Coldwater, Mich. (19 May 2023) - The City of Coldwater and the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) are proud to welcome five new summer interns. Audree Steel is serving as the Summer Marketing Assistant, Breyton Franklin as the GIS Intern, Elijah Quinn as the Informational Technology Intern, Frank Monnig as the Engineering Intern, and Haylee Richards as the Economic Development Intern. Learn more about each intern below:
Audree Steel | Summer Marketing Assistant
Audree Steel is a student at Grand Valley State University, studying to receive a bachelor’s degree in Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. Born and raised in Coldwater, Audree spent much of her time attending various downtown events, helping with set up, tear down, and anything in between. This background has given her a passion for being hands-on and involved in the community. Audree is eager to dive in and help serve her community.
During her first week on the job, Audree's favorite thing she has done is assist in creating social media posts and gaining insight into what goes on behind the scenes when managing various social media accounts. When asked what she is most looking forward to, Audree shared, “I am looking forward to learning as much as I can and getting more involved in the community!”
Breyton Franklin | GIS Intern
Breyton Franklin is a senior at Trine University, studying to receive his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. Breyton has gained experience in his field working on many different projects and activities, such as attending the IEEE Sponsored Coding Competition, where he placed third in his competition, and designing an NFL player stat tracker database. Additionally, he has become very well-versed in a variety of coding languages and systems, such as Python, C++, and computer architecture. These experiences have prepared Breyton to jump in and gain even more experience during his internship this summer.
So far on the job, Breyton has enjoyed the opportunity to tour Coldwater’s various electrical facilities that maintain the power grid. Breyton also explained that over the course of the summer, he is looking forward to seeing how his major, Computer Engineering, applies in the real world and how he can use that to benefit the company.
Elijah Quinn | Informational Technology Intern
Elijah Quinn is entering his sophomore year at Michigan Technological University, where he is studying to receive a bachelor’s degree in Computer Network and System Administration. Elijah is a returning intern at the CBPU, where he has continued to show success in assisting with help desk tickets, repairing devices, setting up new workstations, and more. He provides support to all the different sectors of our organization. While at school, Elijah worked as a Service Management IT member assisting in walk-up support, remote technical support, and troubleshooting.
During his first week on the job, Elijah’s favorite thing he’s worked on was setting up the desks for the other interns who would soon be starting. During his internship this summer, Elijah is most looking forward to working on the network redesign. This goes directly along with what he is going to school for, and he is excited to use his knowledge to assist in this project.
Frank Monnig | Electrical Engineering Intern
Frank Monnig is entering his junior year at Trine University, where he is studying to get his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. While attending Trine, he works for The Mill, where he specializes in electrical equipment. There, he has learned how to use several different types of equipment ranging from sewing machines to 3D printers that assist him in working on assigned engineering projects. This experience has prepared Frank to put his skills to the test in his new position with the CBPU.
Frank shared that during his first week on the job, his favorite experience has been “Working with meters to find the proper specs for a generator.” Frank also shared that as he continues progressing in this job through the summer, he is most looking forward to learning more about the Power Grid and experiencing the “real-world” application of everything he has been studying while obtaining his degree.
Haylee Richards | Economic Development Intern
Haylee Richards is a senior at Trine University studying to receive her bachelor's degree in English and Communications. At Trine, she is the Editor in Chief for their Humanities and Communication team, where she planned and organized community and university events, wrote articles for press releases and newsletters, as well as created social media graphics for some of their social media pages. After Haylee graduates, she is hoping to take her skills and experience and get involved working with non-profit organizations.
During Haylee’s first week on the job, she has spent her time becoming acclimated with various documents and plans that she will be working with. She has also been taking the time to familiarize herself with the guidelines for a future project that she will be working on. When asked about her first week, Haylee states, “I am very much in the research phase as I have only been here a few days, so I am looking forward to diving into future projects, as well as continuing the learning process.”
Join us as the City of Coldwater and the CBPU welcome these interns to their team. If you have any questions, please call the City of Coldwater at (517) 279 – 9501.
About the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU): As a municipally owned utility provider in the City of Coldwater, Michigan, the CBPU is proud to offer electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunication services. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable utility products and services.
About the City of Coldwater: The City of Coldwater is a town in southern Michigan. Established in 1861, the City is a thriving community centrally located between Detroit, Toledo, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Kalamazoo. Known for its historic charm and up-and-coming atmosphere, the City annually hosts events such as Strawberry Fest, Apple Fest, Winter Fest, and Hops on Monroe. The City of Coldwater is one of the fastest-growing communities in the State of Michigan.
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