Northeastern REMC has been investing in local youth since the co-op was created more than 84 years ago. One of the ways Northeastern has been helping local teenagers is helping them get started in the workforce by working with local high school guidance counselors to hire students during their junior and senior years of high school Currently, NREMC has twenty employees who are now employed full-time who started their careers during high school. One of these hires even dates back to 1977. 

There are two high school students from Columbia City High School that are on staff and work with the mechanic right now. This includes Brooks Longenbaugh and Zacharey Heck. Both are on the varsity football team and Brooks was recently named Homecoming King. 

When Zach was asked about what he likes most about working at NREMC, he said, “I really like the hands-on aspect. I like being able to work with my hands and do things that help people out. I also like that I have the opportunity to advance in the company and potentially make a career out of it.”

A complete list of current employees who began their careers in high school can be found below.

Aaron Wilcoxson
Brad Zumbrun
Brett Clark
Brooks Longenbaugh
Chad Jones
CL Boggs
Diane Johnson
Jared Boggs
Joshua Traxler
Justin Alexander
Keith Sievers
Kraig Davisson
Nathan Buckles
Randy Brommer
Steve Elkins
Steve Sturgeon
Todd Myers
Trevor Fries
Tyler Coffelt
Zacharey Heck