with PMI, and the manufacturing industry in general. Rick Offi and his father, Richard Offi, started Offi Tool & Die almost 20 years ago in Richard's garage in Meadville, PA. They both were working in the tool and die industry at the time and said, "Why are we doing this for someone else when we could be doing it ourselves?" Hence, Offi Tool & Die was born. Rick and Richard started out with two grinders and did grind work for local companies. From there they bought a mill and EDM to offer complete work. Ten years ago, Offi Tool & Die moved from Richard's garage to its current location on Baco Road in Meadville. Rick said that “currently Offi Tool & Die has eight employees and has expanded to six grinders, four CNC EDMs, two wire EDMs, three CNC mills, two hole poppers, and two manual mills.” Rick is from Meadville and currently resides in Saegertown with his wife Trisha. They have a daughter, Felisha, and two sons, Anthony and Dominic. Offi Tool & Die is a job shop specializing in building moulds, dies, spares, and machining parts. In 2018, Offi Tool & Die will be celebrating 20 years in business.

Where do you see Offi Tool & Die in the future?When asked, Rick inferred the company is staying busy. Rick said, “Customers like the work we do. I see Offi Tool & Die continuing to grow.” Looking back at the past when the tool and die industry faced a downturn, he stated, "My wife was nervous a few times. But I feel being a smaller shop helped us get through the tough times."

What direction do you see the manufacturing industry headed?Rick answered, “Busy and continuing to grow. It is very true about the skills gap and employee shortage in the industry. The Tool & Die Industry doesn't seem as popular with the younger generation. There are many tool makers with years of experience that are going to retire in the next 10 years. How are they all going to be replaced?”

What sets Offi Tool & Die apart from its competitors?Rick replied, “Just being honest. We do not load up on work and/or tell the customer we can do something and then not deliver. We will tell the customer up front whether or not the work can be done. Offi Tool & Die wants to deliver to the customer quality parts, on time, every time.”

Why do you continue to partner with PMI?Offi Tool & Die has hired two PMI CNC Machinist graduates. Rick said, “I needed CNC people who had some hands-on experience, knew at least the basics of MasterCam, how to set up a mill...employees that didn't need to be trained alot. PMI was and is the place to go for these candidates due to the hands-on training and education received."

What skills and credentials do you look for in an applicant?When asked this question, Rick stated, “Someone who is trained and has the knowledge. I want people who show up to work and can get along with others. They must be able to work as team to get a good part out the door and make the customer happy."

In closing, PMI and Offi Tool & Die have developed a great working relationship. To date, Offi Tool & Die has eight employees and two of those employees are PMI graduates.

Greenleaf Corporation

Spring PMI AdvisoryCommittee Meetings:

Greenleaf Corporation, headquartered in Saegertown, PA, is a leading developer of technical ceramic cutting tool technology. Built upon 60 years of knowledge, Greenleaf products have established a reputation of quality and innovation. Greenleaf Corporation is ISO 9001 Certified with offices around the world and in our back yard so to speak.

Greenleaf has been a friend of PMI for years. They are on our Program Advisory Committee, provided the institute with donations of cutters and inserts, had students and staff tour their facilities, provided demos of their tooling abilities and hired our graduates. Recently they were at the institute visiting, testing out their inserts and working on setting up for a trade show.

Jack Kohler, Applications Engineer in Technical Services, for Greenleaf has been coming to PMI for years and trying out newly developed cutters and inserts. As the new ideas are developed and playing out our students have the opportunity to watch the testing and ask questions of this cutting edge technology. It is not unusual for Greenleaf to visit PMI and use our Haas VF4 vertical mill for testing purposes.

The company specializes in manufacturing high-performance tungsten carbide and ceramic inserts, as well as innovative tool-handling systems. One of their news cutters, named XSYTIN-1 was engineered to machine more materials than any other ceramic grade cutter/insert in the industry. “It is designed to mill, turn and groove even the most difficult materials on the market at extreme feed rates with the high surface footage of ceramics inserts” explained Jack. The XSYTIN-1 is the strongest ceramic insert grade ever produced by Greenleaf and is ideal for use in interrupted cuts, removal of scale, roughing, semi-flush and finish cuts in Hot Rolled Steel, cast iron, nodular irons, ductile irons, steel alloys and stainless steels.

PMI is proud to have established such a great professional and working relationship with Greenleaf Corporation.

Precision Manufacturing Institute held its spring advisory committee meetings in April and May. These meetings are designed to actively involve local employers with PMI. The Advisory Committee Meetings produced many helpful suggestions to keep our program course material current with employee needs for the different curriculum offered at PMI. In addition, industry trends, important industry buzzwords, training that is needed and school curriculum among other topics being discussed. Soft skills, program length changes and additional coursework were discussed.

