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Highlights of the Engineering Forum Sponsored by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation, Itasca Community College Foundation, and Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Northeast Minnesota is experiencing some exciting times. New industry construction and current industry expansion are leading to an economic boom. Engineers are needed at a higher demand than any time in recent history. Itasca Community College, and its Northeast Minnesota partnering colleges, has the initial education and training resources available to prepare a workforce to take advantage of available and upcoming engineering job opportunities. Keynote speaker: Joe Scipioni, of PolyMet Mining Corp., Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, was the keynote speaker. Mr. Scipioni joined PolyMet in July 2006, serving as Chief Operating Officer from March 2007 until this month when he was appointed President and CEO. He previously served for 30 years at US Steel Corp. where he held increasingly senior positions at the Minntac and Keewatin Taconite facilities. Mr. Scipioni is a civil engineer and has served in leadership positions with the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and Hibbing Chamber of Commerce. Panelists: Representatives from regional mining, power and other industries participated on a panel highlighting their engineering careers and experiences. Panelists included Mathew Pellinen of Landecker & Associates, LaTisha Gietzen of PolyMet Mining, Josh Skelton of Rapids Energy Center, Lucas McLeod of UPM-Kymmene, and Amber Mikulich, current ICC engineering student. Dr. Barbara McDonald, Dean of Academic Affairs, Itasca Community College, served as panel moderator. Approximately 150 area high school and college students, as well as interested public, were in attendance.
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