Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Salem School Board on Sept. 9 recognized Alro Steel for its contributions to career and technical education programs in the city’s schools.
Anthony Barnes, general manager of Alro Steel, and Brandon Schlimm, the company’s superintendent, were congratulated for receiving the Virginia Department of Education’s Region 6 Creating Excellence in Career and Technical Education Award for a Business and Industry Partner.
School officials praised the company for its ongoing support of Salem High School’s welding program. Alro has donated steel materials, served on career and technical education and welding advisory committees, and sponsored student participation in the state SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference.
In addition, the company hosted students at its Charlotte, North Carolina hub for Manufacturing Day, providing what school leaders described as valuable exposure to industry opportunities. Alro also assisted Salem schools in securing $37,000 in grant funding from SparkForce, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation, for summer 2025 manufacturing camps. The grant includes funding for an inclusive camp designed for students with disabilities.
