NTC President Dr. Jeannie Worden and WTCS Board Vice President S. Mark Tyler presented the award to Tom Felch, CEO of J & D Tube Benders at the September 10, 2024 WTCS State Board Meeting. Felch was joined by his family and fellow board members, Janet Felch, Jon Felch and Lisa Felch in accepting the award.

"I am pleased to honor J&D Tube Benders, Inc. with the Futuremaker Partner award," said S. Mark Tyler, WTCS Board president "This award highlights the company's commitment to collaboration and community support. Working closely with educational institutions is crucial for workforce development, and by doing so with Northcentral Technical College, J&D Tube Benders is contributing to the growth and success of students and the local community."

As a third generation full custom hydraulic tube manufacturer, J & D Tube Benders excels in the industries it supports and in serving the community. The company is a strong advocate of NTC that recognizes and promotes technical education through numerous collaborative efforts with the College. CEO Tom Felch is an NTC alumni who serves on NTC’s District Board of Trustees. Vice President Janet Felch advocates for NTC’s students as a member and former President of the NTC Foundation Board. The company regularly works closely with the College on the hiring of NTC graduates and youth apprentices and the continuing education of their incumbent workers through NTC’s Workforce Training and Professional Development team. Their collaboration with NTC is further exemplified in their commitment to creating educational pathways for students and advocating for manufacturing careers and through their financial support of NTC and its students through four established scholarships and numerous capital campaign donations.

“It is difficult to summarize the full impact of J & D’s partnership with NTC,” said Jeannie Worden, NTC President. “J & D Tube Benders and the Felch family are truly some of the most giving people I’ve had the privilege of working with. They give financially, but also give of their time advocating for NTC, students and manufacturing industry.”