Missouri Caterpillar dealers, Dean Machinery Co. and Fabick Cat, have been awarded the Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education 2010 Certification of Appreciation. Both dealerships, also major rental companies on the RER 100, received their statewide recognition at the 41^st Annual Missouri ACTE Conference this week in Springfield, Mo.

The certificate of appreciation was awarded to the companies for their continued support of career and technical education achieved through their association with Linn State Technical College. LSTC president Dr. Donald Claycomb cited the companies’ efforts and contributions to the Heavy Equipment Technology program, the Medium/Heavy Truck Technology program and the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program.

LSTC began a partnership with Fabick Cat in the mid 1990s to meet the needs of industry and maximize the college’s ability to provide quality education programs. Dean Machinery joined shortly afterwards.

In 2000, Dean and Fabick worked with Caterpillar and LSTC to start a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Option in the Heavy Equipment Technology program, which teaches students to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair Caterpillar machines and engines Dean and Fabick sponsor students, provide internships and hire graduates. Also representatives of both companies serve on the LSTC Advisory Council, meeting with other advisors to discuss industry trends and make recommendations for improvements to meet those needs.