The Backbone of Our Communities: How Local Businesses and NICC Are Building Northeast Iowa’s Future
Monday, June 8, 2026
On any given day at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), you will see the future of our region taking shape. But on the evening of May 28, the focus at Wilder Business Center on the Calmar campus shifted from the students in the classrooms to the vital mentors, leaders and local businesses working behind the scenes to help them succeed.
At the second annual “Partners in Excellence” awards ceremony, NICC paused to say a heartfelt "thank you" to six standout employer partners. These aren't just names on a plaque — they are the organizations creating scholarships, opening their doors for internships, advising on academic programs and offering graduates their first big career breakthroughs right here at home.
This year’s honorees represent the diverse fabric of the Northeast Iowa economy:
- Bodensteiner Implement Company
- CUSB Bank
- Emplify Health
- Featherlite Trailers
- JB Holland Construction
- Wright Way Computers
Keeping Rural Communities Strong
For many in attendance, the connection to NICC is deeply personal. Patrice Kuennen, RN, MSN, FAB, and Administrator at Emplify Health, took the stage not just as a regional business leader, but as someone who walked these very halls as a student.
“Speaking not only as a leader at Emplify Health, but also as an alum, I want to thank NICC for the incredible impact you have had in our communities,” Kuennen shared. “Your work helps ensure people can earn a degree close to home, enter the workforce and remain rural — strengthening both our communities and our future.”
Kuennen’s words get to the absolute heart of why these partnerships matter. In Northeast Iowa, keeping young talent local is a lifeline. When local businesses team up with the College, they aren't just filling open jobs; they are helping neighbors build sustainable, thriving lives without having to leave the communities they love.
Beyond the Classroom
The evening kicked off with a lively networking reception, giving local leaders and College administrators a chance to connect and celebrate shared milestones. The formal awards were presented by NICC President Dave Dahms, alongside Vice President of Business and Community Solutions Amy Lasack, Dean of Nursing Sarah Carlson, Director of Sales and Training Amy Green and Executive Director of Advancement Anna Berns.
During the ceremony, President Dahms emphasized that the collaboration between NICC and these industry champions goes far beyond traditional degrees.
“Your impact extends beyond scholarships and traditional academic programs,” Dahms noted. “Through continuing education, customized training and short-term workforce programs, we are helping individuals build skills, advance careers and meet the changing needs of industry across our region.”
A Shared Vision for Tomorrow
Whether it’s a technician learning with the latest equipment for John Deere, a nurse training with a state-of-the-art simulator or a software specialist mastering Cisco Networking, the collaboration between NICC and regional employers ensures that the training meets the real, everyday demands of the workforce.
When education meets local industry, everyone wins. Students graduate job-ready and with little or no debt, businesses secure top-tier local talent and the regional economy grows stronger by the day.
Want to get involved?
To learn more about how your business can partner with Northeast Iowa Community College to shape the next generation of professionals, visit nicc.edu/business-community/partnerships.