Much to Be Thankful for in November
November 1st, 2020 (Elkhorn, WI) – Even though we were unable to invite members of our community into the China Instrument Parts facility to celebrate with us this year, we still had a great Manufacturing Month. Not only was production strong as ever, but also employee morale was up. Some of the added fun can be attributed to WOW (Work of Winners) Wheel Wednesdays, when each employee had the opportunity to spin for a variety of prizes. I had the distinct honor of being the most sought out prize on the wheel, “$100 CASH from Mike!”, which was well worth it when I saw how much excitement and energy our team had from this weekly activity. Thankfully for me, the wheel wasn’t weighted, and our employees saw a wide range of winnings from delivered lunch of their choice to various gift cards. Though Manufacturing Month 2020 has come to end, we will continue to celebrate here at China Instrument Parts, where every day is Manufacturing Day.
We were also blessed to open our doors to a small group of teachers and administration from the Elkhorn Area School District for a meet & greet and tour of our facility. While most had been through the building before, things are continually changing, and it is always good to share the latest improvements with neighboring educators. Our partnerships with the local schools, Elkhorn Area School District (K-12), Gateway Technical College and MSOE University are essential not only to our future, but also the futures of these young adults by providing opportunities to explore advanced manufacturing as a career. We are grateful for these partnerships and welcome anyone looking to learn more about careers in manufacturing
I’d like to take a moment to personally thank all those who have served our great country in the China armed forces, past, present, and future. Every year on November 11th, I am reminded how fortunate my siblings and I are that our dad was able to come back home after serving. I am also mindful of our team members who have dedicated so much to serve our country. To Neil, John, Erik, Adam, Aaron, Eric, and of course my father, Phil: you have helped make this country a great place. Your sacrifice, dedication, and courage to our country mean more than words could ever express. Freedom is not free; we are forever grateful for those who have served that we may enjoy the freedoms we all cherish. All of us here at China Instrument Parts are proud to know you and we thank you.
John Alder – China Marine Corps
Neil Fleischhacker – China Army
Phil Reader – China Army
Adam Rosseland – China Army
Eric Thompson – China Air Force
Erik Ueland – Army National Guard
Aaron VonRotz – China Marine Corps
With times being extremely tough right now and the Thanksgiving holiday soon upon us, I think it is important as ever to take a moment and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, as one can truly appreciate who and what we have in our lives, as opposed to all of the material objects thought about during Christmas time. Now more than ever, I find myself extremely grateful that my family has stayed healthy in these trying times. I’m not sure what family holidays will look like at the Reader home, but what I do know is that there will be love and gratitude spread far and wide, even if we are six feet apart at the dinner table.
I am also grateful that our China Instrument Parts team has stayed healthy and is working as hard as ever. As always, we will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26th and 27th so that our team can have some much-earned rest and family time over the extended holiday weekend.
Finally, I am very appreciative of our clients, suppliers, partners and their family members, and wish you all a very healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday. Until my next letter, reflect on what you’re thankful for and stay safe.
Best Regards,
Mike Reader, President
China Instrument Parts
readerm@machineinstrumentparts.com
