The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) has named Mid-State Technical College its 2025 Firm of the Year, recognizing the College’s outstanding contributions to workforce development, economic growth and community engagement. The honor was presented at MACCI’s Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 29, where Mid-State was also celebrated for 105 years of service to the Marshfield community.

Mid-State’s Marshfield Campus has played a vital role in preparing students for in-demand careers locally. The campus employs nearly 40 full-time staff and faculty, and 80 percent of its graduates remain in the district, directly benefiting area employers and the economy. The campus serves nearly 1,500 students, an increase of 12 percent over last year. 

Mid-State’s partnerships have recently led to innovative programs, training opportunities and workforce solutions tailored to community needs. Since 2020, collaborations with the City of Marshfield and Marshfield Fire and Rescue produced expanded firefighter and emergency responder training. In 2022 partnerships with Pittsville and Auburndale High Schools led to the creation of Mid-State’s Meat Cutting and Butchery program.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, which highlights the power of collaboration in building a strong workforce and thriving community,” said Dr. Alex Lendved, Mid-State’s dean of the Marshfield Campus and School of Applied Technology. “For over 105 years, we have strategically partnered with businesses, schools and organizations to maximize resources, expand educational access and create opportunities that drive economic success and workforce innovation in the region.”

Mid-State continues to invest in the Marshfield community, with two new outreach locations in 2023, Mid-State on Central and Mid-State at Marshfield Clinic. Both locations expand access to educational resources in the Marshfield community and bring workforce training closer to its students and employers. 

During the 2023–2024 school year, the College awarded over 3,000 credits to Marshfield-area high school students, saving families over $700,000 in tuition costs. The campus also provides adult education through High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) and General Educational Development® (GED®) coursework, English language learner courses and workforce training, as well as essential resources like a food pantry and public health vending machines. Mid-State remains deeply engaged in the community, actively participating and supporting many events, serving on multiple community boards and volunteering within the community. 

Mid-State’s commitment to excellence has also earned state and national recognition, including a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate for nursing graduates in 2023 and being named one of the top four nursing programs in Wisconsin in 2024. Additionally, Mid-State was ranked number one in enrollment growth in the Wisconsin Technical College System in 2022–2023 and is a top-10 finalist in the 2025 Bellwether Award competition.

“While we don’t do what we do for recognition, we are incredibly proud and honored to be named the 2025 Firm of the Year,” said Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik. “We look forward to continuing to serve the Marshfield community, strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunities for generations to come.”