Without a skilled and talented workforce, not even the perfect building or most enticing incentives will induce a company to locate in a community. That’s what makes Northeastern Technical College so invaluable in business recruitment.
“Our regional community and technical colleges give us a competitive advantage as we meet and talk with advisors and corporations that are making decisions about where to expand, consolidate or relocate their companies,” said Ronnie Bryant, president and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership (Charlotte USA). “When we explain how colleges like NETC not only offer workplace-related courses but will customize programs for individual companies within our 16 counties, these decision makers are very, very interested.”
There are 10 community and technical colleges in the 16-counties that define the Charlotte USA footprint. Each is so valuable to the communities it serves that the Charlotte Regional Partnership couldn’t choose just one to receive its annual award for significant, ongoing contributions to economic development within the Charlotte region.
So, on May 25, the Partnership honored all 10, including NETC, with its public-sector Jerry Award.
“We are very proud of Northeastern Technical College in receiving this award and especially proud of the workforce training it provides for our new and existing industries,” said Lenora Powe, vice chairperson of the Chesterfield County Council.
The other nine are Catawba Valley Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, Cleveland Community College, Gaston College, Mitchell Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, South Piedmont Community College, Stanly Community College and York Technical College.
“Northeastern Technical College is a great economic development asset to Chesterfield County’s efforts to bring new industry and business to the area,” said Brenda Workman, executive director of the Chesterfield County Economic Development Board (CCEDB). “Receiving the Jerry Award verifies this value and gives the college and the county new opportunity to promote our advantages.”
Representatives from Northeastern Technical College and the CCEDB traveled to Charlotte to receive the award during the Partnership’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the Charlotte Convention Center.
“We are honored to receive this award from the Partnership and look forward to serving the economic development needs of Chesterfield County as we move ahead,” said Dr. Ron Bartley, president of NETC. “We have a strong partnership with the CCEDB and we will continue to develop the training programs necessary to bring new businesses and industries to Chesterfield County.”