I am honored to serve as
your organizations president this year and look forward to meeting many of you
throughout the year.
2013
has special significance for NCATC as this year marks your organization's 25th
year of enhancing economic and workforce development programs and services
across the country through advanced technology solutions. Over the years, NCATC
membership has continued to grow to encompass some of the best and brightest
innovative thinkers throughout higher education.
Some
twenty-five years ago a handful off colleges met in Dallas, TX to assemble a
coalition to function as a network of mutual support to help community and
technical colleges linked to advanced technology centers achieve their full
potential. Today, I am proud to report that NCATC boasts more than 160 full or
associate- member centers and includes a strategic partner alliance of more
than twenty- five of the country’s leading technology-driven enterprises.
As
American industry continues to adjust to its “new normal” NCATC is positioned
to leverage some of the most innovative workforce development programming
through our nation-wide network of advanced technology expertise. NCATC-member institutions continue to gain wide-spread
attention as the solution for skill
enhancement, with our goal to keep the American workforce the most productive,
highest trained, and most highly- educated in the world. This is critical if we
are to maintain our competitive edge in the global economy.
Again
this year, NCATC is well represented with policy-makers at the national level.
As an Affiliated Council of the American Association of Community Colleges,
NCATC holds seats on the Commission on Economic & Workforce Development and
the Commission on Emerging Trends, Research and Technology. Also, NCATC has
direct representation on the Board of Directors of AACC. This gives our
organization a unique advantage and clear insight for programmatic advocacy and
policy alignment which directly benefits all of our members.
NCATC
has continued to enhance the products and services available through our member
services, and I would encourage all members to consider how these member-driven
services can assist you in developing your ATC.
Finally,
I want to extend a personal invitation to each member institution to consider
joining us throughout 2013. I especially want to invite you to your 25th Anniversary
celebration at NCATC’s National Conference, October 9th – 11th
in Panama City, FL. This is sure to be a grand event!
On
behalf of the NCATC Board of Directors and the entire staff, thank you for your
continued support and we look forward to an exciting year.
James Retka
2013 NCATC President
