New Industrial Committee Supports Area Workforce Development

Nash Community College and the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting of the Chamber’s Industrial Committee on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 in the College’s Continuing Education Building.

“The topic today was Workforce Development,” said Wendy Marlowe, NCC Vice President of Continuing Education & Economic/Workforce Development. “This is a unified effort to expand a conversation among local industry leaders and partners positioned to support training and growth efforts among area manufacturers.”

Established in September, and chaired by Bill Henkel of Rocky Mount Electric Motor, the committee focuses on the issues facing manufacturers and industry in the Twin Counties. The group hopes to give voice to the community about local industrial work and how to best support a skilled workforce in order to maintain current and future economic vitality.

“This meeting of the Rocky Mount Industrial committee allowed local business partners to learn about programs and resources available from valued community organizations,” said Alex Barnhill, NCC Dean of Curriculum Career and Technical Education.

Nash Community College understands the importance of workforce development as demonstrated in the recent creation of the new Dean of Curriculum Career and Technical Education position. In this role, Barnhill works to strengthen partnerships, increase awareness of the learning and training opportunities at NCC and helps ensure the college meets the needs of employers ultimately preparing students for success.

In addition to NCC, Nash County Economic Development, Nash County Public Schools, Strategic Twin Counties Education Partnership (STEP), Edgecombe Community College, Scholar Path, Tri County Industries, House of Promise and Peacemakers’ Hometown Hires program were among the presenting organizations at the meeting.