Durham, NC to Receive First Community Award from Chamber's Institute for a Competitive Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) today announced that the City of Durham, NC, will receive the 2007 Community Competitiveness Award. This, the inaugural presentation of the award, recognizes communities for their collaborative approach to improving economic development by providing a skilled and educated workforce.

"Durham's recognition comes from a strong partnership between the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Durham Technical Community College, the Durham Public School System, and the local business community to support local public education and training," said Arthur Rothkopf, Chamber senior vice president and leader responsible for the Chamber's education and workforce initiative. "In particular, we wanted to highlight the Durham Chamber's creation of a Superintendent's Business Advisory Council, which has been crucial to help to increase communication between leaders in business, education, and public policy.

Durham's commitment to aligning K-12 and postsecondary education through such programs as the Durham Technical College's Middle College High School and the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) is a major step forward in regional educational reform. Additionally, with initiatives ranging from pre-kindergarten to the 50+ worker, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is seen as a leader among employer organizations nationwide in establishing systems that develop a skilled and qualified workforce.

"By working together to provide and train great employees, we build and sustain a healthy economic climate," said Kathy Hoffmeier, vice president of Workforce Development for the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. "We are honored to be recognized for our Workforce Development efforts."

To be considered for the annual Community Competitiveness Award, communities must be able to demonstrate strong evidence of engagement in initiatives that:

• Enhance the community in which employees learn, work, and live
• Build relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Take a proactive role in regional education, workforce, and economic development issues.

ICW's annual Education and Workforce Summit will take place September 24-26 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together more than 400 leaders in business, education, and workforce development to discuss issues vital to America's competitiveness. The award will be presented during the annual ICW Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September, 25th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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