“I’m really glad to be back here,” says Hampton. “From the moment I was let in for my interview, it was like this feeling of peace. It was really cool.”

“During my apprenticeship, I was disappointed with the quality and depth of some of the classes. They were just refreshers for me, but I knew that some of my peers were learning for the first time and would be missing out,” says Josh Gates, Turning Lead. “I met with the dean of CTE and expressed my concerns, and she told me, ‘Well then, apply and teach it yourself!’ And here I am.”

Forest City Gear is proud to recognize Carl Wedig on his 10th anniversary and thank him for his long-term dedication to the company.

“We’re very proud of our legacy here at Forest City Gear of sharing ‘what we do and how we do it,’ which works to make the industry a stronger and more interesting place," says Jared Lyford, Forest City Gear Director of Operations.

Forest City Gear is proud to recognize Brian Getty on his 10th anniversary and thank him for his long-term dedication to the company.

Some Notes on Being a Good Gearman and a Good Gear Company: a letter from Forest City Gear President Fred Young to 1993 Koepfer Gear School Students.

Forest City Gear is proud to celebrate the retirement of Roy Garcia in December 2023. Garcia was part of the Forest City Gear team as Gear Finishing Technician for more than five years.

Forest City Gear is proud to celebrate the retirement of Ron Littlejohn in December 2023. Littlejohn was with Forest City Gear for more than 33 years, in the position of OD/ID Grinding Technician for nearly his entire tenure.

“It is no secret that the labor market needs ambitious and skilled people,” says Lyford. “As these people get involved with our industries, they need to have a robust place to get training and begin to build their respective networks locally. I look forward to collaborating with the team in place at the RRVTMA and working towards advancing the cause and effectiveness of an already great program.”

“The Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation is instrumental to the mission of the RSO,” said Angie Theisen, Rockford Symphony Orchestra Communications and Development Director. “We are thrilled to welcome Mindy Young to the RSO Foundation Board which is made up of a select group of individuals who have a passion for music and the arts in general. Mindy’s enthusiasm and experience make her a perfect addition to our Board and we are grateful for her willingness to serve.”