Governor Corbett Visits ASI

On Friday, May 31, 2013, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett visited ASI Technologies. The reason for his visit was to announce that the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) recently reached the milestone of training a million employees. ASI is a recent recipient of funds through WEDnetPA, and has utilized the program to educate at least 10 assembly workers and line leaders.

ASI CEO Barney Berlinger and President John Cross give Governor Corbett a tour of the factory.

In his visit, Gov. Corbett received a tour of the factory, met with Lansdale Catholic's ASI-sponsored robotics team, and gave a speech in front of news cameras from Channels 3 and 6. "I want to show the people at home what manufacturing looks like in the 21st century," Corbett said, also describing the WEDnetPA program as a "fantastic use of taxpayer dollars."

The WEDnetPA program, created in 1999, provides workers already on the job with basic skills and information technology training, and works through a network of 30 diverse partners including state universities, community colleges, and other educational partners throughout the state.

The Lansdale Catholic Robotics team demonstrates their robot for the Governor.

Also in attendance were Montgomery County Community College president Karen Stout, who also utilizes the WEDnetPA program, and staff members from WEDnetPA, including director Thomas Venditti, who spoke about the program, stating that last year WEDnetPA worked with 750 companies to help train 40,000 employees.

Governor Corbett observes ASI employees at work on the production line.

The event was covered by reporters from Channel 3 Eyewitness News (watch here), 6 ABC, and The Reporter, and representatives from Commonwealth Media Services.