Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Employees at Highline Corporation in Hurley gather to celebrate winning the 2012 Inspector’s Award recently. Pictured are, from left, first row: Tom Packard, Highline executive director Donna Reinerio, Jim Perry, Susy Lammer, Betty Zanutto, Robert Marschke, Barney Hinch and Patricia Nelson; second row: Linda Barnabo, Christina Schuelk, Josh Cherney and Paul Tuominen.
HURLEY — Highline Corporation won the 2012 Inspector’s Award on Jan. 23 for achieving excellence in wayside maintenance for the Iron, Ashland and Vilas Counties rest areas. The award started in 2008, and has been awarded to Highline Corporation all four times.
“Our employees take great pride in their jobs,” said Donna Reinerio, chief executive officer of Highline Corporation.
“This award is a reflection of this dedication and pride. I am so very proud of all of them. We are honored to be recognized for the quality of work we do.”
Thirty year-round rest areas and 48 seasonal waysides are considered for the award. RFW, the roadside facilities management agent for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, chooses award recipients based on consistency of high standards and continuous positive work attitude.
This is measured throughout the year by inspections performed by crew supervisors and workers.
Highline began in 1966 as Look-Up Workshop in the old Hurley Clinic, Reinerio said. It began with a car wash and furniture refinishing business. In the 1980s, the new building on Wisconsin 77 was built.
Highline provides people with disabilities with work opportunities, pre-employment skills, a day service program, a group home, a supportive home program, community recreation and a community support program. They also work in the schools, offering transitional services to graduating students, Reinerio said.
Highline provides WDOT with many services, including custodial, landscape, facilities maintenance, recycling and water testing.
Wisconsin has had a rest area maintenance program since 1987. “We work with local businesses and businesses from all over the U.S., as well as having our own company, Q Rax, which manufactures high-end pool cues,” Reinerio said.
Recently, Highline purchased a laser engraver for projects with wood, glass and metal. Workers have been cooperating with local veterinarians and a pet crematorium in Wakefield to create pet urns, Reinerio said.
Highline also works with Wisconsin’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to put people into jobs in the community, as well as working at Highline, Reinerio said.
It serves both Michigan and Wisconsin residents, currently with 45 consumers participating in programs, Reinerio said.
