EICC Employee Training and Professional Development Newsletter | March 2026
Stronger businesses. Stronger communities.
At Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), we’ve been helping businesses train and develop their employees for decades.
Our high-quality training enhances skills, boosts productivity, and develops strong leaders. It’s all part of what we do as THE Community’s College.
Our expert-led courses, workshops, and certifications are designed to meet the unique needs of your organization, helping your team stay competitive and excel in today’s fast-paced workplace. Whatever your goals, we have the training solutions to help your business thrive.
Professional Development
Gain a competitive edge in the workplace.
Customized Options
Create a program that meets your team’s goals.
Funding may be available to help with your company’s training needs through Economic Workforce Development Funds:
1. Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program (260E)
Supports businesses that are creating new jobs or relocating to Iowa.
2. Iowa Jobs Training Program (260F)
Provides state-funded forgivable loans or grants to Iowa businesses for the training and development of their existing employees.
3. Workforce Training & Economic Development (WTED) Fund
Supports Iowa employers in training and upskilling workers in industries like manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, and healthcare. Limited funding may also be available for nonprofits and municipalities.
To learn more, scan the QR code or visit eicc.edu/trainingfunds ⊲
Investing in Growth. Strengthening Workforce.
Every day, Eastern Iowa employers are making decisions about hiring, expanding, adopting new technology, and strengthening their teams. Our role at EICC is to help you move forward with confidence.
Iowa’s workforce and economic development programs — including 260E for new jobs and 260F for current employees — allow community colleges to administer funding that supports job-specific training tied directly to business growth. Simply put, these programs help you expand, hire, train, and upskill when it matters most.
Over the past five years, 260E has supported more than 2,100 new jobs in Eastern Iowa. During that same time, 260F has helped train thousands of workers across more than 100 company projects. On the ground, that means safety certifications completed before a line goes live, supervisors prepared to lead growing teams, and employees trained on new equipment the moment it arrives.
In this issue, you’ll read more about how we are strengthening both our safety and leadership programming — two areas employers consistently tell us are essential. As compliance requirements evolve, technology changes, and teams grow, strong safety practices and capable leadership across the organization go hand in hand. We are listening closely to your feedback and refining our o erings to ensure they remain flexible, practical, and aligned with the real challenges you’re facing today.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We are proud to support the work happening across Eastern Iowa — and we look forward to building what’s next, together.
Ashlee Spannagel Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Featured Upcoming Classes, April – June 2026
*Format Key:
BTC = Blong Technology Center | CCAC = Clinton Career Advancement Center | CCC = Clinton Community College Main Campus | DCAC = DeWitt Career Advancement Center
Browse all Health, EMS, & Helping eicc.edu/healthce ⊲
Browse all Industry & Trades eicc.edu/industry ⊲ View all our courses and start dates. eicc.edu/profdev ⊲
Live Online: Live class, streamed online | MAQ = Maquoketa Center | MCAC = Muscatine Career Advancement Center | MTC = Manufacturing Technology Center Online 24/7: Self-paced online learning | SCC: Scott Community College Main Campus | URB = Scott Community College Urban Campus You’re invited!
West Davenport Center, 2950 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA
EICC will host our first Instructor Showcase this April, designed for CEOs, plant managers, and HR leaders responsible for developing their teams. This free, high-impact event o ers a firsthand look at how our instructors address real workplace challenges, from communication and conflict to change and decision-making. Choose training solutions that fit your organization’s needs with confidence. Register at eicc.edu/showcase ⊲
Leadership Development Takes Center Stage
EICC refreshes and relaunches workforce training programs
Across Eastern Iowa, employers are facing a familiar challenge: experienced leaders nearing retirement, fewer employees ready to step into supervisory roles and increasing pressure on frontline managers to lead teams through constant change.
EICC is responding by refreshing and expanding its leadership training programs, creating a clearer pathway for businesses to develop talent internally and prepare the next generation of leaders.
The college recently created, revised and relaunched four leadership programs: Advanced Frontline Leadership, Next Level Leadership for Managers, Manufacturing Management, and Strategic Executive Leadership, while continuing to o er its foundational Frontline Leadership program. Together, the programs are designed to support leaders at every stage, from first-time supervisors to executive decision-makers.
“Employers told us they needed more flexible, practical leadership development that reflects what supervisors and managers are dealing with right now,” said Ashlee Spannagel, EdD, vice chancellor of workforce development at EICC. “We took that feedback seriously and refreshed these programs to better support leadership growth, succession planning and long-term workforce stability.”
One of the most significant updates is the relaunch of the Manufacturing Management Certificate, a 10-session program redesigned with direct input from local manufacturers. The program prepares new and emerging manufacturing supervisors to lead teams while also understanding the business side of operations, including key performance indicators, HR compliance, financial fundamentals, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Manufacturers helped shape the curriculum to reflect real operational demands, Spannagel said, ensuring supervisors are prepared to make informed decisions on the floor while supporting productivity, quality and retention.
Advanced Frontline Leadership was also refreshed to reflect current workplace realities. The five-session program now o ers greater flexibility, allowing participants to take individual classes or complete all five to earn an EICC
microcredential. That change came directly from employer feedback.
