EICC’s Experts Drive Workforce Development
On a bright morning this spring, local business leaders gathered to find out who’s behind some of EICC’s most in-demand workforce training programs.
What they discovered was something more than instructors with impressive résumés or polished presentations. They met professionals who have led teams through change, managed high-pressure operations navigated workplace conflict, and built careers in the very industries they now teach.
At the recent EICC Instructor Showcase, the people, expertise, and real world experience behind the college’s workforce and continuing education division was on full display.
The showcase gave employers across Eastern Iowa and the Quad Cities an opportunity to connect directly with instructors who help organizations strengthen leadership, improve communication, enhance workplace safety, and develop employees at every level.
“It can be hard to choose an instructor without seeing them teach,” said Tyné Rieck,
EICC’s CE program manager. “This event lets instructors showcase their expertise,
communication skills, and ability to deliver impactful sessions, drawing on real industry
experience and understanding of the challenges our business partners face.”
Throughout the morning, business leaders participated in interactive sessions focused on practical workplace challenges and professional development strategies that organizations can apply immediately.
Jess Fah energized attendees with a session on workplace communication and the hidden
costs of unclear expectations, exploring how communication breakdowns can impact accountability,
morale, productivity, and retention.
“Most workplace frustrations start with communication,” Fah said. “When leaders communicate clearly and employees understand expectations, organizations operate more effectively and teams perform better.”
Manufacturing and industrial employers connected with Clayton Spinler, whose hands-on
approach to safety and maintenance training focuses on OSHA compliance, Lockout/Tagout
procedures, and industrial maintenance fundamentals.
“Training works best when employees can immediately connect it to their daily responsibilities,” Spinler said. “The goal is to make safety and maintenance practical, understandable, and easy to apply on the job.”
Leadership development remained a key focus throughout the showcase. Brenda Meeker
shared strategies for leading teams through organizational change, while Paulette
Milewski explored how organizations can address workplace conflict without sacrificing
collaboration and productivity.
“Conflict doesn’t have to be disruptive,” Milewski said.
“When leaders know how to navigate difficult conversations effectively, it creates stronger teams and healthier workplace culture.”
Brenda Meeker discussed how to navigate the relentless pace of change.
“We may not have a choice about if a change occurs, but we can choose how we react to it,” Meeker said. “Many times, just being aware of the emotional aspects of change help make it seem a lot less scary.”
For employers in attendance, the showcase reinforced the value of workforce training led by professionals who understand today’s business realities firsthand.
“At EICC, we don’t just offer training programs, we build partnerships with employers,” said Karri Frank, EICC’s dean of continuing education. “Businesses need training that is practical, engaging, and immediately useful. Our instructors understand those expectations because they’ve worked in these environments themselves.”
The instructors showcased support a range of customized workforce training, including leadership development, manufacturing management, OSHA and safety training, communication, industrial maintenance, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and executive leadership development.
For employers who were unable to attend, EICC plans to host additional events in the future to connect businesses with effective training solutions.
Learn more about EICC’s workforce and continuing education programs at eicc.edu/workforce.