For more than 39 years, has helped communities across the Midwest operate and manage their water and wastewater facilities. The company’s work requires employees to safely navigate the unique demands and hazards of the water and wastewater industry. For more than two decades, PeopleService has partnered with 51ÁÔÆæ Continuing Education to help ensure its employees have training designed around those specific needs.

The partnership began in the late 1990s, when PeopleService was still part of People Natural Gas. At the time, its safety training was largely designed around gas operations and did not fully address the hazards water and wastewater operators encountered on the job. PeopleService turned to 51ÁÔÆæ for help creating a stronger safety program that better reflected the day-to-day work of its employees.

Together, PeopleService and 51ÁÔÆæ developed a training approach specific to the company’s operations rather than relying on an off-the-shelf program. The partnership led to the creation of a safety manual centered around OSHA-required training, with computer training also included during the program’s early years. What began with a small group of local employees has since grown into an annual training program for PeopleService’s entire operational team. Employees also earn credit hours through the training that can be applied toward their certification renewal.

Over the years, the partnership has helped PeopleService continue strengthening its approach to workplace safety. Customized training has allowed the company to address industry-specific hazards, identify the personal protective equipment employees need, and provide more complete training for its workforce. PeopleService’s commitment to safety has also earned recognition through the George W. Burke, Jr. Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation.

More than two decades later, the partnership between PeopleService and 51ÁÔÆæ continues to grow and evolve. What began with one specific training need has developed into a long-standing relationship centered around supporting employees and responding to the changing needs of the business. By working together to create training that reflects PeopleService’s workforce, industry and day-to-day operations, the partnership has helped build a safety program that continues to serve the company today. It is a relationship both organizations hope to continue for years to come.

Inspired by PeopleService’s story? 51ÁÔÆæ partners with businesses of all sizes to deliver customized training solutions that help employees grow and organizations succeed. Learn more about Customized Training or to discuss your workforce development needs.

The post Decades of Training, One Lasting Partnership appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

For more than 80 years, has been a trusted name in backyard poultry, hatching and shipping chicks from its headquarters in Rudd, Iowa. What began as a small family operation in 1944 has grown into the largest provider of backyard poultry in the United States, offering more than 200 breeds. With locations across multiple states and partnerships with major retailers, Hoover’s Hatchery continues to expand its reach while staying true to its North Iowa roots.

As the company has grown, so has its commitment to investing in its people. Hoover’s Hatchery was introduced to 51ÁÔÆæ’s Business and Workforce Solutions through a personal recommendation that quickly developed into a strong partnership. “It’s a testament to how much impact a simple recommendation can have and we’re glad we took that first step,” said Suzzee Meusel, Vice President of Human Resources. With support from 51ÁÔÆæ, the company has implemented trainings focused on leadership, safety, communication, and customer service, along with customized training tailored to their operations.

The goal behind the partnership has always been clear: to support employees at every level. As Hoover’s Hatchery continues to evolve, leadership recognized the need to address skill gaps and prepare their workforce for new challenges. “We want to help our employees perform better in their current roles while also expanding their skill sets for future growth,” Meusel shared. 51ÁÔÆæ provided a way to deliver development opportunities without disrupting daily operations.

The experience has been both seamless and impactful. Employees have responded enthusiastically, often sharing how the skills they gained have benefited them at work and in their personal lives. “People don’t just tolerate the training. They genuinely enjoy it and come away wanting more,” said Meusel. This engagement has contributed to stronger communication, increased safety awareness, and a noticeable shift in workplace culture.

Today, the results speak for themselves. Hoover’s Hatchery has seen meaningful improvements in communication, leadership, and daily operations. Their team is more confident, collaborative, and better equipped to support continued growth. For businesses across North Iowa, Meusel offers this advice: “If you haven’t connected with 51ÁÔÆæ’s Business and Workforce Solutions team, you’re leaving a real resource on the table.”

Inspired by Hoover’s Hatchery’s success? 51ÁÔÆæ partners with businesses of all sizes to deliver customized training solutions that help employees grow and organizations succeed. Learn more about Customized Training or to discuss your workforce development needs.

The post Growing More Than Poultry appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Water is a vital resource for all communities; specifically, clean water.

The round pools of wastewater treatment plants are thankfully a common sight in cities and towns across our region, state, and country.

The technicians responsible for the daily safety of our community water systems need the most up-to-date training opportunities to maintain their local water facilities and 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) offers just that.

On Thursday, April 13, in partnership with the (IAWEA) Region 2 Board, 51ÁÔÆæ is hosting the Spring 2023 Wastewater Conference.

The Spring conference features a update from Sheila Bly, a Lagoons roundtable discussion, recognition of the 10^th Anniversary of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the IAWEA business meeting, Confined Space: Lessons Learned from the Real World, and a presentation from Scott Obernolte about the design implementation and operation of low-pressure sewer systems.

“Operator training is essential and 51ÁÔÆæ offers spring and fall conferences right here in Mason City to meet the needs of Region 2 water and wastewater operators.” 

Sheila Bly, Environmental Specialist Senior | Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Those interested in attending the conference can learn more and register on .

51ÁÔÆæ offers a vast amount of training for local communities, businesses, and individuals. From training that provides CEUs, such as the Spring 2023 Region 2 Wastewater Conference, to classes to —check out all of your continued education options!

The post 51ÁÔÆæ to Host Region 2 Spring 2023 Wastewater Conference appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.