Wisconsin Lawmaker Steps “On the Job” with Local Workers

Getting a Firsthand Look at Local Work

For Wisconsin State Senator Patrick Testin, representing the state’s 24th Senate District isn’t just about legislative hearings and votes at the Capitol—it’s also about stepping directly into the workplaces that help power the region’s economy.

Through his ongoing “On the Job” series, Testin regularly spends time working alongside employees at local businesses to better understand their daily responsibilities and the challenges they face. His latest stop brought him to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point, where he traded the Senate floor for a day of hospitality work.

During his visit, Testin rolled up his sleeves and joined staff members in several roles across the hotel’s operations.

A Day in Hospitality

While at the Holiday Inn, Testin helped clean guest rooms, gaining firsthand experience with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a busy hotel running smoothly. He also stepped into the convention center, where he assisted staff by serving food and bussing tables for guests attending a meeting of the Wisconsin Towns Association.

The visit provided a snapshot of the teamwork required to operate a large hospitality venue, particularly one that regularly hosts conferences, meetings, and community events.

The Stevens Point Holiday Inn’s convention center often serves as a hub for regional gatherings, and during Testin’s visit, it was hosting members of the Wisconsin Towns Association for a district meeting—giving the senator an opportunity to interact with local leaders while working alongside hotel staff.

A Continuing Community Tradition

Testin’s “On the Job” series has become a recurring way for the senator to highlight local employers and the opportunities they provide across central Wisconsin.

Since his election to the State Senate, Testin has made a point of spending time working in different industries throughout the district. The initiative allows him to observe operations up close while also showcasing businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Over the years, his visits have taken him to a wide range of workplaces. He has joined medical teams at Aspirus MedEvac and Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, spent time learning about agricultural operations at Northern Family Farms in Merrillan, and stepped into the broadcasting world during a visit to WFHR radio in Wisconsin Rapids.

At WFHR, Testin experienced several aspects of radio production, including performing duties as an office manager, cutting voice promos that aired between songs, recording live segments, producing podcasts, and conducting an interview with Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher at the Kraft Mill demolition site.

Other stops in the series have included visits with companies such as LYCON Inc., giving Testin insight into the diverse industries operating across the region.

Connecting Policy with Real-World Experience

By stepping into these roles—even briefly—Testin says the goal is to better understand the day-to-day realities faced by workers and employers throughout the district.

The program also offers a chance to spotlight the wide range of careers available locally, from healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing, broadcasting, and hospitality.

During his time at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point, Testin’s staff captured video footage of the experience, which will be compiled and shared once the final video is completed. In the meantime, photos from the visit are available on the senator’s Facebook page.

Looking Ahead to Future Visits

Testin plans to continue the “On the Job” series, using it as an ongoing way to engage with businesses throughout the 24th Senate District.

He is encouraging local employers who may be interested in participating to reach out to his office about being featured in a future segment.

For the senator, the concept is simple: spending time on the job provides valuable perspective that can’t always be gained from behind a desk.

And sometimes, understanding a community’s workforce starts with bussing a few tables and making a few beds.