LEDC gives KC $200,000 for Longview Campus

Longview Economic Development Corporation will give Kilgore College $200,000 to construct a new industrial maintenance training facility for their Longview Campus.

"The Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) board of directors approved the grant at their August board meeting today," Richard Andrews, president, announced Wednesday afternoon.

"One of the LEDCO major initiatives is workforce development and this grant supports that initiative. LEDCO, along with our industrial community and Kilgore College, have been working together for a number of months to obtain donations of equipment valued at $1.2 million to make this program happen in Longview and Kilgore College has purchased a building for the classroom and begun renovations. This grant from LEDCO will enable Kilgore College to construct a 4,000-square-foot facility for training."

"This grant supports Mayor Jay Dean's Task Force on Workforce Readiness," said Andrews. Dean appointed a task force in January to lead efforts to form career academy courses in area high schools. Ten superintendents, twelve business executives, two college presidents, and Dean form the Task Force with LEDCO providing the staff and financial resources. They recently announced eight new courses that will be taught at five high schools in the region to help students with career technical education courses.

"LEDCO has done a great job of recruiting new investment to Longview. Last year, Longview led the state in job growth. We will continue to provide leadership in workforce development to help our companies find the skilled people they need," said Andrews. "We expect a lot of baby-boomers to retire and there are some very good opportunities for careers in our community."