by Jessica Igo | Jul 10, 2023 | News, Uncategorized
Nathan Fries, Senior Sales Engineer, has been with Chief for over 9 years, but his commitment to service and community goes back even further than that. For the past 11 summers, he has volunteered to work with at-risk youth at Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC). We sat down with Nathan to learn more about TRAC, and how others can get involved too!
What exactly is TRAC, and what do they do?
“TRAC is a three-day, single-gender camp designed for youth, ages 12-15, primarily residing in foster care. Through camp, these at-risk youth experience the outdoors, while learning teamwork and participating in activities which improve trust, self-value, and teamwork.”
How did you get involved with the organization?
“Prior to being a volunteer at TRAC, I also volunteered with an organization called RFKC (Royal Family Kids Camp) designed for younger kids. It was actually my dental hygienist at the time – she found out I had done RFKC in the past and asked if I would be a part of TRAC. Now, my wife and I both serve at the camp.”
What are your goals in participating?
“Even though it is only 3 days for the teens at the camp, we have heard from past participants that it makes a lasting impact on them. For me, it is a blessing to be able to serve these teens who normally wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
How does the organization benefit the participants and the community?
“It is great for the kids and the parents/guardians because the camps is free for the kids to attend due to great donors who generously give.”
How can others get involved?
“People can go online to https://www.teenreach.org/camp-list to find the closest camp near them and email the director of that camp. It takes a lot of volunteers to make camp happen and without the volunteers, these teenagers wouldn’t be able to go to camp.”
Nathan and his wife, Amanda, have been married for 14 years and have four children. Nathan is also active in the community by volunteering at his kids’ school, coaching youth sports, and leading the middle school group at church.
by Jessica Igo | Jun 30, 2023 | News, Uncategorized
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (June 1, 2023) – Chief Buildings, a premier metal building system manufacturer, is currently seeking skilled workers for multiple positions that do not require a four-year degree at the company’s newest plant in Lancaster, South Carolina. Chief is hoping to fill positions that include everything from machine operators and shipping coordinators to maintenance technicians and welders.
The plant, which came online in late 2022, continues to increase production weekly. Chief will provide the on-site training and mentoring for the new hires. In addition, a summer internship program for area high school students will be introduced later this year.
Stacy Catoe, human resources manager for the Lancaster plant, is currently hosting job fairs and seminars at a local high school and at York Technical College to find individuals interested in both internship and full-time positions at the facility. For questions or to apply, please visit www.southcarolina.chiefbuildings.com.
“It’s important that we invest and nurture our rising leaders through mentorship and talent development to ensure Lancaster remains a viable community for those that live, learn and work here,” Catoe said. “We will continue to reach out to our community leaders and organizations in an effort to increase awareness of these career pathways and to collaborate in our efforts as we work to create a multi-talented and vibrant homegrown workforce.”
The company manufactures a wide variety of products for the machining and manufacturing industries. The Lancaster plant is one of three Chief plants; the other two are in Grand Island, Nebraska, the company’s headquarter location, and in Rensselaer, Indiana.
Beth Frerichs, director of marking and communications for parent company Chief Industries, attributed the increased need for talent to the growth in demand for products by the company’s builder network across the country.
“The development of the Lancaster plant was a direct result of the growth in the construction industry,” Frerichs said. “The relationships we have with our stakeholders and builders is one we’ve nurtured for decades, and the Lancaster plant allows this collaboration to continue well into the future. We’re not just a company. We are a group of individuals driving this success. And we recognize that our Lancaster employees, those we have now and those who we hope to hire, are a great fit for our Chief Family.”
About Chief Buildings
Since 1966, Chief Buildings has designed and manufactured a wide variety of construction solutions for customer located throughout the United States. Specific applications include manufacturing, commercial, community and agricultural buildings. Each structure is designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. Parent company Chief Industries has remained independent, privately held and family-owned since its founding. Chief products and services are used in a wide range of industries around the world including agriculture, commercial construction, structural steel, factory-built housing, ethanol production, transportation, community development and more.