“Businesses told us they wanted options,” Spannagel said. “Some leaders need a specific skill right now, like rebuilding trust or motivating a team, while others want a deeper, more comprehensive experience. This structure allows employers to meet leaders where they are.”
The Advanced Frontline Leadership series addresses topics such as building and sustaining trust, resilience during workplace challenges, motivation across generations, empathy as a leadership skill, and problem solving in complex situations. The focus is on practical tools leaders can apply immediately.
For managers and directors preparing for broader responsibility, EICC refreshed its Leadership: Beyond Management program, now called Next Level Leadership for Managers. The program is designed for leaders who are moving beyond day-to-day supervision and need stronger skills in decision-making, team development and organizational leadership.
At the executive level, Strategic Executive Leadership supports business owners and senior leaders navigating high-stakes decisions, change and long-term strategy. The small-cohort program emphasizes disciplined thinking, adaptability, and leadership clarity in complex environments.
While each program serves a distinct audience, EICC intentionally designed them to work together as a leadership pipeline. Employers can identify high-potential employees early, provide foundational leadership skills, and continue developing those individuals as they take on greater responsibility.
“This is about building bench strength. Succession planning cannot be reactive. Employers need a way to intentionally grow leaders over time, rather than scrambling when a key supervisor or manager leaves,” Spannagel said.
In addition to open-enrollment programs, EICC o ers customized leadership training delivered on-site for individual businesses. Companies can choose to bring existing programs to their location or work with EICC to develop training tailored to their specific needs, schedules and workforce challenges.
“That flexibility is part of our mission. Our role goes beyond educating individual students. We are here to help build strong businesses and communities by supporting the people who keep them running,” Spannagel said.
Leadership development, Spannagel added, is not just a talent strategy but a community investment.
“When businesses have prepared, confident leaders, employees are more engaged, teams are more stable and organizations are better positioned to grow,” Spannagel said. “That benefits the employer and the entire community.”
By refreshing its o erings and expanding flexibility, EICC aims to help employers address leadership gaps before they become disruptions.
“By listening to employers and adapting our programs, we ensure that students gain the skills businesses are looking for right now,” said Karri Frank, dean of continuing education.
“Tyne Rieck, EICC’s business and IT program manager, has played a pivotal role in building strong connections with business and industry partners, ensuring our training programs remain relevant and responsive to evolving workforce demands,” Frank added.
For many organizations, Spannagel said, the question is no longer whether leadership development is needed, but how to do it e ectively resulting in meaningful, long-lasting impact.
“Our goal is to be a partner in that process,” she said. “When businesses succeed, communities succeed, and leadership development plays a critical role in both.”
EICC Expands Safety Training to Meet Industry Demand
EICC is expanding its safety training portfolio with a clear focus, to meet industry where it is and deliver the training employers need right now.
“We’re not just bringing safety training back. We’re growing it,” said EICC Safety Program Manager Daisy Torres-Trantow. “We’re building on what works, expanding access, and responding directly to what our industry partners are requesting.”
Workplace safety is more than a requirement. It is a strategic priority. In 2023, 5,283 workers in the United States died from job-related injuries, an average of 14 to 15 deaths each day, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data underscores ongoing risks across industries and the critical importance of hazard recognition and regulatory compliance.
One of EICC’s most in-demand o erings, Forklift Train the Trainer, is now available on all three campuses: Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott. Expanding locations gives employers greater flexibility and access.
“Forklift is our bread and butter,” TorresTrantow said. “If a company only has one or two employees who need training, they can join an open enrollment session instead of waiting for a full contract class.”
Federal safety training continues to see strong growth. EICC recently delivered OSHA 30 at the Scott campus and OSHA 10 in Muscatine, with OSHA 10 scheduled next in Clinton. Participants range from safety managers and HR professionals to frontline employees building their credentials.
Structured safety training plays a measurable role in reducing incidents and strengthening workplace culture. Nationwide, OSHA has trained millions of workers, reinforcing the value of formal, consistent instruction in reducing hazards on the job.
EICC is also expanding mine safety training through the Iowa Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Statewide Grant Training Program funded by the federal MSHA. As the managing organization for the Iowa Department of Labor MSHA Grant Program, EICC connects employers to Mine Safety, New Miner, and annual Refresher training. Courses are delivered onsite, virtually, or through open enrollment to meet employer needs.
The team is exploring flexible scheduling models to make participation more manageable for working professionals.
“If we can o er OSHA 30 over two weeks instead of one, that helps people who cannot step away from their facility for five consecutive days,” Torres-Trantow said.
Additional high-impact courses are in development, including confined space training, respirator fit testing, and HAZWOPER. Preparation is underway to ensure updated content and strong instructional support.
At EICC, we know one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we o er a wide range of training solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization. Whether you’re looking to enhance employee skills or get the most value from your training investment, we’ve got you covered. Many of our public courses have been shaped by the needs of businesses like yours. Contact us today to learn how we can support your team’s growth.
Setting up customized training is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. We’ll start with a conversation to understand your organization’s needs.
