BVU, Meridian Form Strategic Partnership

Buena Vista University and Meridian Manufacturing Inc. have joined forces as Strategic Partners to strengthen the communities and the people they serve.

The partnership allows for employees of Meridian Manufacturing Inc., as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost of education while enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost per credit hour for students enrolled in BVU’s online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program.

“This Strategic Partnership with Buena Vista University is a great opportunity and an added benefit for our employees and their families to receive a local education,” says Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Human Resources Manager Bob Babe.

Since its inception as a three-person disc harrow manufacturing plant in Canada in 1947, Meridian Manufacturing Inc. has grown to become an industry-leading manufacturer of bins, seed handling, and delivery equipment, and storage tanks for the agriculture; commercial and industrial; and oil, gas, and mining markets. The company boasts seven locations in Canada and one in Storm Lake, which employs more than 130 workers, and is focused on innovation and quality and assisting customers in finding the right solution for their needs.

“When you enter higher education, the training wheels come off. In knowing this, I chose BVU because of the smaller class sizes and the ability to have time with my professors during and after class,” says Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Inside Sales/Parts Manager Cody Van Schepen, who received his bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in communications and economics in 2005. “At larger schools, you can quickly get lost in the crowd. I knew that would not happen at BVU. Campus life quickly became my home away from home, and all the puzzle pieces fell into place. While attending school, I made good friends, found a job, and eventually met my wife and current employer all because of my decision to join Buena Vista University. There is not a day that goes by when I am not using the education I received. I am thankful for my experiences at BVU as I was able to hone my abilities and strengths further before entering the workforce.”

“Buena Vista University is excited to offer educational benefits to Meridian Manufacturing Inc. employees and their family members through our Strategic Partnerships initiative,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “Together, we can strengthen the workforce and build a better future for our communities and the greater region.”

For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.

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