The following representatives attended the CNC Machinist/Operator meeting onFriday, April 7, 2017John Merritt—Bra-Vor Tool & DieTodd Devore—Bra-Vor Tool & Die Steve Spiegel—Accuride CorporationTami Adams—NWPA NTMAJeff Choffel—Channellock, Inc.Dave Jacquel—Modern Industries, Inc. Jack Kohler—Greenleaf CorporationAndy Anderson—AndCo ManufacturingGreg Wasko—Starn Tool and Manufacturing

The following representatives attended the Electro-Mechanical Technology meeting onFriday, April, 21, 2017Richard Orlando—GE (Grove City)Kristen Latch—The Reserves Network (TRN)Cheryll Snyder—Process Data and AutomationTracy Pituch—MacLean-Fogg Component SolutionsDavid Price—MacLean-Fogg Component SolutionsSteve Preston—JBM TechnologiesDan Fies—JM Eagle Meadville PlantNicole Huber—Ainsworth Pet NutritionKen Jones—Ainsworth Pet Nutrition

The following representatives attended the Electric Arc Welding meeting onFriday, May 19, 2017Vicki Waite—Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair, LLC. Brad Tisdale—Steamfitters Local #449Buster Brown—Lincoln Electric

Thank you for your participation and continued support of PMI. If you are an industry professional interested in attending upcoming advisory committee meetings, please call (814) 333-2415 and ask for Sara.

Welcome Back Jim Grossett!Jim Grossett was a CNC Machinist instructor at PMI for 24 years and retired

last August. When the Director of the school called him and said they quickly needed a fill-in instructor, he said yes without any hesitation. He was asked why he wanted to return to teaching he responded by saying “I enjoyed teaching while I was here and wanted to help out.”

Since retiring, he’s been keeping busy by fixing up his house and enjoying his 2 favorite hobbies-hunting and fishing. Welcome back Jim!

Jason Brown and Richard “R.J.” Johnston (an employee of Quala-Die, Inc.) were the most recent graduates to receive the J.O. Starn Award at their graduation commencement ceremony from Precision Manufacturing Institute.

In conjunction with Starn Tool & Manufacturing and the Northwest PA National Tooling and Machining Association’s Education Foundation, PMI is proud to support the J.O. Starn Award. The award is offered in honor of James “J.O.” Starn, one of the founding fathers of Starn Tool & Manufacturing. J.O. always encouraged individuals to obtain more education and training when entering the trades.

The $500 award is presented to the top CNC Machinist student of each graduating class. The criteria to be considered for the award includes: GPA of 3.5 or greater, 95% or greater attendance, completion of their final project, and exceptional work habits. The Education Foundation meets before each graduation to discuss PMI’s top students and select an award recipient.

Congratulations to the J.O. Starn Award Recipients!

PMI encourages the Student Services Department to team up with employers to arrange for student field trips to local companies. Field trips are an opportunity for students to see the various manufacturing environments and processes in real-life settings. Thank you to the following companies for inviting and allowing PMI students to tour their facilities.

• JM Eagle• Joy Cone Co.• Process Data and Automation

• NuTec• Channellock

Field Trips!

FEBRUARY:Jake Proper (Electro-Mechanical Technology Instructor) - 1 year

MARCH:Larry Knapp(CNC Machinist Instructor) - 9 years

Ed Petrunak(Director) - 1 year

APRIL:Kent Smith(Electro-Mechanical Technology Instructor) - 4 years

JUNE:Matt Crouch(Industry Training Manager) - 2 years

JULY:Marty Hubert(CNC Machinist Instructor) - 1 year

AUGUST:Doug Nelson(Director of Admissions) - 4 years

Liza Anne Schaef (Admissions Representative)1 year

FEBRUARY:Sara Gehr

APRIL:Matt Crouch

JULY:Doug Nelson

AUGUST:Amanda KellerLauren AndersonLiza Anne Schaef

EMPLOYEEBIRTHDAYS

EMPLOYEEANNIVERSARIES

JANUARYELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Salvatore PiazzaRyan WagnerKeith Williams

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Matthew BakerDakota ElderDean ParisWilliam Splitstone

MARCHCNC MACHINIST:Jessica MancusoLarry Tyler

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Allyssa Mooney

APRILELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Tony LetrichAustin Spear

JUNECNC MACHINIST:Erik DicksonCole FritzKevin JonesMike MontanaWilliam Pearson (Clarion Student)Matt ShuttleworthBen Williams

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY:Kenneth AndersonAndrew DunlapAlexander MarcumJULYELECTRIC ARC WELDING:Brennan CrawfordJacob DudtScott Eells (Clarion Student)Curtis FureyWesley Miller (Clarion Student)Zachary Warner

WELCOME NEW STUDENTS

PMI is an Equal Opportunity Education Institution and Employer, and an ACCSC Accredited Institution. Gainful Employment

disclosures are available at www.GoPMI.org.

PMI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution and accepts donations of materials for use in the education of the students. Thank you to the following companies for their continued support and donations:

• Canto Tool Corp.—Materials• Area Tool—Materials • Jet Stream International—Steel and Tooling• Greenleaf Corp.—Tooling• MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions—Tooling

If your company is interested in donating materials and/or equipment to PMI, please call (814) 333-2415.

Donations:

Pictured L/R: Larry Tyler, Jim Grossett, Jessi Macuso

Pictured L/R: Bill Starn, Jason Brown

Pictured L/R: Bill Starn, Richard Johnston

Precision Manufacturing Institute764 Bessemer Street, Suite 105Meadville, PA 16335(814) 333-2415

www.GoPMI.org

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