2. Next, we’ll create a training plan that outlines goals, course content, hours, and a timeline.
3. Finally, we’ll deliver the training at one of our campuses or a location that works best for you. Give us a call to learn how we can
“With something like HAZWOPER, which runs 40 hours, we want to deliver the highest quality experience possible,” she said.
Employers are also navigating frequent regulatory updates. OSHA standards are revised regularly, and staying current is essential for compliance and employee protection.
“Trying to manage day-to-day safety while keeping up with regulatory changes can be challenging,” Torres-Trantow said.
To help bridge that gap, EICC is developing OSHA standards update sessions designed to break down key changes and provide practical guidance.
This fall, EICC will host a new one-day Safety Conference to showcase instructor expertise, share timely updates, and strengthen the regional safety network.
“The biggest thing is showing that our safety program is growing,” Torres-Trantow said. “We want businesses to know we are here, we are investing in this space, and we are ready to support them with high-quality training solutions.”
That momentum extends beyond traditional safety training. In response to industry demand, EICC has launched a water treatment contract training cohort with Iowa American Water and is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to formalize curriculum for future open enrollment o erings.
“If there is a need, we will figure it out,” Torres-Trantow said. “We have the right people and the right partnerships to build it.”
As safety standards evolve, EICC continues to position itself as a proactive, accessible partner for business and industry.
“Safety is not optional, and it is not static,” Torres-Trantow said. “If the standards are changing and the risks are changing, then training has to change too. We are committed to staying ahead of that for our employers.”
Tell us a little about yourself?
Your Partner in Workforce Training:
NICK BITTING, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PROGRAM MANAGER
I was born and raised in the Quad Cities and graduated from St. Ambrose University in 2007. After graduating, I worked in the manufacturing sector at Schebler and Arconic for a decade. Most recently, I spent four and half years working at St. Ambrose University in the higher education space. I currently live in Rock Island with my wife and two daughters and coach basketball in my spare time.
Could you describe your role and how you help businesses?
My goal is to help businesses meet their training needs by aligning those needs with high-quality customized trainings.
What’s a key lesson you’ve learned through your work?
It may sound cliche, but e ective and honest communication is still the key to any successful business relationship. It is also the key to any successful completion of a project. No matter
Designing Training That Works: EICC Welcomes New Director of Corporate Training
Marshal Conley believes learning should stick. It’s a philosophy that has guided his 20+ year career in education and workforce development
what career path I have been on, that has been true and remains true in my role at EICC.
What’s one message you would share with businesses?
In the current environment with constrained budgets, resources, and timelines, the team here at EICC can help you get the most out of your current team, upscale your workforce, and meet your goals.
What excites you the most about the field of advanced manufacturing?
The advances the field has seen with the growth of AI, robotics, lean manufacturing principles, blockchain, and technology such as 3D printing o er a world of growth potential for businesses and their workforce. Not every generation gets to be a part of an industrial revolution, but we are in the midst of one right now with 4.0. It not only gives all of us an opportunity to learn new skills, but also be a part of history.
FAME Comes to Eastern Iowa
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, in partnership with regional manufacturers and Grow Quad Cities, has launched the Riverbend chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) — the first FAME chapter in Iowa. This nationally recognized, employer-driven model strengthens the manufacturing talent pipeline through a proven earn-and-learn approach. Students work three days a week with sponsoring employers and spend two days in the classroom at EICC’s Blong Technology Center, earning a wage while completing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology.
The Riverbend FAME chapter was developed in collaboration with area employers to address the region’s growing demand for skilled maintenance technicians. Employer partners help shape the curriculum, mentor students, and provide paid, hands-on experience aligned with real workforce needs. As the program prepares to launch in fall 2026, EICC welcomes additional manufacturers interested in investing in the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent.
⊳ Learn more at eicc.edu/fame
— and one he now brings to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges as our new Director of Corporate Training.
Conley joins EICC from the American Institutes for Research, where he supported large-scale initiatives focused on digital learning, professional development, and cross-sector collaboration. Over the years, he has led business development and implementation for large-scale multi-year projects, built strong partnership networks, and implemented practical learning solutions across nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors.
A PMP-certified leader, Conley specializes in designing training systems that solve realworld challenges, from online and AI-supported environments to communities of practice and product R&D. He is currently finishing his doctorate in Learning Design with a specialization in emerging technology, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where his dissertation focuses on adult learner engagement in virtual environments and simulations.
“My work has always centered on helping people learn in ways that truly stick, whether that’s through engaging online experiences,
building strong peer learning communities and networks, or hands-on collaboration,” Conley said. “I’m excited to bring that same learnerfirst mindset to workforce development here in Eastern Iowa and support the businesses and communities we serve.”
In his new role, Conley will focus on expanding partnerships with regional employers, aligning programs with workforce demand, and developing customized training solutions that respond quickly to industry needs.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with local employers to design training solutions that fit their real needs,” he said. “When we build strong partnerships and create learning experiences that make a di erence for employees, businesses grow and our communities grow with them.”
Outside of work, Conley volunteers as a youth sports coach and enjoys cooking, mountain biking, fishing, and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes - staying active and connected to the community he serves.
