Bar-S Foods has been named the 2025 Southwest Technology Center (SWTC) Partner in Progress, a prestigious honor recognizing their outstanding commitment to workforce development and career and technology education. The award was presented at a special ceremony on Monday, April 7, in Oklahoma City.
Travis Billbrey, Plant Manager at Bar-S, accepted the award on behalf of the company. He was joined by several representatives from Southwest Tech and statewide CareerTech leadership for the occasion.
“Bar-S is an invaluable partner in advancing career training and job placement opportunities for our students,” said Dale Latham, SWTC Superintendent and CEO. “Their commitment to training and retaining a local, skilled workforce makes them a model for industry partnerships across Oklahoma.”
Bar-S has consistently worked alongside Southwest Tech to provide customized training, support workforce initiatives, and collaborate on program improvements to meet local industry needs. Their partnership has helped enhance employability for students and supported economic growth in the region.
Photographed at the event are Brent Haken, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education State Director; Ericka Wiginton, SWTC Chief Operations Officer; Travis Billbrey, Plant Manager at Bar-S; Jason Carter, SWTC Outreach Coordinator; Tim Rabalais, SWTC Business Development Coordinator; Kerry Evans, SWTC Business Development Director; Dale Latham, SWTC Superintendent/CEO; and Sky McNeil, OKACTE Executive Director.
Each year, CareerTech technology centers across Oklahoma select one outstanding business or industry partner to receive the Partner in Progress Award. Recipients are recognized for their invaluable contributions to technical education and workforce development.