A dollar can go a long way when a community invests it in the development of a skilled workforce.
For example, a state grant of $1 million secured by Laredo Community College to provide specialized training at the new Convergys-Laredo facility is expected to have a long-lasting, positive impact on the local economy, said Blas Castañeda, LCC’s chief development officer.
“The $1 million Skills Development Fund grant utilized to train the Convergys workforce can have a multiplying effect that can generate additional revenue for the community through an increase in funds from property and sales taxes, among other sources,” Castañeda said.
It’s a major reason why Castañeda was among a Laredo delegation that attended the 9th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston last month. Also joining Castaneda from LCC was Steve Mon Dragon, director of continuing education.
Dubbed “Dynamic Workforce = Dynamic Solutions,” the conference featured workshops and opportunities to learn about best practices that support economic development, workforce development, job creation and much more.
“Laredo Community College has become a major player in providing quality workforce development and workforce education programs that support the community’s efforts to bring and retain major industries to Laredo and create a trained workforce for high-wage, high-skilled jobs,” Castañeda said.
“The opportunity to attend the TWC conference and learn more about innovative and cost-effective training programs helps the college in its grant writing efforts to bring additional dollars for workforce training,” Castañeda added.
Laredo Community College administrators met with leaders from the Texas Workforce Commission during a state conference held in Houston last month. They are, from left, Luis Macias from TWC, LCC Chief Development Officer Blas Castañeda, TWC Commissioner Diane Rath, TWC Executive Director Larry Temple and LCC Continuing Education Director Steve Mon Dragon.
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