Business

BRCC, school system recognized as jobs recruiting 'Partners of the Year'

By Bill Moss, Published: October 26, 2018

The Partnership for Economic Development on Thursday night recognized Blue Ridge Community College and Henderson County Public Schools as the 2017-18 Partners of The Year for their innovative collaboration to support workforce development.

The theme of the annual recognition night was a Mountain Made Product Showcase of the 130+ manufacturers that make up over 15 percent of the workforce in Henderson County. Through the scenes, networking and a scavenger hunt that sent participants searching for specific items, attendees were able to learn about many products they may not have known were made right here at home.

The event also celebrated $42,257,000 in new taxable investment, 101 newly created jobs at an average salary of $51,291 the Partnership helped to celebrate in 2017-18.

As they made their way through the conference hall at Blue Ridge Community College attendees discovered scenes depicting a home, a campsite, a roadway and a medical room. From cables used in heart monitors to automotive components, each scene was bursting with products manufactured in Henderson County. The event was a celebration of more than just a successful year of Economic Development; it was also a celebration of everyone who works to protect and build Henderson County’s local economy.

The Partnership was able to present the annual event at no cost to members and manufacturers thanks to generous support of its Patron Members. Patron sponsors were Blue Ridge Community College, Carolina Specialties Construction, Continental Automotive Systems, Cooper Construction Co., Current, Powered by GE, Duke Energy, Ferncliff Park, First Bank, First Citizens Bank, Friday Staffing, Lassonde Pappas, Morrow Insurance Agency, Morris Broadband, Pardee Hospital, PSNC Energy, SMARTRAC Technology Group Fletcher, UPM Raflatac and The Van Winkle Law Firm.