Barbra Romani, Citi Director of Community Relations, and J. David Armstrong Jr., President of Broward College
The Green Workforce Think Tank, a collaborative partnership comprised of Broward College, Broward College Foundation, Citi Foundation, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance), WorkForce One and other local organizations and companies has announced a new Green Workforce Innovation Project for Broward County. The project was announced during a tree planting ceremony at Broward College in downtown Fort Lauderdale on December 11, 2009.
“The purpose of the Think Tank, which is part of The Alliance’s Governor’s Council, is to examine opportunities for workforce development in existing and emerging green sustainable technologies,” said Bob Swindell, interim president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance). “The Think Tank is also working to determine assets in the community and the skills necessary for the development or enhanced training of workers in green collar jobs.”
According to Mason Jackson, president and CEO of WorkForce One and a member of the Think Tank, “The Green Workforce Think Tank is a collaboration of private industry, higher education, the K-12 school district, county and city governments, community based partners and the workforce development board. By coming together to create green jobs, we will increase the conservation and sustainability of Florida’s natural resources,” added Jackson.
In addition to the planting of a native Florida Buttonwood tree, the ceremony included the presentation of a $50,000 grant from Citi Foundation to the Broward College Foundation. Citi’s Barbara Romani, director of community relations, presented the check to J. David Armstrong, Jr., president of Broward College, as she talked about Citi’s commitment to energy saving programs and green jobs growth. “We are very pleased to present this check to Broward College Foundation for the purpose of developing a strategy that will nurture the development and growth of an Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy industry in Broward County.”
“The Citi Foundation funds will be used to hire a project director to conduct a research study that includes a needs assessment and an asset inventory of the local Broward County green industry and workforce. The director will also identify training and collaborative partners for “greening the curriculum” of local educational institutions. Together this will help jump-start and solidify Broward County’s leadership role in green jobs industries now and in the future,” added Armstrong.
About the Broward College Foundation
The mission of the Broward College Foundation is to change lives though education by providing community awareness, advocacy and financial support to Broward College. The Broward College Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships annually to Broward College students and supports academic programs and awards for outstanding faculty. While the State of Florida funds approximately 50 percent of Broward College’s operating budget, the balance must be raised from individuals, corporations and institutions. Led by its Board of Directors, the foundation raises funds, conducts programs and practices stewardship that increases the effectiveness of the college in meeting community, student, faculty and staff needs. For more information or to contribute to the Foundation, please call 954-201-7414 or visit www.broward.edu/foundation.
About Broward College
The mission of Broward College is to achieve student success by developing informed and creative students capable of contributing to a knowledge- and service-based global society. As a public community college accredited to offer associate degrees, selected baccalaureate degrees, and certificate programs, the institution and its District Board of Trustees are committed to fostering a learning-centered community that celebrates diversity and inclusion by empowering and engaging students, faculty, and staff. For more information about Broward College, please visit www.broward.edu.
About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation is committed to the economic empowerment of individuals and families, particularly those in need, in the communities where we work so that they can improve their standard of living. Globally, the Citi Foundation targets its strategic giving on its priority focus areas: Microfinance and Microenterprise, Small and Growing Businesses, Education, and Financial Education and Asset Building. In the United States and Canada, the Citi Foundation also supports Community Development programs. The Citi Foundation works with its partners in Microfinance and Microenterprise, Small and Growing Businesses, and Community Development to support environmental programs and innovations. Additional information can be found at www.citifoundation.com.
About The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance
Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to build a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by The Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; small, minority- and women-owned business assistance; film permitting, government liaison and community resource referrals for film and television; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between educational institutions and the business community. To learn more, call (954) 524-3113 or visit www.browardalliance.org.
About WorkForce One
WorkForce One provides numerous employment-related services to businesses and individuals through three main centers and multiple satellite offices located throughout Broward County. Business services include employee training dollars, recruitment and placement assistance, screening and testing applicants and providing information on various financial incentives. Individual assistance includes access to the largest Internet jobs board, job placement services, career coaching and access to full-service resource centers for employment-related needs. For more information about WorkForce One services, visit www.wf1broward.com.
This report was provided by The Broward Alliance.
The Green Workforce Think Tank 