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Temple based manufacturer Panel Specialists Incorporated (PSI) was recognized as Business of the Year by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas at their annual awards luncheon, October 25, 2019. “We are so thankful and humbled to receive this award from Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and congressional recognition from the office of Congressman John Carter for our ongoing work and partnership with the Temple Independent School District,” noted Elliot Germany, President of PSI. Since 1990, PSI has been dedicated to providing inspired, contemporary interior architectural products including wall panel systems, marine panels, medical casework, military furniture and dorm furniture to their customers. Their company culture demonstrates dedication to the community and forges professional and personal relationships. PSI demonstrates its commitment to workforce development in many ways. As one example, PSI participated in the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas-sponsored Central Texas Teacher Externship Program. PSI committed over $3,000.00 of staff time for the Teacher Externship to help classroom teachers understand real-world work requirements as they develop a curriculum that links learning and work demands. For the Teacher Externship, public school teachers worked in the PSI facility for three days. While on-site, teachers participated in job shadowing and hands-on activities that gave them insight into the job and industry-specific workplace expectations and skills requirements. Further demonstrating PSl's commitment to preparing a skilled applicant pool, the organization joined with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas to provide new advanced manufacturing equipment for the Temple Independent School District. Through a Texas Workforce Commission Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) grant, equipment was purchased and placed at the Temple ISD Career Center. Through the TIP matching grant, PSI donated $15,000 which was matched by $15,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission. The purchase will give Temple ISD students training access and experience on a computer numerical control (CNC) machining tool and computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used at the PSI worksite. “We consider it a pleasure to work with Mrs. Denise Ayres, Dr. Bobby Ott, the staff and students within the school district; and joy and privilege to work with and have the financial backing through grant programs authored by Charley Ayres and Susan Kamas at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Teamwork makes the Dream Work,” continued Elliot Germany, President of PSI.