Gov. Kaine Speaks to the importance of New College Institute
December 1, 2009
Gov. Tim Kaine says that efforts by the New College Institute to raise the educational level is critical to the local economy. New College is a member of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.
News Source: Martinsville Bulletin, Dec. 1, 2009, Martinsville, VA
By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer
Efforts of the New College Institute (NCI) to raise the educational level of local residents are critical to revitalizing the area’s economy, Gov. Tim Kaine said Monday.
When companies consider locating in an area, “you have to demonstrate to employers that the work force is highly skilled. Increasingly, this is about educational attainment levels� more than financial incentives, Kaine said during an interview in Martinsville.
Institutions such as NCI in Martinsville and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville are raising the levels of higher education among the work force, he said.
The governor praised NCI and its executive director, Barry Dorsey, for doing “a good job of spinning gold from straw.�
He added that when he considers budget cuts in the coming weeks, he will be “mindful� of their impact on NCI, because its state funds are matched by The Harvest Foundation. Any state cuts result in less Harvest money.
Also, Kaine said he will continue to support NCI after he leaves office.
