By Anita Reding

December 16, 2006...Information about the strengths and weaknesses of the area’s workforce will be used by Southeast Arkansas College officials as they prepare a proposal for economic incentive funding to revitalize its industrial and manufacturing technology program.

On Friday, SEARK invited representatives from area businesses to a luncheon and they were asked to provide specific answers to a series of questions presented by representatives of the college.

The answers will help SEARK understand “how to prepare our students to best meet your needs,” Dr. Phil E. Shirley, president of SEARK, told the group.

Workforce development is a major focus for the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, and Lou Ann Nisbett, president and chief executive officer.

“We want this program to be a part” of that effort, said Ron Boren, industry training specialist at SEARK.

The information presented during the program Friday will be “critical to the economic development of the area,” said Jim Bacon, consultant with The Alliance and one of the participants.

SEARK officials will use the information provided by area businesses as they prepare a proposal for $300,000 in economic incentive funding available through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

The deadline for the proposal is Jan. 15 and Boren explained that if the proposal is approved, funds will be released in July and new classes could begin within the year.

SEARK officials will now review its current industrial and manufacturing technology program and determine if it needs to be redesigned in order to meet local needs.  “We are responding to what they say is necessary,” Boren explained.

During the meeting, participants were asked specific questions about pre-employment testing and job skill for employees, equipment used at the facility and partnership opportunities.

Following the program, Dr. Shirley said he was “tremendously impressed with the turnout” and the answers, which will allow the college to “see inside their world and respond positively.”